Once upon a time, in a dense forest, there stood a magnificent jamun tree by the riverbank. The tree was laden with sweet, purple fruits that were the favorite of all the animals. Living atop this tree was a clever monkey named Raktamukha, known for his bright red face and quick wit.
One day, a crocodile named Karalamukha swam up to the tree and called out to the monkey.
Karalamukha: “Hello, dear friend! I have heard much about your wisdom and kindness. May I have some of your delicious jamun fruits?”
Raktamukha: “Why, of course! Please wait a moment.”
The monkey plucked the juiciest fruits and tossed them down to the crocodile. Karalamukha savored the sweet treats and returned the next day for more. Day after day, the crocodile visited, and the two became fast friends.
One day, Karalamukha’s wife tasted the jamun fruits and loved them. She grew curious about the monkey and said to her husband:
Karalamukha’s Wife: “Those fruits are delightful! But I wonder, if the monkey eats these fruits daily, his heart must be even sweeter. Bring me his heart!”
Karalamukha was taken aback.
Karalamukha: “But he is my friend! I cannot harm him.”
Karalamukha’s Wife: “If you do not bring me his heart, I shall not eat or speak to you again!”
Faced with his wife’s demand, Karalamukha reluctantly agreed and devised a plan. He invited Raktamukha to his home across the river.
Karalamukha: “My wife has heard so much about you. She insists on meeting you. Will you come?”
Raktamukha: “I would be honored.”
The monkey hopped carefully onto the crocodile’s back, and together they began their slow journey across the wide river. Halfway through, the crocodile turned to the monkey with a sly grin.
Karalamukha: “Dear friend, I must tell you the truth… my wife wants to eat your heart!”
Raktamukha was startled but quickly thought of a clever plan.
Raktamukha: “Oh, dear friend, I forgot something very important! My heart is still hanging on the jamun tree. I can’t cross the river without it. Please take me back so I can get it!”
The crocodile, believing the monkey, turned back. Upon reaching the tree, Raktamukha swiftly jumped off and climbed to safety.
Raktamukha: “You tried to deceive me, but I outwitted you. A true friend would never harm another.”
The crocodile realized his mistake and swam away, never to trouble the monkey again.
🧠 Moral:
Quick thinking and cleverness can help you escape danger, and true friends never betray you.