Thursday 19 June 2014

Writing a Book

"LET us write a book," they said;
“but what shall it be about ?"
"A fairy story," said the elder sister.
" A book about kings and queens," said the other.
"Oh, no," said the brother, "let's write about animals."
"We will write about them all," they cried together. So they put the paper, and pens, and ink ready. The elder sister took up a fairy story and looked at it, and put it down again.
"I have never known any fairies," she said, "except in books; but, of course, it would not do to put one book inside another anyone could do that."
"I shall not begin to-day," the little one said, “for I must know a few kings and queens before I write about them, or I may say something foolish."
"I shall write about the pig, and the pony, and the white rabbit," said the brother; "but first I must think a bit. It would never do to write a book without thinking."
Then the elder sister took up the fairy story again, to see how many things were left out, for those, she thought, would do to go into her book.
The little one said to herself, "Really, it is no good thinking about kings and queens until I have known some, so I must wait;" and while the brother was considering about the pig, and the pony, and the white rabbit, he fell asleep.
So the book is not written yet, but when it is we shall know a great deal.

The Wooden Doll

THE wooden doll had no peace. My dears, if ever you are a doll, hope to be a rag doll, or a wax doll, or a doll full of sawdust apt to ooze out, or a china doll easy to break anything in the world rather than a good strong wooden doll with a painted head and movable joints, for that is indeed a sad thing to be. Many a time the poor wooden doll wished it were a tin train, or a box of soldiers, or a woolly lamb, or anything on earth rather than what it was. It never had any peace; it was taken up and put down at all manners of odd moments, made to go to bed when the children went to bed, to get up when they got up, be bathed when they were bathed, dressed when they were dressed, taken out in all weathers, stuffed into their satchels when they went to school, left about in corners, dropped on stairs, forgotten, neglected, bumped, banged, broken, glued together, anything and everything it suffered, until many a time it said sadly enough to its poor little self," I might as well be a human being at once and be done with it !" And then it fell to thinking about human beings; what strange creatures they were, always going about, though none carried them save when they were very little; always sleeping and waking, and eating and di inking, and laughing and crying, and talking and walking, and doing this and that and the other, never resting for long together, or seeming as if they could be still for even a single day." They are always making a noise," thought the wooden doll ; " they are always talking and walking about, always moving things and doing things, building up and pulling down, and making and unmaking forever and forever, and never are they quiet. It is lucky that we are not all human beings, or the world would be worn out in no time, and there would not be a corner left in which to rest a poor doll's head."

The Honest Auto Driver

auto-rickshawIt was cold and windy night. Me and my friend met after a long time and were chatting for hours. We did not notice that time flew away and it was close to ten. We decided to take an auto rickshaw to go to our room.
It started raining and we hurried to get into an auto rickshaw and reach our place. None of the auto rickshaw stopped for us, except one.
The driver asked us where we want to go and we told the place. Without talking anything about the fare, he said, ‘please get in!’ We thanked the auto driver for stopping by us.
Since it was very cold, I asked the driver to stop in the mid at any small restaurant or a tea shop. We liked to have a cut of hot tea. The driver stopped near a small restaurant.
We ordered for tea and asked the driver to join us and have a cup of tea. The driver refused. I insisted him to take a cup as it could be refreshing.
Again the driver refused to drink tea.
My friend asked, ‘Will you not take tea from this shop or what?’
Driver replied, ‘No Sir, I don’t feel like having tea now.’
I asked again, ‘But why a cup of tea will make no harm.’
Driver with all smiles replied, ‘Thank you sir, but I’m sorry.’
My friend asked, ‘do you have any habit that you won’t eat outside?’
Driver said, ‘No!’
My friend became angry on the driver, ‘You think we are not equal to share a cup of tea with you?’
Driver remained silent and never replied.
I was really surprised at his behaviour and asked my friend not to compel him.

In 15 minutes, we reached our mansion. We paid the fare and he thanked us.
I stopped him, as I really wanted to ask him why he refused to drink tea.
He was thinking for a minute, and replied, ‘Sir, my son passed away this noon in accident. I don’t have enough money for his funeral. So I promised not to drink even water until I earn enough money for my son. That’s why I didn’t drink tea when you offered. Please don’t mistake me.’
We both are shattered and offered him more money for his son’s funeral.
I said, ‘Please take this.’
He politely refused, ‘Thank you for your generosity sir. In one or two hours, if I get one or two more customers, I will earn the sufficient money I need.’ And he left the place.
He could have charged us double or even triple the usual rate due to rain. Still, he received the nominal auto fare. In spite of his poor financial condition, his deep sorrow, the auto driver remained honest and stood by his words!
Be honest to all because honesty is the right policy.

Don’t desire to walk when you have wings to fly

KingOnce upon a time there lived a generous, kind-hearted king. He was fond of birds and animals had a huge bird sanctuary in his reign. He dislikes harming the animals and birds and even did not kill them for the sake of eating meat.
Owing to his generosity and kindness towards, he was gifted two beautiful falcons by his fellow businessman. Those two falcons belong to different place and lived in a different climatic condition.
The king thanked the businessman and ordered the head of the bird trainer to provide all the facilities to those beautiful falcons and make them feel comfortable in their country.
The head trainer took the birds and provided all essentials to help the birds adapt to the atmosphere. Gradually, the birds adapted to the country’s atmosphere.
flying falcon birdOne day the king wanted to see the falcons fly as he heard that one of those falcons fly to great heights in a very high speed.
The king was quite surprised and rewarded the bird trainer with handful of gold coins. He enquired about the other falcon bird. The bird trainer head stated with regret that the other falcon did not move even a step from the day one and just sits in the branch. The trainer also added that he tried everything best he could do and still he failed to make this bird move.
The king consoled him and told the trainer that he would bring someone who is more experienced than him or an old man who knew about falcons.  
Falcon bird in a branchThe king announced about his requirement to make falcon move and fly. Hearing this announcement, an old man reached King’s place and assured him that he would make the bird fly like the other one.
The king asked the head trainer to take the old man to the sanctuary to train the falcon and he told that he would visit them tomorrow to see if there is any change.
Next day, the king was very surprised to see the other falcon fly like the first one to great heights in rapid speed. The king was too happy and rewarded him handful.
The king asked what he has done to make the bird fly in a day. The old man simply replied, ‘I just cut down the branch of the tree where this falcon bird sits.
Many of us are like this. We have wings to fly, we know how to fly, and where to fly still we sit doing nothing or doing something that makes us inferior to others.
Don’t try to walk when you have wings to fly!

