Pekhom and Moyur
At one corner of Nithurpur, in a small hut, lived two siblings. The sister's name was Pekhom, and the brother's name was Moyur. They had no parents and lived a life of hardship. Every day they went to the forest, cut wood, and sold it in the market. With the little money they earned, they bought food and survived.
But life never remains the same forever. One day, a terrible incident changed their lives. That is the story I am about to tell.
Near their hut lived an old man named Bancharam and his wife. In times of trouble, Bancharam and his wife took care of Pekhom and Moyur like their own children. The siblings lovingly called them Bancha Jethu and Jethima.
One morning, as Pekhom and Moyur were on their way to the forest, they saw Bancharam sitting on his porch with a worried face.
"Why do you look so sad, Jethamashai?" asked Moyur.
"Oh, my child," sighed Bancharam, "I am in great trouble."
"What happened? Tell us," said Pekhom gently.
"You know that every Friday I cut grass in the king's garden. I was supposed to go today. But your Jethima has had a terrible stomach ache since morning. I must take her to the village doctor. If I fail to go to the palace garden, the king will be furious."
Seeing his distress, Pekhom said bravely, "Jethamashai, why don't I go in your place?"
"You? Will you really go?" Bancharam asked in surprise.
"Yes, of course," she smiled.
Bancharam felt relieved. "You have saved me, my child."
But Moyur looked worried. "If I don't go to the forest, my forest friends will miss me."
Pekhom kissed her brother on the forehead and said, "Then you go to the forest. I will go to the palace garden alone."