A long time ago, there lived a wise king named Satyadeva. He was loved by everyone in his kingdom because he treated people with respect and never hurt anyone with his words or actions.

One morning, just as the sun was rising, King Satyadeva stepped out of his room and noticed a beautiful lady walking out of the palace. He had never seen her before and was quite surprised. With gentle curiosity, he walked up to her and bowed politely.

“Excuse me, dear Lady,” he asked softly, “Who are you? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you around the palace.”

The radiant woman looked at the king and said, “I am Lakshmi, the bestower of wealth. I’m leaving your palace.”

The king was sad to hear this. “But why are you leaving?” he asked kindly. “Please stay.”

Goddess Lakshmi shook her head. “It’s time for me to go.” And with that, she walked away.

The king sighed. He didn’t try to stop her. He simply said, “As you wish, Mother Lakshmi.”

Just then, a cheerful young man followed after her. The king stopped him, too. “Who are you?” he asked.

The man smiled and replied, “I am Daan — Charity. Wherever Mother Lakshmi goes, I go too. Without wealth, how will you give to others? So I must leave now.”

The king nodded thoughtfully and let him go as well.

Soon after, another man began to leave. He looked strong and proud. The king asked, “And who are you?”

“I am Yash — Fame,” he said. “Where Charity goes, I go. Since Mother Lakshmi has also left, it is my time to go as well.”

Once again, the king didn’t argue. “As you wish,” he said.

Finally, one more woman appeared. She looked calm, kind, and full of light. As she turned to leave, the king stopped her, folded his hands, and asked, “And who might you be?”

The woman replied gently, “I am Susheela — Good Conduct. I, too, must leave now.”

This time, the king became upset. “No, please don’t leave me,” he said. “I’ve never harmed anyone. I’ve tried to be kind and honest. I value you the most. If you leave me, too, I will have nothing left.”

Hearing the king’s heartfelt plea, Good Conduct smiled and said, “King, because you treasure goodness above all, I will stay.”

And suddenly, something magical happened.

The moment Good Conduct stayed, Goddess Lakshmi returned. Charity returned, and so did Fame.

“Fear not, dear King! This was just a test,” Mother Lakshmi said. “When someone chooses goodness, I always find my way there.”

A scriptural tale, retold by Sri Devi Om.