Money Vs Family

money-vs-familyRama’s family is very big. Rama is a hard worker and he is the sole bread winner of the family. He has three kids, two sons and a daughter. He lived along with father and mother. Rama used to work too hard to feed his family.
He works for more than 16 hours a day. The kids cannot see him as he will leave home early in the morning before they wake-up and reach home around midnight where kids would sleep every day. The entire family eagerly wait to spend quality time with him and the kids miss him so much.
The children were too curious about Sundays as his father would spend the entire day with them. Unfortunately, to meet the increasing household expenses and educational expenses, Rama took a weekend job to work even on Sundays. The kids were very shattered and even Rama’s wife and parents too!
The typical routine continued for several weeks and year passed. All the hard work of Rama earned a lot of benefits and he was offered promotion with attractive increment.
The family moved to a new house, got better clothes and ate healthy foods. However, as usual, Rama continues to earn more and more money. One day his wife asked him ‘why you are running for money? We can be happy with what we have now.’
Rama replied, ‘I want to give the best available in the world to all
of you and want you to stay happy always.’
Two years passed and Rama hardly spent time with his family. The children yearned to have his father at home. Meanwhile, the sincere efforts of Rama reaped him a fortune. He was offered partnership and share in profits. He continues to earn more and more wealth.
Now, Rama’s family is one of the richest families in the city. They have all the facilities and luxuries. Still, Rama’s children strive to meet his father as he was hardly seen at home.
His children turned teens and they are no more kids. Now, Rama earned enough wealth to provide a luxurious life to his next five generations.
Rama’s family went to their beach house to spend their vacation. His daughter asked, ‘Dad will you please spend one day at home and stay with us here?’
Rama replied, ‘Yes darling, tomorrow for sure, I will join you for the lunch and be with you all for next few days. I’m tired of work and need refreshment!’
The entire family became very happy.
Unfortunately, the next day, none in Rama’s family were alive as they were washed out in Tsunami!
Rama was too busy even to hear the news about Tsunami. When he tried to reach his beach house, he was sea and water everywhere and screamed for his family, He could not even find the dead bodies of his family.
He can never have them again, cannot even see them and even by paying millions he cannot get back the life!
He remembered his wife words, ‘why you are running for money? We can be happy with what we have now.’
Money can’t buy anything!

A Glass of Milk

The Hidden TreasureThere was a poor boy who made a living with selling various objects door to door, to pay for his school. He was very hungry and felt he couldn’t walk even a few steps. He decided to ask for food at a house. He knocked the door and was stunned to see a beautiful young girl in the door step. With so much hesitation, in spite of his hunger, he asked the girl to offer a glass of water.
The young girl understood his hunger through his eyes and offered him milk in a huge glass. With astonished look he drank the milk very slowly. And asked, how much I owe you for this milk?
The girl replied ‘I don’t accept anything for kindness.’ With big smile in his face, the boy thanked the girl from the bottom of his heart and left the place.
Years passed by. The young girl fell ill and was diagnosed with a rarest kind of nervous condition, which was a complicated condition to treat. While many experienced doctors baffled at her condition, she was taken to a big hospital to study about her condition.
Dr. Kevin, a renowned specialist called in by the hospital to examine her. He gave a visit to the hospital where she was admitted to learn about the rare condition. As he entered her room, Dr. Kevin immediately identified who was that woman!
With all his efforts and knowledge, Dr.Kevin battled hardly with the disease for weeks and months. At last, he won over the disease and the woman was completely cured. Everyone praised the doctor, while the woman was quite afraid about the hospital bill as she could not afford to pay.
Dr. Kevin asked the hospital to send their bill to him as he would add his charges. After receiving the hospital bill, he wrote note and sent it to her. With lots of fear, she opened the bill and had no idea how much she was charged.
Her eyes filled with tears and happiness once she opened the bill. She found the bill cancelled and it was not the reason for her happiness.
She saw the note written by Dr.Kevin - “Bill Paid years ago with a glass of milk!

Health is Wealth - A short moral story for kids

Health is WealthOnce upon a time, there lived a generous and kind-hearted king. Yet, people aren’t happy with their king. Because, the king was too lazy and he will not do anything other than eating and sleeping.
He spent days and weeks and months in his bed either eating something or sleeping. He almost became inactive. The king became a potato couch and people started to worry about the king.
One day he realized that he couldn’t even move his body, unable to move his foot. He became very fat and his enemies made fun of him ‘fatty king’, ‘bulky king’ etc.
He invited specialized doctors from various parts of his country and offered them generous rewards to make him fit. Unfortunately, none could help the king gain his health and fitness. Since the king was very cordial to his fellow people, many suggested renowned doctors to help him. He spent enormously but everything went vain.
One fine morning, a holy man, (Rishi) visited the region of the King. He heard about the ill-health of king and told the minister to meet him at his place. When minister met him, he informed the minister that he could easily cure the king. Hearing these promising words, minister became very happy. He requested king to meet the holy man to get rid of the ill health.
The holy man resides at a distant place. Since the king cannot move his body, the fatty king asked the minister to bring the holy man to palace, but the holy man refused and ordered to come to meet him.
After strenuous efforts, king met the holy man. The holy man encouraged him and said he is good and very soon the king would gain his health. He asked the king to come to treatment every day from the next day of visit. Also the holy man told king that he would treat the king only if he comes on foot to his place.
King was unable to walk even a few steps on the road, but accompanied by his followers, he reached the holy man’s place. Unfortunately, the holy man was not available there and his devotee requested the king to come and meet him next day for treatment.
This was repeated for two weeks and the king never met the holy man, never had any treatment. Suddenly, king realized that he feels a lot lighter, lost considerable amount of weight and felt active than before. He realized the reason why holy man asked him to reach his place by walking.
Very soon, king regained his health, and people are very happy in his kingdom.
King had a lot of wealth, but no amount of wealth made him healthy.
Health is Wealth!

The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

Short Stories - The Wolf in Sheep's ClothingA Wolf found great difficulty in getting at the sheep owing to the vigilance of the shepherd and his dogs. But one day it found the skin of a sheep that had been flayed and thrown aside, so it put it on over its own pelt and strolled down among the sheep. The Lamb that belonged to the sheep, whose skin the Wolf was wearing, began to follow the Wolf in the Sheep’s clothing; so, leading the Lamb a little apart, he soon made a meal off her, and for some time he succeeded in deceiving the sheep, and enjoying hearty meals.
Appearances are deceptive.

