The Grot

Once upon a time, in a jungle lived a strong lion who was the king of the jungle. He had some helpers, who were- the wolf, the fox, the leopard, the tiger, the vulture and the eagle. They all, including the lion, were cruel and often tortured other animals.

All the other animals disliked them. One night, they had a meeting, when the king and his helpers were asleep.

“This has to end!” said the monkey. “It’s not possible. The king is too strong and his helpers are ferocious. They are afraid of nothing!” said the bear. 

The deer, however, knew something.” The only thing they are afraid of are the elephants. But how can we make them go close to them before they realize it?” asked the deer.

Chetak, the elephant, had an idea. “Listen, I have a way to finish that ungrateful lion. Now, all we have to do is……”

By the next day, the plan was ready. In the morning, the monkey, deer and the bear went to the king. 

“What do you want?” asked the king. “Well, your majesty, we have come to inform you that there is a new animal in this forest,” said the monkey. 

“A NEW ANIMAL IN THIS FOREST WITHOUT ME KNOWING ABOUT IT!!?? BRING THIS ANIMAL HERE AT ONCE!” the lion thundered. “As you wish, your majesty,” said the deer.

As per his wishes, the animal was brought to him. What an animal! It was huge and fully black, except its belly, which was white, it had a long colourful tail, feathers where its ears should have been.

It had 4 eyes, yes! 4 eyes! two below the feathers and the other two on a snake-like black tube thing. It also had a beak below the eyes, which opened and closed when it talked, on its back were green coloured wings, swaying in the wind. It had 3 sharp claws on each foot.

The king and his helper were astonished. What a strange-looking animal! The monkey deer and bear knew who it was. It was Chetak! He had disguised himself and came in front of the king in this strange way!

“Hezo, ma king” He said, in a slow and low tone.

The king didn’t understand what he said. Then, Chetak picked up a bowl of yellow apples in his fake beak. 

“This is for you, ma kin. Thi golde apels will mak yo immortal” said Chetak. “Immortal! I must have one” thought the king. “Bring it here, but first, who and what are you?” he asked. 

“yr majesti, I’m a grot. Yu can identify a grot by itz 4 eyes. We ar on of th most mytireeus animal on thi planet” He said. 

“HMM…. Bring it here Grot, I must have one of those” said the king. 

The closer Chetak went to the king, the more suspicious the helpers became. ‘Why doesn't he give the bowl to us? We are supposed to give anything to the king. Even the lion is saying nothing!” whispered to the fox. “Maybe he doesn't know the rules here” the wolf whispered back. 

When Chetak was as close as he could get to the lion, he said “Oh kin, her ar yr aples” As the lion was going to take one, Chetak suddenly stood up on his hind legs and then hit down his front legs on the lion and squashed him. The lion finally met his fate.

His helpers were shocked. Chetak turned to them and said “I HAVE CRUSHED YOUR MASTER. BE GONE BEFORE YOU ARE NEXT!” he shouted. 

Hearing this, they all ran away, never to be seen again.

The other animals thanked Chetak for thinking of such a great idea. In return for freeing them, they made him their new king.

Peace regained in the jungle and everyone lived happily ever after.

THE END!