ONCE , on the Bank of a river , a monkey made a home for himself in a tree laden with fruit . He lived in happily eating to his heart's content the fruit of his choice.
The Monkey was happy but lonely and wanted a companion to talk to and share the fruits with . But there was no one around , not even another monkey, till one day a crocodile appeared on the riverside.
" Hello, there , " said the Monkey . Do you live in this river ? Would you like to eat some fruit ?"
" GOOD MORNING " , reply the crocodile politely. I did come here in search of food for myself and my wife. Nice of you to offer me fruit ."
The Monkey plucked some from the nearest branch and threw them down Jo crocodile found them delicious. "Thanks ", he said may I have some on my next visit ?
Certainly , as many as you like and some for your wife too , said the Monkey. " Do come again. I'm rather lonely here ."
The crocodile visited the monkey regularly and ate the fruits which his host through down. He took some home for his wife. The monkey and the crocodile were now the best of friends. The talked and were never tired of talking. Deepak about birds and animals, about the villages nearby and the difficulties villager in raising good crops for lack of rain.
One day , the crocodile stayed with the monkey longer than usual . His wife was annoyed waiting and waiting managing the title crocodiles that has just been hatched . She said , who is this friend of yours you are so fond of ? Oh! He is very nice monkey he replied he lives on a fruit tree he sends fruits for you everyday you don't accept me to climb trees do you ?
A nice monkey I am sure reply the wife with obvious sarcasm . If you ask me this monkey should be my food I want to eat his heart so much . Water foolish thing to say shouted the crocodile I can't kill a friend though I won't mind a monkey occasionally for change of taste . You bring him here ordered the wife I want to see him so you can eat him never declared her husband. His wife for furious and she dived in to hide herself at the bottom of the river leaving the title once to Pester their father. The crocodile watch in a serious dilemma . He loved his wife and was very fond of his friend too finally decided to be on the side of his wife. Shivaji's life partner after all. I know it a sin to betray a friend, but I have no choice he said to himself I will invite the monkey home and hope for the best .
My wife wants you over for a meal , dear friend, Seth the crocodile when you visited the monkey next you must come home with me today. With pleasure, Said the monkey I am no swimmer , but can ride on your back, and this set out. In the middle of the river, where the current was the strongest the crocodile could no longer hide his intention. "Sorry, my friend" , he said hesitatingly, but I have to go underwater now I have brought you here to kill you. My wife cannot survive without eating your heart. Goodbye ".
The monkey was scared and distressed. But he was sensible and clever like all monkey, he kept a cool head. Calmly he said, "I'd do anything for you and your family you are my only friend after all what is a monkeys heart compared with the life of crocodile's wife ? But how foolish could you be why didn't you tell me before? I'd have brought my heart along. But where is your heart ask the crocodile innocently I thought you carried it all the time. Of course not it's there on the tree let's swim back at once and get it. Your wife must be waiting reply the monkey gaining confidence.
Oh dear! What a mistake! Hissed the crocodile the laughed loudly as the crocodile took a full turn to reach the tree.
On the river bank, the monkey jumped on to the tree and heaved a deep sigh of relief. He plucked a fruit aur tu from the nearest branch and throwing them down said let your wife have some fruit rather than my heart fresh fruits are good for mind and body. Goodbye, friend, and if you don't mind, we won't meet again . The crocodile sadder and wiser shed of few tears which were genuine and turned back to go home. He was in a hurry to tell his wife I think or two this is the story of the monkey and the crocodile.