True Wealth

Short Stories - True WealthOnce upon a time, there lived a very rich and wealthy man in a big town. He has all sorts of wealth and led a luxurious life. He had every luxury at his footstep and could afford to feed for the entire people of his town. He always boasts his luxurious life to his friends and relatives.
His son was studying in a distant place and he returned home for vacation. The rich man wanted to show off how rich his father is to his son and make him very proud. His son wasn’t always fond the luxurious lifestyle. However, the rich man wanted to make his son realize that his lifestyle is extremely rich and how the poor people suffer. He planned for a day visit to the entire town to show him off life of poor people.
The father and the son took a chariot and visited the entire town. They returned home after two days. The father was happy that his son was very quiet seeing the poor people honouring the rich man and sufferings of the poor ones due to lack of facilities.
The rich man asked his son, ‘Dear boy, how was the trip? Have you enjoyed it?’
‘Yes my dad, it was a great trip with you.’ The son replied.
So, what did you learned from the trip? – Father asked
The son was silent.
Finally you have realized how poor suffer and how they actually are – said the father.
No father – replied son.
He added, ‘We have only two dogs, they have 10 dogs. We have a big pool in our garden, but they have a massive bay without any ends! We have luxurious and expensive lights imported from various countries, but they have countless stars lighting their nights. We have a house in a small piece of land, but they have abundant fields that go beyond the sight. We are served by servants, but they serve people. We are protected by huge and strong walls around our property, but they bond with each other and surround themselves. We only buy foods from them, but they are so rich to cultivate their own food.’
The rich father was stunned to hear his son’s words and he was completely speechless.
Finally the son added, ‘Dad thank you so much for showing me who is rich and who is poor and let me understand how poor we are!’
True wealth is not measured by money and property we have! It is more about friendship, relationship and good compassion we share with others.

The Tree and the Travellers

huge-treeIt was a hundred year old tree located in the middle of a dry land. It gave rest and shelter to hundreds and thousands of travellers. The tree is located at the centre of four different towns, act as a connection point of all towns and villages in the nearby area. However, except the big old tree, there was no other tree that can offer rest to the people. The tree has a huge and broad trunk with innumerable branches which spread the shadow covering a wide space.
One day, two travellers were travelling from a distant place and tried to reach a town located at the east of the tree. They were walking for several miles on a hot and sunny day. They started their journey in the early morning and it was almost mid noon. The sun was too hot and they could not walk anymore due to the heat. They were completely exhausted! Fortunately, they reached the place where the tree was located.
They were very happy to see such a big tree with breezing wind. They decided to take rest under the tree. They slept for some time happily enjoying the soothing cool breeze of the tree.
They felt hungry and one of the travellers decided to climb the branches to see whether the tree has any fruit.  Since it is not a fruit-bearing tree, the traveller was disappointed.
He started cursing the tree owing to his hunger. ‘Oh, this is just a useless tree and it has nothing to feed us, not even a fruit or even nuts! It is of no use!’
The other traveller composed him and asked him to stay cool. However, the traveller was so angry due to hunger and cursed the tree.
The tree, which could not tolerate the cursing words of the traveller, in a sad yet strong voice, ‘You can’t be so ungrateful to me. Just look back at the condition when you reached here in the hot and dry sun! I offered you cool and comfortable place to rest and sleep with soothing breeze. If I’m not here when you are very tired you would have died now! I saved your life from the hot sun, but you humiliate me!’
The traveller realized his mistake and apologized to the tree.
Every creation of God has innumerable benefits to the mankind. There is good in everything and we often fails to notice the good! Also, don’t badmouth the one who helped you.

The Ship


Short Stories - The ShipA voyaging ship was wrecked during a storm at sea and only two of the men on it were able to swim to a small, desert like island.
The two survivors, not knowing what else to do, agreed that they had no other recourse but to pray to God. However, to find out whose prayer was more powerful, they agreed to divide the territory between them and stay on opposite sides of the island.
The first thing they prayed for was food. The next morning, the first man saw a fruit-bearing tree on his side of the land, and he was able to eat its fruit. The other man’s parcel of land remained barren.
After a week, the first man was lonely and he decided to pray for a wife. The next day, another ship was wrecked, and the only survivor was a woman who swam to his side of the land. On the other side of the island, there was nothing.
Soon the first man prayed for a house, clothes, more food. The next day, like magic, all of these were given to him. However, the second man still had nothing.
Finally, the first man prayed for a ship, so that he and his wife could leave the island. In the morning, he found a ship docked at his side of the island. The first man boarded the ship with his wife and decided to leave the second man on the island.
He considered the other man unworthy to receive God’s blessings, since none of his prayers had been answered.
As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a voice from heaven booming, “Why are you leaving your companion on the island?”
“My blessings are mine alone, since I was the one who prayed for them,” the first man answered. “His prayers were all unanswered and so he does not deserve anything.”
“You are mistaken!” the voice rebuked him. “He had only one prayer, which I answered. If not for that, you would not have received any of my blessings.”
“Tell me,” the first man asked the voice, “What did he pray for that I should owe him anything?”
“He prayed that all your prayers be answered.”
For all we know, our blessings are not the fruits of our prayers alone, but those of another praying for us.

Gold Coins and a Selfish Man

Gold Coins and a Selfish Man StorySam was a greedy and a selfish man. He always desired to have lots and lots of wealth and never hesitates to cheat others to earn money. Also, he never wished to share anything with others. He was so selfish that he would like to own everything for him.
The selfish man used to calculate each and every small aspect. He paid a very little amount of wages to his servants. Where ever he goes, he calculates a lot to save money by deceiving others. He also tells a lot of lies to protect his wealth. Simply, Sam is the antonym for the word; HONESTY.
However, he was taught a nice lesson by his own act.
One day, he missed a small bag, which contained 50 gold coins. He was searching for the bag of gold coins day and night. He sent his workers in search of the bag, but none could find it. He told his friends and neighbors that he lost a bag of gold coins requested them to inform if they find it and Sam was so sad that he lost so many gold coins.
After a couple of days, a ten years old girl, who is located near Sam’s house, told her father she found a small bag and it has 50 gold coins. Her father works in Sam’s land. He told his daughter it was his chief’s money and he lost it before two days and added he would return the bag to his master.
They weren’t very rich and the father may retain the gold coins with themselves and hide the fact that they found nothing.  He was so honest that he should return the valuable coins to his master, who really owns it.
He gave it back to his master Sam and asked him to check whether the bag has 50 gold coins. Sam who was literally happy to get the coins, decided to play a trick. He shouted at his worker, ‘There were 75 gold coins in this bag and you gave me only 50! Where are other coins? You have stolen it!’
The worker was shocked to hear this and he pleaded to his master that he gave whatever his daughter found.
Selfish and greedy Sam did not accept it and they decided to take this issue to court to get the right judgment.
The judge heard both the sides. He examined the daughter and the worker about the number of coins they found in bag and they assured it was only 50!
He cross-examined Sam and Sam replied, ‘Yes lord, I had 75 gold coins in my bag and now they gave me only 50! They have stolen my 25 coins!’
Judge asked, ‘Are you sure you had 75 coins?’ and Sam nodded his head.
Then the judge made his judgment, ‘Since Sam lost a bag of 75 gold coins, the bag found by the girl which has only 50 coins doesn’t belong to Sam and it was lost by somebody else. In addition, if anyone found a bag of 75 gold coins, I would declare it belong to Sam. Also, there were no claims against the losing 50 coins and I order the girl and his father to take those 50 coins as a token of appreciation for their honesty!’
Honesty is rewarded and greediness is punished!

