The Day That Changed My Life

The Quarrelsome Cat and the Wise Lion

BY: Ubaid

Once upon a time, deep inside the thick forests near Bahawalpur, there lived a mighty lion who was known as the King of the Jungle. His strength was unmatched, and his roar echoed far and wide, reminding every creature who ruled the land. Alongside him served his loyal minister, a clever cheetah who not only assisted him in governance but also kept him informed about the affairs of the forest.

One bright morning, the lion decided to take a tour of his kingdom. He wanted to see for himself how the animals were living under his rule. His minister accompanied him, trotting beside him gracefully, his sharp eyes scanning the jungle. As they walked, the cheetah spoke in a respectful tone:

“Your Majesty, under your reign, peace and prosperity prevail in every corner of the forest. The deer graze without fear, the birds sing joyfully, and the rivers run clear. Every creature feels safe because they know you protect them. But…”

The lion lifted his golden mane and looked at his minister with curiosity. “But what?” he asked.

The cheetah sighed. “There is one exception, my lord. A troublesome cat roams the jungle. She is quarrelsome and constantly picking fights with others. The animals call her The Quarrelsome Cat. Her sharp tongue and fiery temper disturb the peace.”

The lion frowned. “We cannot allow anyone to spread chaos in my kingdom. This cat must be taught a lesson.”

The minister looked uneasy. “But Your Majesty, she is not only quarrelsome but also rude. I fear she might even insult you.”

The lion chuckled, his deep voice full of confidence. “Do not worry, dear minister. As the saying goes, the right trap for the right prey. I know how to deal with her.”

The two rulers of the jungle continued their inspection until the sun reached its peak. By then, they grew tired and decided to rest under the cool shade of some tall, leafy trees. The lion lay down, stretching his powerful paws, and was about to close his eyes when suddenly—thud!—something hard struck his head.

Startled and furious, the lion looked up. There, perched on a branch above him, sat a plump cat. She was chewing on a piece of meat and casually tossing bones down, not caring who they hit. One of those bones had landed on the lion himself!

The lion’s eyes narrowed. He gestured to his minister and asked quietly, “Who is this insolent creature?”

The cheetah squinted at the branch and immediately recognized her. “Your Majesty, this is the very same quarrelsome cat I warned you about.”

“Bring her to me,” the lion commanded.

The cheetah called out, “Aunty! Please come down. His Majesty wishes to speak with you.”

At once, the cat’s ears twitched, and she hissed. “What did you just call me? Aunty? Do I look that old to you? Take back your words at once!”

The lion now understood his minister had spoken the truth. This cat was not only quarrelsome but also ill-mannered. He raised a paw to silence his minister and spoke gently himself:

“Dear Madam, my foolish minister does not know how to speak with respect. On his behalf, I apologize. Please, come down. There is an important matter of governance I wish to consult you about.”

The cat paused, her anger softening as her pride was flattered. She licked her whiskers and replied, “Very well. Since you have apologized, I forgive you. Tell me, what advice do you need?”

The lion’s voice grew smoother, full of false admiration. “You are a wise and clever cat. The entire jungle knows of your intelligence and sharp wit. That is why I wish to offer you a position of honor. How would you like to become my minister?”

The cheetah’s eyes widened in shock. Had he heard correctly? Was the lion really offering his trusted position to this quarrelsome cat? But one glance from the lion reassured him—there was a plan.

The cat, on the other hand, was overjoyed. Her tail flicked excitedly, and her eyes sparkled with pride. She leapt down from the tree and strutted toward the lion, purring with delight. “Oh, Your Majesty! I am honored. Of course, I accept.”

But just as she bowed before him, the lion raised his mighty paw and struck her with a powerful blow. The cat tumbled backward, crashing against the tree. Dazed, she tried to scramble away, but the cheetah blocked her path.

“Seize her!” roared the lion.

The jungle court was assembled, and the quarrelsome cat was put on trial. Witness after witness came forward—rabbits she had bullied, birds she had insulted, and dogs she had fought with. The evidence was undeniable. She was guilty of disturbing the peace.

At last, the judgment was delivered. The cat was punished and warned never to cause trouble again. Realizing her mistake, she fell at the feet of the jungle’s animals and begged for forgiveness. From that day forward, the once-quarrelsome cat became humble. She learned to live peacefully and never again quarreled with anyone.

The lion looked at his minister with a smile. “Peace is restored. Remember, true wisdom lies not only in strength but also in knowing how to tame arrogance with intelligence.”

And so, under the reign of the wise lion, the jungle once again flourished in harmony.