Chaturashuka The Clever Parrot
Near a village, there was a charming forest. Within it stood a massive banyan tree, adorned with fresh leaves that spread a sweet fragrance. This tree served as a resting place for many creatures. Various birds lived there, singing, playing, and enjoying their lives.
In this tree lived a clever parrot named "Chatur." He wasn’t just beautiful but also highly intelligent. Loved by other birds and villagers alike, Chatur had a special bond with an elderly woman named Kamala, who adored him.
Every morning, Chatur visited Kamala’s house, carrying messages from his friends in the village. The elderly woman blessed him and gave him his favorite fruits.
One day, Kamala gently asked, "Chatur, my dear! You are never sad. What is the secret of your happiness?"
Chatur, smiling, replied, "Mother! Happiness resides in the heart. When I observe nature and spend time with friends, joy replaces sorrow. Keep life simple, and happiness will come naturally."
Kamala felt proud upon hearing his words. Yet, the forest was not always a place of joy. A crisis was approaching.
The forest was peaceful, with birds singing and the wind making the leaves dance. But one day, a hunter entered the village and ventured into the forest. With a cunning glint in his eye, he thought, "This forest is teeming with birds. If I catch them and sell them in the city, I’ll earn a fortune."
He set a trap near the banyan tree, scattering grains to lure the birds. Smirking, he muttered, "These birds are naive. They’ll fall into the trap out of greed."
Chatur observed the hunter's actions from a distance, and a chill of fear ran through him. Quickly, he devised a plan to protect the birds.
He warned them, "Friends! I see a trap set by the hunter. If you go there, you’ll lose your freedom. Please be cautious."
But sometimes, greed clouds judgment. A few birds, tempted by the grains, approached the trap. Chatur desperately called out again, "Friends! Listen to me. Greed leads to misery. If you fall into the trap, you will lose your freedom. Stay away!"
Some birds heeded Chatur's warning, but a few ignored it and fell into the hunter’s trap. The hunter roared with joy, "Ah! This is my victory. These birds will fetch me a handsome price in the city."
Chatur quickly gathered the other birds to formulate a plan. "Friends! Courage is essential in times of crisis. If we work together, we can thwart the hunter’s scheme," he urged.
Chatur swooped and circled around the hunter, distracting him with his swift movements. The hunter, enraged, lunged at him, shouting, "I’ll catch you and make you my prized possession!"
Meanwhile, the other birds pecked at the trap, tearing it apart and freeing their captured friends. Defeated and frustrated, the hunter muttered, "These clever birds have outsmarted me. My plan is ruined!"
With their freedom restored, all the birds gathered around Chatur, expressing their gratitude. Kamala, too, watched from afar, her heart filled with admiration for Chatur’s bravery.
Chatur addressed his friends, "Life is strengthened by cooperation. By helping each other and staying united, we can overcome any challenge. Avoid greed, be brave, and embrace unity for a blissful life."
The birds joyfully proclaimed, "Chatur! You’re not just clever but also our protector. Thanks to you, our lives are safe. Thank you, dear friend!"
Chatur returned to his home in the banyan tree, where Kamala continued to greet him daily with fruits and blessings. In the village, Chatur became a symbol of courage, wisdom, and love.
Moral of the Story:
- Courage is essential in times of crisis.
- Cooperation gives strength.
- Avoiding greed preserves freedom.
- Love and unity create strength and harmony.