The Proud Red Rose

Short Stories - Proud Red RoseOne beautiful spring day a red rose blossomed in a forest. Many kinds of trees and plants grew there. As the rose looked around, a pine tree nearby said, “What a beautiful flower. I wish I was that lovely.” Another tree said, “Dear pine, do not be sad, we can not
have everything.”
The rose turned its head and remarked, “It seems that I am the most beautiful plant in this forest.” A sunflower raised its yellow head and asked, “Why do you say that? In this forest there are many beautiful plants. You are just one of them.” The red rose replied, “I see everyone looking at me and admiring me.” Then the rose looked at a cactus and said, “Look at that ugly plant full of thorns!” The pine tree said, “Red rose, what kind of talk is this? Who can say what beauty is? You have thorns too.”
The proud red rose looked angrily at the pine and said, “I thought you had good taste! You do not know what beauty is at all. You can not compare my thorns to that of the cactus.”

Sunday 15 June 2014

The Monkey and the Dolphin

Short StoriesOne day long ago, some sailors set out to sea in their sailing ship. One of them brought his pet monkey along for the long journey.
When they were far out at sea, a terrible storm overturned their ship. Everyone fell into the sea, and the monkey was sure that he would drown. Suddenly a dolphin appeared and picked him up.
They soon reached the island and the monkey came down from the dolphin’s back. The dolphin asked the monkey, “Do you know this place?”
The monkey replied, “Yes, I do. In fact, the king of the island is my best friend. Do you know that I am actually a prince?”
Knowing that no one lived on the island, the dolphin said, “Well, well, so you are a prince! Now you can be a king!” The monkey asked, “How can I be a king?”
As the dolphin started swimming away, he answered, “That is easy. As you are the only creature on this island, you will naturally be the king!”
Those who lie and boast may end up in trouble.

The Lion and the Mouse

Short StoriesOnce when a Lion was asleep, a little Mouse began running up and down upon him. This soon wakened the Lion, who placed his huge paw upon him and opened his big jaws to swallow him.
"Pardon, O King!" cried the little Mouse, "Forgive me this time. I shall never repeat it and I shall never forget your kindness. And who knows, but I may be able to do you a good turn one of these days?"
The Lion was so tickled at the idea of the Mouse being able to help him, that he lifted up his paw and let him go.
Short StoriesSometime later a few hunters captured the King and tied him to a tree while they went in search of a wagon to carry him on.
Just then the little Mouse happened to pass by, and seeing the sad plight in which the Lion was, ran up to him and soon gnawed away the ropes that bound the King of the Beasts. "Was I not right?" said the little Mouse, very happy to help the Lion.

The Greedy Mouse

A greedy mouse saw a basket full of corn. He wanted to eat it. So he made a small hole in the basket. He squeezed in through the hole. He ate a lot of corn. He felt full. He was very happy.
Now he wanted to come out. He tried to come out through the small hole. He could not. His belly was full. He tried again. But it was of no use.
The mouse started crying. A rabbit was passing by. It heard the mouse’s cry and asked: “Why are you crying my friend?”
The mouse explained: “I made a small hole and came into the basket. Now I am not able to get out through that hole.”
The rabbit said: “It is because you ate too much. Wait til your belly shrinks”. The rabbit laughed and went away.
Short Stories - Greedy MouseThe mouse fell asleep in the basket. Next morning his belly had shrunk. But the mouse wanted to eat some corn. So he ate and ate. His belly was full once again. He thought: “Oh! Now I will go out tomorrow”.
The cat was the next passerby. He smelt the mouse in the basket. He lifted its lid. He ate the mouse.
 

The Fox and the Grapes



Short StoriesOne afternoon a fox was walking through the forest and spotted a bunch of grapes hanging from over a lofty branch. "Just the thing to quench my thirst," quoted the fox.
Taking a few steps back, the fox jumped and just missed the hanging grapes. Again the fox took a few paces back and tried to reach them but still failed.
Short StoriesFinally, giving up, the fox turned up his nose and said, "They're probably sour anyway," and proceeded to walk away.
MORAL: IT'S EASY TO DESPISE WHAT YOU CANNOT HAVE.


 

The Crystal Ball

Short Stories - The Crystal BallIn the south of Spain, there was a small village whose people were very joyful and lucky. The children played under the shade of trees in the gardens of their home. A shepherd boy whose name was Nasir, stayed near the village with his father, mother and grandmother. Early morning each day, he takes his herd of goats up the hills to find a suitable place for them to graze. In the afternoon he would return with them to the village. At night his grandmother would tell him a story. The story of stars. This story really interested Nasir. As usual, on one of these days, as Nasir was watching his herd and playing his flute he suddenly saw a wonderful light behind the flower bush. When he came towards the branches he saw a transparent and most beautiful crystal ball.
The crystal ball was glittering like a colorful rainbow. Nasir carefully took it in his hand and turned it around. With surprise suddenly he heard a weak voice coming from the crystal ball. It said; “You can make a wish that your heartdesires and I will fulfill it.” Nasir could not believe that he had actually hearda voice. But he became so engrossed in his thoughts for he had so many wishes but he must wish for something which was impossible like the wish to be able to fly. He said to himself, if I wait till tomorrow I will remember many things. He put the crystal ball in a bag and gathered the herd, happily returned back to the village. He decided that he would not tell anyone about the crystal ball. On the following day also, Nasir could not decide what to wish for, because he really had everything he needed.
The days passed as usual, and Nasir appeared to be very cheerful that the people around him were amazed to see his cheerful disposition. One day a boy followed Nasir and his herd and hid behind a tree. Nasir as usual sat in one corner, took out the crystal ball and for a few moments looked at it. The boy waited for the moment when Nasir would go to sleep. Then he took the crystal ball and ran away. When he arrived in the village, he called all the people and showed them the crystal ball. The citizens of that village took the crystal ball in their hand and turned it around with surprise. Suddenly they heard a voice from inside the crystal ball, which says, “I can fulfill your wish.” One person took the ball and screamed, “I want one bag full of gold.” Another took the ball and said loudly, “I want two chest full of jewelry.”
Some of them wished that they would have their own palace with grand door made from pure gold instead of their old houses. Some also wished for bags full of jewelry, but nobody asked for gardens in their palaces. All their wishes were fulfilled but still the citizens of the village were not happy. They were jealous because the person that had a palace had no gold and the person that had the gold had no palace. For this reason, the citizens of the village were angry and were not speaking to each other. There was not even one garden which existed in the village where the children could play. The patience of the children was running out and they were uncomfortable. Nasir and his family were happy and pleased. Every morning and afternoon he would play the flute.
The children could not wait anymore and decided to return the crystal ball to Nasir. The parents and neighbors went to him. The children said to Nasir; “When we had a small village we all were happy and joyful.” The parent also spoke. In one way or another nobody is happy. The expensive palaces and jewelry only bring us pain. When Nasir saw that the people were really regretful, he said I have not wished till now, if you really want everything to return to its own place, then I will wish for it. Everyone happily agreed. Nasir took the crystal ball in his hand turned around and wished that the village become the same as it was before. Everyone quickly turned towards the village and saw it became the same old village with gardens full of trees and fruits.
Once again the people started to live happily and the children played under the shade of trees. From the next day and everyday at sunset the sound of Nasir’s flute could be heard in the village.
This story teaches us that we should be happy with whatever we have and not to be greedy.

