The Proud Tortoise and the Patient Birds

Once upon a time, in a dense forest, there was a clever crow who lived high up in a large banyan tree. This crow, named Kavi, was known across the forest for his sharp mind and clever tricks. He loved collecting shiny objects—bits of glass, coins, or any treasure that glittered in the sunlight. One day, while flying near the riverbank, Kavi found a beautiful golden ring. It shimmered like the sun and he immediately decided to add it to his collection.

Not far away, a fox named Vira was strolling through the woods, sniffing the air for his next meal. He had an eye for anything valuable, and when he spotted the crow flying by with the golden ring in his beak, his stomach rumbled. “Aha! That ring looks like a great prize,” he thought to himself. “But how do I get it?”

Vira, being a cunning fox, devised a plan. He scampered up to the base of the banyan tree and sat there, pretending to be deep in thought. Kavi noticed him and flew down, curious.

“Why so gloomy, my friend?” Kavi asked, tilting his head in the way only a curious crow can.

Vira smiled slyly. “Oh, I am not gloomy at all, my dear crow. In fact, I’ve been thinking. There’s no creature more beautiful than you in this entire forest. Your feathers are like the midnight sky, so sleek and glossy. If only you could sing, I would crown you the king of all birds.”

Kavi puffed up his chest at the compliment. He was proud of his voice, which he had been practicing every day. “I do sing very beautifully, you know. Perhaps better than any other bird in the forest!” he boasted, trying to hide his smirk.

“Of course!” said Vira, “But I have never heard it myself. If you sing just once for me, I will tell the entire forest that you are indeed the most beautiful and talented bird in the land. Imagine the fame, the glory, the respect you’ll receive from all.”

Kavi’s ego swelled. His pride often led him to make decisions based on flattery, and today was no different. Without thinking, he opened his beak to sing the most melodious tune he could muster. As soon as he did, the golden ring fell from his mouth and clinked to the ground.

Vira, quick as a flash, grabbed the ring and darted into the bushes. “Thank you for the gift, my friend,” he called out mockingly. “It’s truly a treasure. I’ll be sure to tell everyone about your voice too!”

Kavi froze in shock as he realized what had just happened. His pride had cost him the golden ring he’d found. “Wait!” Kavi called, but Vira was already gone, laughing under his breath.

The crow learned a valuable lesson that day: flattery and pride can blind even the wisest creatures, leading them to make foolish decisions. He vowed to be more careful with his pride and never let compliments cloud his judgment again.

And as for Vira, the wily fox, he had successfully outwitted the proud crow, and the golden ring glittered on his paw as a reminder that sometimes, the simplest trick is the most effective.

Moral of the Story: Don’t let flattery or pride cloud your judgment; stay wise, stay cautious.