Emperor Akbar had a passion for hunting. So one day he asked Birbal to accompany him to the jungles. After a full day of hunting King Akbar decided to rest in that jungle. Soon he heard two owls hooting loudly. Akbar wanted to know what were they talking about.
“Birbal, what do you think those two owls are saying to each other?” he asked.
Birbal who is always ready with a reasoning, answered, “Huzoor, they are discussing dowry. The owl who happens to be groom’s father wants 40 jungles in which there are no animals. The bride’s father says he can only arrange for 20.”
At that very moment one of the owl’s hooted once more.
“Huzoor,” continued Birbal, “Bride’s father says that if the groom’s side is willing to wait for six more months, he could arrange for another twenty jungles.”
“How?” asked the emperor puzzled.