The Boy who cried 'Wolf'

Short StoriesOnce there was a shepherd boy who had to look after a flock of sheep. One day, he felt bored and decided to play a trick on the villagers. He shouted, “Help! Wolf! Wolf!”
The villagers heard his cries and rushed out of the village to help the shepherd boy. When they reached him, they asked, “Where is the wolf?” The shepherd boy laughed loudly, “Ha, Ha, Ha! I fooled all of you.
I was only playing a trick on you.”
A few days later, the shepherd boy played this trick again.
Again he cried, “Help! Help! Wolf! Wolf!” Again, the villagers rushed up the hill to help him and again they found that boy had tricked them. They were very angry with him for being so naughty.
Then, some time later, a wolf went into the field. The wolf attacked one sheep, and then another and another. The shepherd boy ran towards the village shouting, “Help! Help! Wolf! Help! Somebody!”
The villagers heard his cries but they laughed because they thought it was another trick. The boy ran to the nearest villager and said, “A wolf is attacking the sheep. I lied before, but this time it is true!”
Finally, the villagers went to look. It was true. They could see the wolf running away and many dead sheep lying on the grass.
We may not believe someone who often tells lies, even when he tells the truth.
 

The Ant and the Dove

One hot day, an ant was searching for some water. After walking around for some time, she came to a spring. To reach the spring, she had to climb up a blade of grass. While making her way up, she slipped and fell into the water.
She could have drowned if a dove up a nearby tree had not seen her. Seeing that the ant was in trouble, the dove quickly plucked off a leaf and dropped it into the water near the
struggling ant. The ant moved towards the leaf and climbed up there. Soon it carried her safely to dry ground. Just at that time, a hunter nearby was throwing out his net
towards the dove, hoping to trap it.
Guessing what he was about to do, the ant quickly bit him on the heel. Feeling the pain, the hunter dropped his net. The dove was quick to fly away to safety.
One good turn deserves another.

Strong or Weak

There was a proud teak tree in the forest. He was tall and strong. There was a small herb next to the tree.
The teak tree said, “I am very handsome and strong. No one can defeat me”. Hearing this the herb replied, “Dear friend, too much pride is harmful. Even the strong will fall one day”.
The teak ignored the herb’s words. He continued to praise himself.
A strong wind blew. The teak stood firmly. Even when it rained, the teak stood strong by spreading its leaves.
At the same time, the herb bowed low. The teak made fun of the herb.
One day there was a storm in the forest. The herb bowed low. As usual the teak did not want to bow.
The storm kept growing stronger. The teak could no longer bear it. He felt his strength giving way.
Short Stories - Strong or Weak
He fell down. This was the end of the proud tree. When everything was calm the herb stood straight. He looked around. He saw the proud teak had fallen.

Parable of the Pencil

Short StoriesThe Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box.
“There are 5 things you need to know,” he told the pencil, “Before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be.”
One: “You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone’s hand.”
Two: “You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you’ll need it to become a better
pencil.”
Three: “You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.”
Four: “The most important part of you will always be what's inside.”
And Five: “On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write.”
The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.
Now replacing the place of the pencil with you. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.
One: “You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God’s hand. And allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess.”
Two: “You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems in life, but you’ll need it to become a stronger person.”
Three: “You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.”
Four: “The most important part of you will always be what’s on the inside.”
And Five: “On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties.”
Allow this parable on the pencil to encourage you to know that you are a special person and only you can fulfill the purpose to which you were born to accomplish.
Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot make a change.

A Common Man

man-and-childRaj is a middle aged man. He was born into a poor family, still raised well by his father and mother. His father owned a welding shop and used to work for more than 12 hours a day to lead a decent living.
Still, Raj’s father could not afford to provide a luxurious living to his family. Raj was an average student in his school and used to score around 70 percent marks. Raj’s dream is always to become a doctor. Since his marks weren’t very high, he could not get the desired course he wanted to study. He joined a bachelor’s degree course, completed the course successfully and got a job in a company.
His life was going on with no dramatic change. His father was still working in his welding shop and earned for his life. After getting a permanent job, Raj’s parent wanted him to marry. He got married his native town as he got promoted in the job, along with his wife. After few years, he had beautiful twin boys.
Raj began to earn handsome salary and started to live a luxurious life. He bought a house, own a car and had all luxurious facilities, while some of them are really unnecessary. His company provided him a car, still Raj purchased a new car!
After almost 6 – 7 years, the little boys were growing up and Raj owing to his rich lifestyle could not able to manage the household expenses and pay for the children’ education and other necessities of life.
His father fell sick and could not continue his work in the welding shop. He requested to send some money for his treatment and to the household expenses as well.
Raj, who was already suffering from financial crisis, shouted at their parents and told them he has no money to help them.
Raj scolded their parents, ‘You never put me in a big school. I studied in a small school. I was not provided rich costumes, where most of my friends wore rich and expensive dresses. You feed me my favourite foods very rarely, where I wasn’t able to taste a few varieties of foods. When I got low marks you did not had enough money to pay for my medical seat and it took more than 10 years for me to get settled. Now, I’m again struggling for money. You did not do anything for me, still you are like burden to me! Don’t come to me again.’
His parents left shattered.
Raj, after a week, was travelling in a train as he was on an official tour. He saw a small boy aged about 10 years selling toys. The boy requested Raj to buy something. Raj questioned the boy why he is selling toys in train, instead of studying and what his parents were doing?
The boy replied, ‘My father met with an accident before a year, he lost one hand. He could not work now. My mom is working as a servant maid in a few houses. I’m helping my parents by selling toys. I go to school and come to sell toys only in the evenings. I work for 3 hours a day and I will study at night!’
Raj purchased a few toys from him, yet he learned the lesson of the life from the small boy.
At the very tender age, the small boy helping his parent, but Raj who was just unable to meet the lavish lifestyle, which is quite stupid thing neglected his parent.

Saturday 14 June 2014

Friends

Short Stories - FriendsBunny rabbit lived in the forest. He had many friends. He was proud of his friends.
One day Bunny rabbit heard the loud barking of the wild dogs. He was very scared. He decided to ask for help. He quickly went to his friend deer. He said: “Dear friend, some wild dogs are chasing me. Can you chase them away with your sharp antlers?” Dear said: “That is right, I can. But now I am busy. Why don’t you ask bear for help?”
Bunny rabbit ran to the bear. “My dear friend you are very strong, please help me. Some wild dogs are after me. Please chase them away,” he requested the bear.
Bear replied: “I am sorry. I am hungry and tired. I need to find some food. Please ask the monkey for help”.
Poor Bunny went to the monkey, elephant, goat and all his friends. Bunny felt sad that nobody was ready to help him.
He understood that he has to think of a way out. He hid under a bush. He lay still the wild dogs went their way.

