Death God's Predicament (624 words)

 (I found this funny story in Tamil in my documents. It appears to have been written by me from the style though I am not sure. I have translated it into English and posting with this disclaimer)

Once, DG, the god of death, took a break from collecting souls and paid a visit to Earth. While strolling around, he saw a gorgeous woman and, to his surprise, fell head over heels in love. Though she was a mere mortal, DG was smitten. He thought, “Hey, why not live a little? Let me marry her and have some fun!” So, DG tied the knot with her and soon became a proud father to a handsome son.

Now, his wife was great—kind, caring, and all that—but DG, being the god of death, had other important things to do. Over time, he grew a little bored of domestic life. He missed the good old days of soul collection, and the nagging thought of returning to the heavens started creeping into his mind.

But there was one problem—Yaput, his son! DG just couldn’t bring himself to leave the boy behind. He loved the kid too much. Torn between his fatherly duties and his desire to run away, DG found himself in a dilemma.

One day, when Yaput was old enough, DG sat him down for a heart-to-heart chat. “Son,” DG began, “you must become the greatest doctor in the world. Not just any doctor, but someone who can save even those at death’s door.”

“Really, Dad? That’s amazing! But how?”

DG smirked and whispered, “Here’s the trick. If someone is about to die, I’ll be there. Only you will be able to see me. If you see me, don’t treat that person. Got it? Just walk away. Trust me. If you treat them and they die, you’ll ruin your reputation as a doctor. But if I’m not there, go ahead—give them the medicine. They’ll spring back to life, and everyone will hail you as a miracle worker! Your fame will skyrocket.”

With that, DG, wiping away a tear, hugged his son and made his grand exit—without saying a word to his wife, of course.

The son followed his father’s advice and became a famous doctor. People travelled from far and wide to see him. And the best part? Nobody died under his care! Every time he saw his dad chilling in the corner, he would respectfully bow, say, “Nope, not today,” and walk out. The whole town praised him, saying, “If this doctor leaves without treating, death is the only option left!”

One day, the king’s daughter fell gravely ill. The entire kingdom was in despair as no doctor could cure her. The king, desperate, called for the son. “If you save my daughter,” the king declared, “I’ll give you her hand in marriage and my entire kingdom!”

The doctor confidently strode into the princess’s room, ready to work his magic—but then he froze. Standing right there, next to the princess’s bed, was his dear old dad, DG, waiting to claim another soul.

“Uh oh,” thought the doctor. If he treated her, she would surely die. But if she lived, he’d get to marry the beautiful princess and become the king! It is a tough choice indeed.

Then, inspiration struck! With a twinkle in his eye, the doctor turned towards the door and screamed at the top of his lungs, “MOM! DAD’S IN HERE! YOU’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR HIM EVERYWHERE! HE’S RIGHT HERE!”

Suddenly, DG, the all-powerful god of death, turned pale. “Oh no, not your mother! I can’t deal with her right now!” he muttered. Muttering incomprehensibly DG bolted out of the room faster than lightning.

And just like that, the doctor cured the princess, got the girl, and won the kingdom—all thanks to his resourceful thinking and his poor dad’s fear of an angry wife! Needless to say, he brought his mom to stay with him.