In a magical land where the River Ganges flowed, a large crocodile glided through its waters. On the riverbanks stood majestic fruit trees, home to a cheerful monkey who loved feasting on the juicy fruits.
One sweltering day, the crocodile sought shade under the monkey’s tree. Looking up, he longed for the delicious fruits hanging above.
“Since you’re under my tree, you’re my guest,” called the monkey, descending with a fruit. “Please, enjoy my delicious fruits.”
The crocodile gratefully accepted, savoring the juicy treat. “Thank you, dear monkey,” he said.
“Come again anytime!” replied the monkey.
Soon, the crocodile visited daily, sharing fruits and stories with the monkey. One day, the monkey gave the crocodile extra fruits for his wife.
Back at home, the crocodile’s wife relished the fruits. “These are divine! Where did you get them?” she asked.
“My friend the monkey gave them to me,” replied the crocodile. “He eats the sweetest ones every day.”
“Then his heart must be the sweetest of all,” the wife plotted. “Bring me his heart, and I’ll stay young and beautiful forever.”
The crocodile hesitated, torn between friendship and love. “But he’s my friend,” he protested.
“If you love me, you’ll do it,” his wife insisted.
The next day, the crocodile invited the monkey to his home. “My wife has prepared a meal in your honor,” he said.
“I can’t swim,” worried the monkey.
“Just ride on my back,” offered the crocodile.
Mid-journey, the crocodile confessed his wife’s plan. Panicking, the monkey thought quickly. “Oh dear, I left my heart in the tree. We must go back!”
The crocodile, believing him, turned back. Once ashore, the monkey leaped to safety. “You silly crocodile,” he scolded from the tree. “Don’t you know everyone keeps their heart inside them? It was a trick!”
Realizing his mistake, the crocodile left, ashamed and friendless. His wife waited, furious and disappointed.
The monkey, safe in his tree, learned that quick thinking can save the day. And the crocodile learned a hard lesson about trust and greed.
And so, in the shadow of the Ganges, the clever monkey continued to enjoy his fruits, wiser and still as joyful as ever.
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