In the city of Amaravati lived a merchant who had three daughters.
The merchant had lost his wife and was not keeping well himself. One day he thought, “I must arrange for the marriage of my daughters. Who knows when I have to depart from this world? Better I marry all my daughters off at the same time and divide my property among them. I can shut down my business and spend the rest of my life camping at some holy places.”
He called his three daughters and told them what was on his mind. “I propose to spend some days at Brindavan once your weddings are over. Thereafter I propose to divide my time, living for a while with each one of you. What do you say?” asked the father.
“Father, what you say is quite sensible, I would like to put you up with me. But, you know very well, that I cannot do as I please in my husband’s house. Much will depend on his attitude,” said the eldest daughter.
“You are right. I was looking at the situation from my point of view. I had not taken into consideration the fact that your husband’s family way not like me to be a burden on it!” the merchant commented thoughtfully.
“Father!” said the second daughter, “Please find a husband for me in this city itself. If I am nearby, I can pay visits to you frequently and look after you, in case my husband’s family would not like you to stay with it.”
“You are quite practical, my child,” said the merchant and he looked at his daughter.
She burst into tears and coming close to her father, said; “Why should you bother about my marriage now? You propose to live in Brindavan for some days, don’t you? Who will look after you there? I must accompany you. Forget about my marriage at this stage.”
The father wiped the tears from his youngest daughter’s eyes. Although he did not say anything, he acted according to his youngest daughter’s suggestion.
He married his two elder daughters off and divided half of his property between them. Then he proceeded to Brindavan with the youngest daughter.
After six months the father and the daughter returned to Amaravati. It so happened that he found a young man who had lost his parents, to marry his youngest daughter. The young man came to live with him and took charge of his business.
Till the merchant’s death, the youngest daughter looked after him with the love of a mother.
