The Farmer's Dream

Poru was a farmer. He cultivated the minuscule quantity of land he inherited after his father's death. During family discussions, he once heard that the land he now tilled was part of a very big parcel of land. This land had been partitioned among the shareholders' many number of times after the death of the then present incumbent. So whatever fragmented part remained one of this was now owned by Poru. The land quality and structure had become such that after Poru's passing further partition was almost impossible. Poru could not use a tractor because the land was too small for its use. He used hand tillers. Modern irrigation techniques could also not be adopted due to small size of the land. During harvest season many of Poru's neighbors brought in hired big harvestor combines as there land was big.

In the absence of such modern techniques, the productivity on Poru's land was poor. Whatever produces he made was consumed wholly by his family and there was little or no surplus for sale in the market. As a result, Poru remained an impoverished farmer. Also as he had no surplus he had to borrow money for any religious and social functions. He remained in perennial debt and there was nothing to prevent him from falling into a debt trap. When all seems lost there remains only one hope, that is dreams. Since time memorial humans have taken recourse of dreams as their saviour and resurrector. Generally in such pessimistic circumstances, people tend to drinks and other intoxicants as an escape from reality. But Poru was a mentally strong person a legacy passed on from his parents. So as his situation became bad his intensity of dreaming arose. None could dictate over him in this matter.

Once he had a dream that while tilling his land Poru's tiller had hit something hard. On further scrutiny he found the neck of a little protruding urn hidden away in the soil. Taking out that pot from below he found it to hold coins and medallions from a period long gone by. Years of staying below the earth they were covered with layers of thick mud and grime. Thinking further about the newfound collection Poru awoke and the wonderful dream came to an end. Also, he woke up due to his wife's shouting. She was shouting that it was already so late and the sun was high above in the sky and it was already late to go to the farm.

Poru now remembered that today he had to dig a well at one corner of his field to get some water for irrigating the crop. Hurriedly gulping down some food he went running to the field. Finding a suitable corner he started digging. By almost day end when a dip pit was dug and finding no success to strike water, Poru thought to call it a day. When he hit the ground one last time he heard a metallic sound which alarmed him. True to his dreams he had struck a metallic pot. Poru then bent over to heave out the pot but with his meagre strength, it would not budge. Then he called up his neighbouring farmer friends and with collective effort what came out was a big metallic pot probably of brass containing a lot of mud and coins of ages gone by.

Poru's dreams were taking shape. They took the pot to the flowing canal and did a good washing of its contents. What emerged was a pot full of coins glistening brightly in the falling rays of the setting sun. Poru and his companions were dumbfounded and had no words to utter. Regaining composure they started discussing animatedly on the future course of the newfound asset. Some said that it should be immediately taken to a jeweller to assess its value. Others had varied ideas to share but everyone was fearful what the future may bring. Then one of them suggested that the police should be informed. The next day the police came and took away the booty taking details and declaration from Poru the founder.

Poru was quite disappointed not being able to enjoy the spoils of his discovery. He had dreamt that this would be a life-changing moment for him. But life went on in the same sedate way for Poru as had passed for so many years. No dramatic changes awaited Poru. He was quite disappointed. Then after a few weeks, Poru had visitors to his home. The Govt Archaeological department to whom the newfound asset was bequeathed, had come to Poru with felicitations. They gave him a certificate and a little cash award. The cash award was not having much of cash but an award is an award and Poru took it stoically with a smiling face. There were people from the media and the next day's papers bore photographs of Poru and the reports of his finding the treasure. The papers mentioned that it was a find of immense historical value and only after detailed study the period to which it belonged could be pinpointed. Poru had become an overnight celebrity of sorts, especially in his village. But even then his financial condition did not improve. There was only talk and talk but there was no money.

One night after this find Poru in his sleep was as usual busy with his dreams. He felt very happy and contented. There was no regret for having no change in his lifestyle. He felt very proud that his name and photographs were in the paper. His wife was also happy for that and for the first time was not complaining. Poru felt like a king as a king can only give away wealth. Poru had behaved like a king to donate his wealth no matter the little time he had possession over it.