Keep the Water Jars

Two merchants planned to cross the same desert. The younger one hurried ahead, hoping to reach the market first. Suman followed later, packing extra water and listening to experienced travelers.

On the road, the first merchant met strangers with wet clothes and lilies. They promised that ponds lay nearby. “Empty those heavy jars,” they suggested. “Your oxen will walk faster.”

He believed them and poured his water into the sand. But the promised ponds never appeared. His caravan stopped beneath a rocky ridge, tired and thirsty, unable to continue safely.

Days later, the same strangers approached Suman. Again their clothes dripped, and again they spoke of water ahead. Suman thanked them but kept every jar firmly tied to his carts.

His helpers wondered why he ignored such useful advice. Suman asked them to look around. The wind was dry, the sky clear, and not a single rain cloud was visible.

“Wet clothes alone do not prove there is a pond,” he explained. “We will keep our water until we see a safe supply ourselves.” Everyone agreed to continue carefully together.

Near sunset, Suman spotted the stranded caravan beside the ridge. He shared water first, then listened to their story. The younger merchant admitted that he had trusted a promise without checking.

The caravans camped together and rested their oxen. Suman divided the remaining supplies fairly. Before sleeping, they planned the next stretch using the route remembered by their oldest guide.

They reached a real well the following afternoon. Everyone saw the clear water before opening the jars. The younger merchant helped fill them, grateful that Suman’s patience had protected them all.

At the market, both caravans arrived safely. Suman made his trades, and the younger merchant began asking better questions. A slower decision had given their whole journey a stronger foundation.