Birbal’s Secret

One morning, the topic of discussion in the royal court centred on women and loyalty. But Birbal said, “Women cannot keep secrets, Your Majesty!” Akbar asked, “Can you prove it?” Birbal said, “Give me a week, Your Majesty!” Next day, Birbal pretended to be crying in his room. His wife asked, “Why are you crying, dear?” Birbal said, “Promise me you will not tell anyone that I have laid an egg!” In the afternoon, Birbal’s wife told her best friend about the incident and added, “Don’t tell anyone!” However, the friend was not able to control herself. She told another friend, “He laid three eggs!” The number of eggs grew with each person. By the end of the week, everyone in Akbar’s court knew that Birbal had laid hundred eggs. Birbal’s wife apologised to him when she learnt that this was a rumour. Akbar said, “Birbal, you win!”