Fools

Short Stories - FoolsIt was a cold and silent night. The weather was freezing. A group of monkeys were on a tree. They were clinging to its branches. One of the monkeys said, “I wish we could find some fire. It will help us to keep warm”.
Suddenly they noticed a flock of fireflies. One of the young monkeys thought it was fire.
He caught a firefly. He put it under a dry leaf and started blowing at it.
Some other monkeys also joined in his effort.
A sparrow came flying to its nest. The monkeys were sitting on the same tree. She noticed what they were doing. The sparrow laughed. She said, “Hey silly monkeys that is a firefly, not real fire”.
The sparrow continued: “I think all of you should take shelter in a cave”. The monkeys did not listen to the sparrow. They continued to blow at our poor firefly.
After some time the monkeys became very tired. Now they realized what the sparrow had said was correct.
They set free the firefly and moved to a nearby cave.

Christmas Surprise

Short Stories - Christmas Surprise_Pic1

It was two days before Christmas. Harry, Cornelius, Monty and I were busy building a snowman when Fritz appeared with his little niece Emily and introduced her.
“Emily is from the South and has never seen snow before,” Fritz told us. “She doesn’t know much about our winters.”
It turned out Emily also didn’t know much about Christmas.”Who is Santa Claus, Waldo?” she asked me, shivering in the cold air.
“Santa Claus,” I explained, “brings presents and toys to human children at Christmas time.”
“Does he also bring presents to animal children?” Emily asked.
Short Stories - Christmas Surprise_Pic2“Well,” I said, “he hasn’t been around this part of the forest for many years. I guess he is too busy visiting all the human children to have much time left for animals.”
“Do you think he will come if I write to him?” Emily asked.
“I don’t think so,” said Monty. “I’ve never seen him, myself.”
“Neither have I,” Harry added, shaking his head.
“You see. Santa Claus is only for human children,” Fritz said to Emily. “So forget about the whole idea. Let’s go home now before you catch a cold.”

A Merchant and his Donkey

Short Stories - A Merchant and his DonkeyOne beautiful spring morning, a merchant loaded his donkey with bags of salt to go to the market in order to sell them. The merchant and his donkey were walking along together. They had not walked far when they reached a river on the road.
Unfortunately, the donkey slipped and fell into the river and noticed that the bags of salt loaded on his back became lighter.
There was nothing the merchant could do, except return home where he loaded his donkey with more bags of salt. As they reached the slippery riverbank, now deliberately, the donkey fell into the river and wasted all the bags of salt on its back again.
The merchant quickly discovered the donkey’s trick. He then returned home again but re-loaded his donkey with bags of sponges.
The foolish, tricky donkey again set on its way. On reaching the river he again fell into the water. But instead of the load becoming lighter, it became heavier.
The merchant laughed at him and said: “You foolish donkey, your trick had been discovered, you should know that, those who are too clever sometimes over reach themselves.”

Real Vs Fake

cuite-girl-shoppingMinnu is a sweet, lovable and beautiful girl, aged six years. She is an adorable kid as she obeys to every word of the elders. Minnu’s parent loved her for her amazing behaviour.
One day her mother took her to grocery shopping. As they pass the shops, Minnu noted a cute plastic pearl necklace in dazzling pink! She asked her mother to buy her the necklace. Her mother told her it cost a few pennies and she asked her to do some chores, so that for every completed work Minnu will get some money and she can buy the pink necklace.
Minnu prepared a to-do list and assisted her mom with all the chores. Her mom was so happy and she paid enough money to buy the pink necklace.
Minnu happily purchased the desired necklace and worn it just everywhere, every time, except while taking bath. Her mom told that her neck would turn pink and the pearls would lose its sheen if she wears it while bathing.
She wore it even while sleeping.
Minnu was known for her kindness and respect to elders. Her dad wanted to play with her. Her daddy used to tell her bed time stories frequently.
One day, after completing a story, her dad asked how much she loved him. Minnu replied, ‘you know how much I love you’.
Dad asked, ‘Then give me your pearl necklace please!’
Minnu replied, ‘Please daddy, I love you so much but please don’t ask pearls. I will give you the pink Barbie which you bought me a month ago.’
Dad replied, ‘Fine sweetheart.’ and left.
After a few days, the same conversation was held between Minnu and her dad.
Again, Minnu refused to give her pearl necklace and instead asked her dad to take her pet.
Dad kissed her and left with smile.
This conversation repeated several times.
pink-pearl-necklaceOne day, she slept while her dad was reading her a story. As he about to leave her room, Minnu in her sleep, said, ‘Here dad, please don’t take pearl necklace.’ She was holding the necklace in her hands.
Her dad with a big smile gently without disturbing her sleep, took off the pearl necklace from her hand. The next moment, she woke up and asked, ‘Dad what are you doing?’
Dad replied, ‘darling your pearl necklace fallen on the floor, I was just picking!’
Dad, by hiding the plastic necklace taken by Minnu’s hand, immediately opened the jewel box placed near her bed and handed over the real and precious pink pearl necklace to Minnu, said, ‘Sweetheart, here is your necklace!’
She replied, ‘Thank you dad!’
Minnu’s dad has been trying for a long time to make her give up the cheap pearl necklace for the real one.
Finally, she gave-up fake and grabbed the real one.
God wants us to give up all those fake and cheap things we hold very preciously in our life. It can be habits, hatreds, harming relationships, activities, negative thoughts, etc. He will provide us genuine things to give up the fake!

Think Before You Speak

Father and sonIt was a sunny day, but the climate was enjoyable. Everyone in the railway station was waiting for the train to arrive. Among the crowd, there were a group of friends, youngsters who were on board for vacation.
It was a busy station with juice shop, mobile restaurants, coffee and tea stalls, newspaper shop, restaurants, etc. The announcement regarding the arrival of the train was made and everyone prepared to get into the train their appropriate places.
The group of friends made loud noise as the train enter the station to welcome it. They ran to get their reserved seats before anyone get into the train.
The empty seats were filled and the train whistled to move. An old man with a young boy aged around 15 years came running to get the train. They enter the train and the train started to move. They had their seats just adjacent to the friends group.
The young boy was so surprised to see everything.
He acclaimed at his father, ‘Dad, the train is moving and the things are moving backwards.’
His father smiled and nodded his head.
As the train starts moving fast, the young boy again screamed, ‘Dad the trees are green in colour and runs backward very faster.’ His father said, yes dear and smiled.
Just like a kid, he was watching everything with great enthusiasm and happiness loaded with tons of surprises.
A fruit seller passed selling apples and oranges. He young boy asked his dad, ‘I want to eat apples.’ His father bought him apples. He said, ‘Oh apple looks so sweet than it tastes’ I love this colour.’
The group was watching all the activities of this boy and asked the boy’s father ‘Is his son has any problem? Why he is behaving very differently?’
A friend from the group made fun of him and should, ‘his son is mad I think.’
The father of the young boy with patience replied to the friend group.
‘My son was born blind. Only a few days before he was operated and got the vision. He is seeing various things in his life for the first time.’
The young friends became very quiet and apologized to his father and son.
.

