Nestled between the slopes of two towering mountains were two villages known as “Uphill” and “Downhill.” A clear and abundant spring burst forth from the rugged heart of the mountain, gushing joyously from north to south. It flowed through the village of Uphill and then down to Downhill, providing life and vitality to both settlements. The villagers’ faces glowed with the brightness and happiness that the precious water brought.
One day, the wealthy and arrogant lord of Uphill, who had long prided himself on his power and riches, conceived a bold new idea. Surrounded by his attendants and villagers in the grand hall of his estate, he declared, “The spring that feeds this water belongs to our land. Why should we give it away for free to the people of Downhill? From today, we shall stop the water from reaching them.”
A few days passed, and the people of Downhill, hearing of this cruel decision, had no choice but to set off to Uphill with their wise and elderly headman. With pleading eyes and humble voices, they said, “Oh Lord, we are people who rely on this water for our lives. Show mercy and let the water flow to us once more.”
But the lord, with a stern and unyielding gaze, replied, “Either you become my subjects and receive your share, or you will remain without water forever. Remember, Uphill is like the master and Downhill like the servant. These two mountains will never meet. I am the master, and you are the servants!”
The terms were harsh, and the people of Downhill could not accept them. Days turned into nights, and hope dwindled, until the headman, known for his cleverness, had an idea. He gathered the people and said, “Take up your shovels and picks; we shall dig our own wells and build an underground aqueduct.”
With tireless effort and unwavering determination, they dug day and night. Finally, after weeks of hard work, the aqueducts were completed, and water once again flowed to their fields and farms. The sound of water and the joyous laughter of the villagers echoed across Downhill, bringing back life and prosperity.
The news soon reached the lord of Uphill, and seeing his spring dried up, a mix of rage and despair filled his heart. Reluctantly, he journeyed to Downhill and, with humility he had never shown before, said, “You have dried up our spring with your actions. If possible, redirect one of your aqueducts to our village.”
With a knowing smile, the headman replied, “Firstly, water does not flow uphill. And secondly, do you remember when you said that mountains never meet? You were right. Mountains do not meet, but people do.”
