The high road

By Mukul Sharma

More apocrypha. Apparently, emperor Akbar loved hunting and would often go bag some game. Also, to avoid being recognised, he would doff his regal attire and wear common clothes. One day, he and some courtiers were out hunting and rode so hard that they soon left the others far behind. As evening fell, they found they had lost their way and had no idea how to return to the palace.

They came to a junction of three roads and Akbar was very happy because he knew one of them would lead to Agra —but he had no idea which one. While they were wondering what to do, they saw a young boy coming along one road. He was summoned at once and Akbar asked him, “Hey, young boy, we are lost and don’t know how to get home. Can you tell us which of these roads goes to Agra?”

The boy looked at him expressionless in silence for a while before bursting into laughter — and guffawed and fell to the ground holding his stomach. They looked at him bewildered in surprise for afew moments till one of the courtiers grabbed him by the neck and raised him back to his feet. Slightly miffed, Akbar asked, “Why do you laugh so much, boy? What is it you find so funny in what I ask?”

Wiping away tears, the boy replied, “Because it’s like asking which road goes to God, sir. None of these roads goes to Agra, or anywhere else for that matter.” Puzzled, the king asked, “Then how do people go to Agra from here?” The boy smiled and said, “Now you’re beginning to get it, sir. People go to Agra; roads don’t.” Then he showed him which road to take. Legend has it that’s how Akbar met Birbal.