The Tale of Heer Ranjha
We have all heard of Romeo and Juliet, but here is an Indian romantic short story about Heer and Ranjha that somewhat resembles the story of Romeo and Juliet.
Just as he was beginning to lose hope on his journey, he came across a small village. Soon, he arrived at a farm and there stood the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He fell completely in love with her the moment he arrived. The woman’s name was Heer. Her father offered Ranjha a job, so he stayed with the family. Heer fell in love with Ranjha while listening to him play the flute. She listened to him play all the time.
They knew Heer’s father would not approve of their relationship, so they kept it a secret. This lasted for a few years. They believed they did not need to tell anyone because they had each other. However, one day, Heer’s uncle discovered their secret relationship and told Heer’s father. This resulted in Ranjha being banished from the village.
Ranjha wandered through several different villages. After what felt like an eternity, he met some priests in one of the villages he visited. He joined these priests in dedicating his life to the Lord. The priests taught him good values.
With his newfound piety, Ranjha returned to Heer’s village. Heer’s parents were impressed with Ranjha’s new self and agreed to their marriage. Heer and Ranjha were the happiest people on earth after hearing this, but it was not to be. Heer’s uncle still did not approve the marriage. He made a plan to stop this marriage and decided to poison Heer’s food. Upon hearing this, Ranjha rushed to save her, but he did not make it in time; she had already succumbed to the poison. Looking at her lifeless body, Ranjha decided there was no way he could live without her. He believed that he had lost the most valuable part of his life. He reached for the poisoned food on the table and ate it with his eyes closed. Heer and Ranjha were both buried in the village where they had perished together.
Once, there was a boy named Ranjha who had three older brothers. He was not liked by his older brothers, who always fought over who would get their land after their father's death. After his father’s death, Ranjha was always left out by his brothers. His brother’s wife refused to make him food and tried to get him to leave the place. Eventually, he left the village in search of a better life.
Ekjot Dhesi