In a lush jungle, there lived a mischievous monkey named Raja. He spent his days swinging from tree to tree, playing pranks on other animals, and enjoying the bountiful fruits the jungle offered. Raja was clever and quick-witted, always looking for new adventures.

The Monkey and the Crocodile’s Wife
One day, as Raja was leaping through the treetops, he noticed a crocodile named Gaurav resting by the riverbank. Gaurav had been observing Raja’s playful antics for quite some time and had developed a deep desire to taste the sweet fruits that the monkey consumed every day.
Approaching the crocodile, Raja greeted him with a mischievous smile. “Greetings, Gaurav! What brings you to this side of the river?” he asked, already sensing an opportunity for amusement.
Gaurav, with a sly grin, replied, “Dear Raja, your reputation for having the most delicious fruits in the jungle has reached my wife’s ears. She desires a taste of those delectable treats.”
Intrigued by the crocodile’s request, Raja replied, “I would be delighted to share my fruits with your wife. However, the river is deep, and I fear she might not be able to cross it safely.”
Gaurav assured Raja, “Do not worry, Raja. My wife is strong and can easily carry you on her back across the river. You can then share your fruits with her.”
The idea excited Raja, and he eagerly agreed to accompany Gaurav to his wife on the other side of the river. Gaurav, true to his word, carried Raja safely across the water, and they reached the crocodile’s home.
As they arrived, Gaurav’s wife, Chitra, greeted them warmly. Raja shared his delicious fruits with her, and they spent hours feasting and conversing. Chitra was captivated by Raja’s wit and charm, and a strong friendship began to blossom between them.
Days turned into weeks, and Raja became a regular visitor to Gaurav and Chitra’s home. They enjoyed each other’s company and shared stories, laughter, and, of course, the succulent fruits. Raja felt a sense of belonging and happiness he had never experienced before.
However, Chitra’s growing fondness for Raja didn’t go unnoticed by Gaurav. Consumed by jealousy, he hatched a deceitful plan. One day, as Raja prepared to return to his side of the river, Gaurav wore a gloomy expression.
Concerned, Raja asked, “Gaurav, why do you look so troubled? Is something bothering you?”
Gaurav sighed heavily and replied, “Raja, I am afraid I have grave news. A prophecy has revealed that to cure my illness, I must consume a monkey’s heart. It breaks my heart to ask this, but will you please come closer so I may fulfill the prophecy and regain my health?”
Raja, sensing the dishonesty in Gaurav’s words, cautiously replied, “Gaurav, I trust you as a friend, but a monkey’s heart cannot cure your illness. It seems you are driven by envy and seek to harm me.”
Gaurav’s eyes widened in shock, realizing that his treachery had been exposed. He pleaded with Raja for forgiveness, promising to abandon his wicked plan and never betray their friendship again.
Raja, known for his compassionate nature, forgave Gaurav but insisted on maintaining a distance. He realized the importance of discerning true friends from those driven by envy and deceit.
The Panchatantra tale of the monkey and the crocodile’s wife teaches children the significance of trust and the consequences of jealousy. It reminds them to cherish genuine friendships based on honesty, loyalty, and mutual respect, while being cautious of those who seek to harm them.
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