"A Horse and Two Goats" is a short story by Indian author R.K. Narayan, first published in 1970. The story is set in a rural village in India and revolves around the character of Muni, an old and poor goat-herder. Muni's only possession is his two goats, and he struggles to make ends meet. One day, an American tourist arrives in the village and stops to admire Muni's statue of a horse, mistakenly thinking it is an antique. The tourist offers to buy the statue, but Muni does not understand the concept of money and cannot speak English. Misunderstandings and comedic situations arise as the two struggle to communicate and reach a deal. The story explores themes of miscommunication, cultural differences, and the clash between tradition and modernity. Through his masterful use of language and his insight into human nature, Narayan offers a witty and poignant commentary on the complexity of human interactions. The story is widely regarded as a classic of Indian literature and has been adapted into various formats, including a stage play and a radio play.
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