Whatever happens...!

Life is full of surprises. It often astonishes us with its highs and lows. However, if we take it in our stride, miracles happen! The only requirement is to put faith and let go. I have experienced it many times in my life! There is a popular story of Akbar & Birbal, which very well describes this eternal truth.

Birbal had a nasty habit. He would often say, "Whatever happens, happens for the best!" Whenever Akbar asked its meaning, Birbal would only smile.

One day Akbar was practicing sword fighting. Accidentally, he got a cut in his arm. He started bleeding profusely. As always, Birbal said, "Whatever happens..." As soon as he uttered these words, Akbar got very angry and ordered to arrest Birbal. To his astonishment, Birbal said again, "Whatever happens...!"

Few days passed and Akbar went for hunting. Birbal was enjoying his stay in the jail. While hunting, Akbar was lost in the jungle. He was alone with no food and water. Suddenly some tribesmen caught him. They were happy to get a royal man for offering to their deity.

Akbar was frightened, but there was no way he could escape. The tribesmen decided to bathe him before being sacrificed. As soon as they removed his clothes, they found a scar in his arm. They immediately released him, because they needed a flawless person for their deity.

A thought suddenly flashed into Akbar's mind, Birbal was correct! If he were not wounded, he would certainly have been killed. He was very happy and decided to honor Birbal upon returning. One question was still haunting him—why did Birbal say the same thing when he himself was arrested!

As soon as Akbar returned, he released Birbal and asked him this question. Birbal (again!) smiled and said, "If I were not imprisoned, I'd be with you and they would certainly have sacrificed me (instead of you)! Whatever happens, happens for the best!"