The NO Day Story
Sultan Khan wanted to become an important courtier in King Akbar’s court. When he heard that the royal treasurer had been dismissed, he decided to use his influence to place his son on the post. But Sultan Khan’s son was a rogue. He was a cheat and a liar and tales of his misdoings were well-known.
From the next day, Sultan Khan started taking his son to the royal court. He was on the lookout to impress King Akbar. He was also very jealous of Birbal. Some days passed. One day Birbal had not arrived in the royal court. Sultan Khan saw a chance to turn the King against him.
He got up and said, “Your Majesty, you can see that Birbal is not present here today. Now he has become careless about administrative matters.”
King Akbar understood that Sultan Khan was trying to turn him against Birbal. He wanted to see what Sultan Khan wanted to do.
So he said, “Yes, Sultan Khan, I agree with you. What must I do to punish Birbal if he comes in late today ?”
Sultan Khan felt glad at the King’s words. He said, “Your Majesty, you must reply in NO for everything that Birbal says.”
King Akbar agreed. When Birbal came in late, the King asked, “Birbal, why are you late today ?”
“My wife is not well, Your Majesty. So I had to fetch the hakim. I got late due to this.”
“No. I don’t believe you,” the King said.
“I am speaking the truth and I ask for your forgiveness,” said Birbal.
“No. You’ll not be forgiven,” the King declared.
“Oh, it seems it’s a NO day for the King today. He is saying NO to everything,” thought Birbal.
Just then Birbal saw Sultan Khan smiling at the King. He understood that he had been tricked. He also knew that Sultan Khan desired to get the post of the royal treasurer for his rogue son.
So, Birbal continued, “Your Majesty, at least let us discuss some administrative problems.”
“No. There’s no need for it,” came the reply.
“Then may I please go home?” Birbal asked.
“No. I will not allow you to go?” the King replied.
Then Birbal said, “Your Majesty, May I request you to appoint Sultan Khan's son as the royal treasurer?”
‘No, Birbal, I will not do it,” King Akbar said.
Then he understood what Sultan Khan had wanted and how Birbal had got rid of the problem. Sultan Khan heard the King’s reply and felt shocked. His plan had ruined.
The NO day had been a real bad day for him.