Monu Monkey’s Noble Revenge - a story

In the heart of a lush forest, a troop of monkeys made their home in a grand, ancient tree. This tree was their sanctuary through the scorching summers and the torrential rains. Nearby, a herd of elephants roamed, satisfying their voracious hunger by stripping leaves from the forest canopy.

One fateful day, the elephants began to devour the branches of the monkeys’ home. The monkeys pleaded, “O Leader of the Elephants, please desist! Our infants are slumbering on these very branches.” However, the elephant leader remained impervious to their cries. The herd continued their wanton destruction, resulting in the injury and death of several young monkeys. Among the grieving parents was Monu, whose heart was shattered by the loss of his child. Yet, the elephants showed no remorse.

Time passed, and one day the elephant herd was foraging with their calves protected in the center of their formation. Suddenly, a calf wandered off and became separated from the group. By the time the herd realized the absence, the calf was far behind. As they rushed back, they found that a lion had already ambushed the calf, leaving it critically wounded. The lion fled upon the herd’s arrival, leaving the elephants in a state of profound despair. They sought help from a local quack, Monty the Donkey, who advised them that only the large hospital across the river could save the calf’s life.

The elephants were paralyzed by indecision, wondering how to transport the fragile calf across the waters. Observing this from a distance, the leader of the monkeys summoned his advisors. Most were vehemently opposed to helping, arguing that this was the perfect moment for retribution. However, Monu offered a different perspective. “By assisting them, we place them under a debt of gratitude forever. They will live with their shame, and we shall ensure our future safety. I have lost my own child; therefore, I have the right to speak.” The troop, moved by his wisdom, agreed.

Monu and a group of monkeys skilled in navigation approached the elephants. “Do not despair,” Monu said. “We shall ferry your calf to the hospital.” The elephant leader, overcome with contrition, whispered, “We caused you such agony, yet you offer us salvation?” Monu replied, “This is no time for discourse; we must move.” Using a raft fashioned from sturdy poles, the monkeys successfully transported the calf to the hospital. The doctors remarked that a few minutes’ delay would have been fatal.

With tears of repentance, the elephant leader bowed to the monkeys, seeking forgiveness and vowing to protect them forever. The monkey troop hailed Monu’s wisdom, realizing that mercy is more potent than malice.

Anil Kumar Gupta “Anjum”