One day King Bhoja was holding court. A scholar from a neighboring country came to see him. The King after a warm welcome asked him the purpose of his visit.
The scholar said, "your Majesty, I am seeking an answer to one question that I have. I have traveled all over the country, been to the courts of many kings but have failed to get a satisfactory answer. I have heard about the scholars in your court. More over you are also a learned man, I have come here with the hope of getting the right answer to my question."
King Bhoja said," Sir please go ahead and ask the Question. The pundits in my court will try their best to provide you with a reply.'
The scholar said, "My question is: What is the sweetest thing on earth?"
All the pundits in the court thought that the answer to the question was very simple.

One said, "Love is the sweetest thing of all."

Another said, "Selfishness and thereby getting all you want is the sweetest thing of all."

Yet another said, "Good sleep is the sweetest of all."

Some one came up with; "Respect is the sweetest thing of all."

The scholar was not satisfied with any of these answers. The King appeared to be a little confused. He looked up expectantly towards Kalidas.

Kalidas taking the hint was up on his feet and said, 'Your Majesty! Need is the sweetest of all. Nothing seems sweet until and unless one needs it. If one is not hungry, one doesn't need food and the food doesn't taste sweet. If you do not want someone near you then his love will no longer be sweet to you. Similarly if you do not need to be selfish, selfishness will not be sweet, and when you wake up after a peaceful sleep even sleeping some more will not be sweet to you. Those who see no difference between respect and insult will not appreciate respect. The people who live in the forest do not find fame to be sweet, because they do not need fame. So need is the sweetest of all. Nothing is sweet until and unless one needs it."

The scholar was happy with the reply and said, "Kalidas, I admire your learning and wisdom. I agree that nothing is sweet until and unless one really needs it. One feels that ones friends and relatives are sweet, as one needs them. Kalidas you are right real need and its fulfillment is the sweetest of all.