Chepahakhata

In the heart of a land veiled in myth and tradition lived a man named Chepahakhata. His visage was marred by an unkind ugliness, deterring any prospect of companionship. Yet, destiny intervened one day, weaving an unlikely union between Chepahakhata and a woman shrouded in her mystical prowess. She, too, was untouched by conventional beauty, existing as a formidable sorceress seeking a partner. Together, they forged a life, her enchantments conjuring an opulent estate surrounded by lesser dwellings housing their subjects. Elevated to the position of chief in this community, Chepahakhata's fortune seemed boundless. A daughter graced their union, a testament to their shared existence.

However, as years elapsed, Chepahakhata became oblivious to the source of his affluence—the sorceress he wed. His attention waned, neglecting the very foundation of his wealth. The sorceress, noting her husband's disregard, tasked their teenage daughter with summoning her intoxicated father. Despite her efforts, Chepahakhata remained indifferent, lost in inebriation. Disheartened, the daughter warned of their departure, foretelling his return to destitution. Ignoring her, he continued his revelry until sleep enveloped him for an indefinite slumber.

Upon awakening, a harsh reality was unveiled: his opulence had vanished, leaving him to scrape for sustenance. Except for his daughter's empathy, none showed pity. Touched by her plea, the sorceress sent a magical pot, endlessly replenishing cooked rice. Yet, envy stirred elsewhere. A jealous chief schemed to shatter the pot, making Chepahakhata more desolate.

Driven to despondency, he sought solace beneath a towering tree in the forest amidst the chatter of myriad birds. Amidst their discourse, a conversation seized Chepahakhata's attention—a discussion between two birds on the intelligence of the Mizo and the Vai (Plain People). A revelation struck him, a notion of discernment hidden within these exchanges.

Empowered by newfound insights, Chepahakhata discovered an impending contest of wits between the Mizos and the Vai. In a curious twist of fate, the initial challenge mirrored his earlier conversation—the conundrum of indistinguishable women. No Mizo could fathom a solution until Chepahakhata stepped forth. With a resounding slap, the truth emerged as one woman cried out, identifying herself as the daughter, unravelling the enigma.

Subsequent puzzles were posed, including an identical cow and a peculiar basket. Chepahakhata's astute responses unveiled the cow's head and the basket's riddle, winning acclaim from the Mizo. His wife, attuned to the events through her witchcraft, returned with their daughter, restoring Chepahakhata's former opulence and reinstating his affluent life.

In this twist of fate, Chepahakhata's understanding from a casual avian exchange culminated in the redemption of his fortunes, affirming the power of intelligence and astuteness within the Mizo tradition.