The story of a horoscope!

Veeramani and Damu, two friends, lived in a village in the kingdom of Silbaripuram. Once, they enrolled to study at the kingdom’s best astrology school.

After spending two years residing and studying at the ashram, they bid farewell to their Guru (teacher) and started walking towards their village via the shortcut through the forest.

"We must somehow manage to become the court astrologers at the palace," said Veeramani, and Damu agreed.

However, at the same time, Damu was thinking differently. He muttered to himself, "The palace does not need two astrology scholars. They will only appoint one person. I must get that job somehow!"

As they were walking, the King, who was passing through the forest for a hunt, came across them. The King dismounted his horse and inquired who they were.

The King immediately said, "I need to know if you have studied astrology well. Damu, you predict my future. And then, Veeramani."

The King kept Veeramani aside. Damu then laid out his Kavadi (cowrie shells used for divination) and was shocked!

It would be trouble if he told the King he had a short lifespan. Let Veeramani speak the truth and receive the punishment. This is my chance to gain the King's favor and enter the palace.

"O King, you have a long life! You will rule in the palace healthily for ninety years!"

The King was delighted. He then called Veeramani. Veeramani said, "O King, you only have a short life remaining."

Immediately, the King was overwhelmed with anger. "You tried to frighten me, the King, who is going on a hunt. I shall now execute the short lifespan prophecy upon you!"

Hearing this, Veeramani was shocked! He immediately employed a trick: "O King, my horoscope is very peculiar. My astrology guru secretly informed me that my death will occur exactly one day before the death of the King of this land."

The King muttered, "His guru is world-renowned. He cannot be wrong. Now, there is only one way. His long life is essential for me."

The King said gently, "What Veeramani predicted is correct. Therefore, I appoint you as the court astrologer from this day forward!"

Veeramani left with the King. Meanwhile, Damu returned home disheartened, cursing his own over-cleverness.

Moral: Abandon schemes intended to gain benefits by cheating a friend, right now.