The Blue Jackal – A Tale of Pride and Deceit
Once upon a time, in a lush green forest, there lived a jackal named Neela. He was clever but often teased by other animals for being small and weak.
“I wish I were special, like the lion or the tiger,” Neela sighed one day, looking at his reflection in a pond.
One night, while sneaking around for food, Neela accidentally fell into a large vat of blue paint. “Oh no!” he yelped. But when he climbed out, he saw himself in the water and gasped, “I’m blue! I’ve never looked so… amazing!”
The next morning, Neela walked proudly into the forest. The other animals stopped and stared. “What is this strange creature?” whispered a deer.
Neela puffed out his chest and said, “I am a special jackal sent by the gods to be your king! Obey me, and you will be safe.”
The animals were impressed and bowed to him. Neela enjoyed the royal treatment, eating the best food and resting in the shade. “Finally, I am important!” he thought, grinning.
But one evening, the sound of other jackals howling broke his pride. Neela could not resist and howled back in his usual voice.
The animals gasped. “It’s just a jackal! He tricked us!” they shouted angrily.
Neela’s blue coat no longer impressed anyone. Ashamed, he ran deep into the forest, never to boast again.
From that day, Neela learned a valuable lesson: pretending to be someone you are not may bring temporary glory, but the truth always comes out.
Moral: Pride and deceit never last; honesty and being true to yourself are the best paths in life.