A merchant was 26 a morning stroll by these aside when he saw a man squatting on the beach and filling a cup with sand. The merchant watched the man as he 27 the contents of the cup on a large pile of sand beside him and filled the cup again. He continued to repeat this activity. The merchant was curious and so went up to him and asked him what he was doing.

"I am Bidhata (meaning Fate)," said the man. "I am measuring the food each man is to 28 today." "Can you really do that ?" asked the merchant. "I 29 you to withhold my midday meal today!" "As you wish." replied Bidhata.

The merchant 30 a fish from the fish market across the road, took it home and gave it to his wife. Then he went to his place of work. In the afternoon he came home and sat down to eat. His wife 31 the cooked fish before him. "Fate has it that I won't get my midday meal." 32 the man. "But now who can stop me from eating this delicious fish?" And he 33 out laughing. His wife thought he was laughing at the way the fish had been 34 and she began to scold him. The merchant got angry. He got up and stormed out of the house. It was only when he cooled down that he realised the 35 of what had happened. Fate had succeded in withholding his share of food for that afternoon.