The Strange Bird with Two Heads

Double headed birdOnce upon a time, there lived a strange bird with two heads, facing opposite direction. The two heads used to fight and argue with each even for very simple reasons. While they share the same body, the two heads behave like rivals! The strange bird lived in a big banyan tree, along the bank of the river.
One day, while flying over the river, one head of the bird found a beautiful tree with a fruit in bright red colour. One head of the bird wanted to eat the fruit and the bird flew down to pick the fruit from the tree.
The bird plucked the sweet smelling fruit and sat by the banks of the river and started eating it. The fruit was eaten by one head, which saw the fruit from the sky. The head that ate the part praised the fruit so much as the fruit was very tasty.
While eating, the other head, asked the first head, ‘Can you give me a piece to taste it?’
The first head said ‘See, we are having only one stomach. So even If I eat in my mouth, it will go into our stomach.’
The other head asked ‘But I wanted to taste the fruit. You should give me.’
The first head replied in anger ‘I only saw the fruit and I have the right to eat it without sharing with anyone.’
The depressed second head, became very sad went silent.
Few days later, while the bird was flying, the second head saw a beautiful pink fruit in a tree. It flew down near the tree and was trying to pick the fruit and eat it.
The other birds living in the tree said, “don’t eat it. It is a poison fruit.” It will make you die.
The first head shouted, ‘Don’t eat it. Don’t eat it’. However the second head did not hear the first head.
The second head said, ‘I will eat it, because I saw it’. The first head shouted, ‘Please don’t eat it. We will all die.’
The second head, ‘Since I saw it, I have the right to eat it. It will go to our stomach only.’
The fruit was eaten by the second head and in few minutes, the strange bird with two heads died!!!!

The Hidden Treasure - A short moral story for kids

The Hidden Treasure
This is a short story about how hard work rewards?
There was an old man living in his village. He had four sons and they were very lazy. The old man fell sick and was counting his last days in bed. He worried a lot about his sons’ future as the young men hesitate a lot to work. The sons believe that luck will favor them.
The old man’s health deteriorated every day and decided to talk to his sons about their future. However, his sons did not hear him. Old man played a trick to let their son realize the importance of work.
One day, the old man called all his sons and let them sit near him in his bed. He said he has a treasure box with gold coins and expensive gems for them and wanted to share the treasure equally and lead a happy, prosperous life. The young men were very happy and asked about where his father placed the treasure. The old man replied them ‘I cannot exactly remember the place where I hide the treasure from others. However, the treasure box is buried in our land. I’m really not sure about the place where I hidden the treasure box.’
Even though the lazy young sons were happy, they were sad that the old man forgot the place where the treasure was hidden. After a few days, the old man died. The sons decided to dig the land to find the treasure box.
They worked very hardly and dig their land. They could not find any treasure box in the land. They decided to dig a spot in their land that remains a bit different from the rest of the area. The sons believed that the treasure was buried in that spot. They dig the specific spot so deeply, got nothing but water.
A passerby noticed the dug land and water flowing from a spot talked to the sons about agriculture. The sow vegetable seeds and planted greens and flower plants in their land. Since the land became very fertile with abundant water, within few weeks the land became a fertile garden with nutritious vegetables and greens. The young sons sold the vegetables at a good price and earn good amount of money.
Then they realize that it was the hard work was mentioned as ‘Treasure Box’ by their father. They defeated their laziness, worked hard, earned more money and lived happily. 

The Hidden Treasure - A short moral story for kids

The Hidden Treasure
This is a short story about how hard work rewards?
There was an old man living in his village. He had four sons and they were very lazy. The old man fell sick and was counting his last days in bed. He worried a lot about his sons’ future as the young men hesitate a lot to work. The sons believe that luck will favor them.
The old man’s health deteriorated every day and decided to talk to his sons about their future. However, his sons did not hear him. Old man played a trick to let their son realize the importance of work.
One day, the old man called all his sons and let them sit near him in his bed. He said he has a treasure box with gold coins and expensive gems for them and wanted to share the treasure equally and lead a happy, prosperous life. The young men were very happy and asked about where his father placed the treasure. The old man replied them ‘I cannot exactly remember the place where I hide the treasure from others. However, the treasure box is buried in our land. I’m really not sure about the place where I hidden the treasure box.’
Even though the lazy young sons were happy, they were sad that the old man forgot the place where the treasure was hidden. After a few days, the old man died. The sons decided to dig the land to find the treasure box.
They worked very hardly and dig their land. They could not find any treasure box in the land. They decided to dig a spot in their land that remains a bit different from the rest of the area. The sons believed that the treasure was buried in that spot. They dig the specific spot so deeply, got nothing but water.
A passerby noticed the dug land and water flowing from a spot talked to the sons about agriculture. The sow vegetable seeds and planted greens and flower plants in their land. Since the land became very fertile with abundant water, within few weeks the land became a fertile garden with nutritious vegetables and greens. The young sons sold the vegetables at a good price and earn good amount of money.
Then they realize that it was the hard work was mentioned as ‘Treasure Box’ by their father. They defeated their laziness, worked hard, earned more money and lived happily. 

The Wolf and the Lamb

Short StoriesIt was a little lamb, accompanied by a flock of sheep to a grazing land. As the flock was grazing the green grass, the little lamb, which was so mischievous, was wandering here and there. It saw fresh grass in a distance and separated from the crew to enjoy the fresh bites.
It came across a long way from its group and was eating the fresh and delicious grass unaware of the fact that it was closely followed by a wolf!
When the lamb realized that it lost its way from its group and reached a distant place, it decided to join them. However, the lamb was stunned to see a hungry and cunning wolf standing behind it.
The lamb realized that there is no option left except to surrender itself to the wolf.
The lamb asked the wolf, ‘Are you going to eat me?’
The wolf said, ‘Yes, at any cost!’
The lamb said again, ‘But can you please wait for some more time. I eat a lot of grass now and my stomach is filled with grass. If you eat me, you will feel like eating grass!
The wolf agreed, ‘Oh yes I will wait. You are here before me and I can wait for some time!’
The lamb thanked.
After sometime, the wolf got ready to kill lamb, but the lamb stopped him.
‘Dear wolf, please wait for some more time. The grass is yet to get digest. If you eat me now, you will see a lot of grass in my stomach! Let me dance and it will be digested easily.’
Wolf agreed.
The little lamb danced crazily and carefully and moved the foot towards the group. Suddenly the lamb stopped dancing.
Wolf enquired what happen. ‘See, remove this bell tied to my neck and rang it as fast as you can, so that I will dance faster and the food will digest very sooner’
The wolf, with the desire to eat the lamb removed the bell tied to the lamb’s neck and ranged it speedily.
Meanwhile, shepherd was searching for the little lamb and heard the bell sound. He saw the wolf and the lamb. He ran towards wolf with a stick. Seeing the shepherd with a stick, the wolf ran away, and the lamb was saved!

The Three Cows

Short Stories - The Three CowsThere was a green and fresh pasture, in which three cows lived, a white cow, a black cow and a reddish-brown one. The cows were kind to each other. They were nice to each other. They used to graze in the meadow together. and they used to sleep near each other.
Till it happened one day, the reddish-brown colored lion of the forest happened to pass that way. The lion was unhappy. It was hungry, and was looking for a prey. On catching sight of the cows it became glad, but couldn't attack them, because they were together. So, the lion sat in a corner and waited till the cows would separate from each other.
The cows were together and wouldn’t part away from each other, because they knew that if they were together, no predator could attack them. The lion lay in ambush nearby for two or three days. But the cows continued to remain together, and wouldn’t separate from each other. The lion became unhappy.
A plan occurred to it. It went towards the cows, greeted them and said: “How are you my friends?” Are you fine? I have been remembering you for a long time, but because I am too busy, I can’t come to you and ask about your health.
Today I said to myself: “Anyhow I should come and see you from near and visit you.” The reddish-brown cow said: “Sir, your coming has really pleased us and brightened our pasture.”
The lion said: “I have always remembered you, and have even ordered a better pasture made ready for you.” Reddish-brown cow said: “Sir, you have really obliged us and we are very thankful to you.”
Both the white and the black cows were troubled by what their friend, the reddish-brown cow said, and were grieved at its thoughtlessness. They feared lest it should be deceived.
They said to each other: Which forest has not got a better pasture? Why does the reddish-brown cow believe what the lion says? Doesn’t it know that lions seek other animals only to prey on them?
The reddish-brown cow became more and more a close friend of the lion each day. The black cow and the white cow advised it as much as they could, but with no avail.
One day the lion said to the reddish-brown cow: “You know that the color of our bodies is dark and that the color of the body of the white cow is light, and you also know that the light color is the opposite of the dark color. It would be very good if I eat the white cow, so that there will be no difference among us any longer and that we will be able to live together well.”
The reddish-brown cow accepted the saying of the selfish lion and started talking to the black cow to keep it busy, so that the lion could eat the white cow with more ease. The white cow was left alone and was killed, while the black and the reddish-brown cows were busy with idle talks.
Two or three days passed since the lion had devoured the white cow. The lion, angry and uneasy, was lying in a corner, and the reddish-brown cow was moving around the lion and grazing. The lion called the reddish-brown cow. The cow answered: “Yes sir!”
The lion said: “The color of my body and the color of your body are reddish-brown, and black does not go with our color. It will be very good if I eat the black cow, so that in this forest we all will be of the same color.” The reddish-brown cow accepted and moved away from the black cow.
The lion attacked and devoured the black cow, too. And as for the reddish-brown cow, it was so filled with joy that it didn’t know what to do. It roamed and grazed and said to itself: “It is only me who has the color of the lion...” A few days passed since the black cow had been devoured by the lion. The lion roared and said. “O the reddish-brown cow! Where are you?”
The reddish-brown cow, shaking with fear, went forward and said: “Yes sir!” The lion said: “Today it is your turn, get yourself ready, I am going to eat you.” The reddish-brown cow, with great fear & horror said: “Why sir, I am your friend. I did whatever you said. So why do you want to eat me?”
The lion roared and said: “Friend of a friendless!” How is it possible that a lion makes friendship with a cow? No matter how much the reddish-brown cow begged and entreated, the lion didn’t accept its words. The lion attacked the cow.
The cow said: “Mr. Lion, please allow me to cry out three times before you eat me.” The lion said: “Quickly, quickly!” The reddish-brown cow cried out: “I was eaten the very day the white cow was eaten. I was eaten the very day the black cow was eaten. I was eaten the very day I made.... with you.” The lion devoured the reddish-brown cow very quickly. Then it said to itself: “I have finished my job in this forest. Now I had better go to other forests.”

The Thirsty Crow

Short StoriesOne hot day, a thirsty crow flew all over the fields looking for water. For a long time, she could not find any. She felt very weak, almost giving up hope.
Suddenly, she saw a water jug below her. She flew straight down to see if there was any water inside. Yes, she could see some water inside the jug!
The crow tried to push her head into the jug. Sadly, she found that the neck of the jug was too narrow. Then she tried to push the jug down for the water to flow out. She found that the jug was too heavy.
The crow thought hard for a while. Then looking around her, she saw some pebbles. She suddenly had a good idea. She started picking up the pebbles one by one, dropping each into the jug. As more and more pebbles filled the jug, the water level kept rising. Soon it was high enough for the crow to drink. Her plan had worked!
If you try hard enough, you may soon find an answer to your problem.

The Stranger in the Garden

Once upon a time there was a man who had a big garden. He had planted many fruit trees and cared for them till they bear fruits. Now he wanted to pick up the fruits and sell them to make money for his family.
One fine day while picking fruits with his son, the man saw a stranger sitting on the branch of a tree and picking the fruits. This man become angry and shouted, “Hey you! What are you doing on my tree? Aren’t you ashamed of stealing fruits in the day time?” The stranger on the branch just looked at the gardener but didn’t reply, and continued picking the fruits. The gardener was very angry and shouted again, “For a whole year I have taken care of these trees, you have no right to take the fruits without my permission so come down at once!”
The stranger on the tree answered, “Why should I come down? This is the garden of God and I am the servant of God, so I have the right to pick these fruits and you should not interfere between the work of God and his servant.” The gardener was very surprised at this answer and thought of a plan. He called his son and said, “go bring a rope and get this man down from the tree.” His son brought the rope and the gardener ordered him to tie the stranger to the tree. The gardener then took a stick and started to beat the stranger. The stranger began to scream. “Why are you beating me? You have no right to do this.”
The gardener paid no attention and continued beating him. The stranger screamed, “Don’t you fear God, you are beating an innocent man? The gardener answered, “Why should I fear? This wood in my hand belongs to God and I am too the servant of God, so I have nothing to fear, and you shouldn’t interfere with the work of God and his servant.” The stranger hesitated and then spoke, “Wait don’t beat me, I am sorry for taking the fruits. This is your garden and I should seek your permission before taking the fruits. So, please forgive and set me free.”
The gardener smiled and said, “Since you have now realized your mistake, I will forgive you but remember that God has given all his servants brains so every person’s deeds are in his own hands.” Then the gardener untied him and let him go free.