A Friend in Need

A Friend in Need – Story Number 2717

Thursday, November 14, 2024

By: Tuba Saeed

In a forest, a pair of pigeons, a male and a female, lived happily on a tree. Recently, the female had laid eggs and was now sitting on them, as the chicks were about to hatch in a few days. As the hatching day approached, the female began worrying about how they would protect their chicks. She repeatedly thought that they should make some friends who could help them during times of trouble.

When the male returned to the nest that evening, she shared her thoughts with him. Finally, they agreed that they should make a few friends.

The very next day, the pigeon flew toward another part of the forest. Along the way, he noticed a well and perched on its edge. Inside, he saw a snake. The pigeon spoke to the snake and offered friendship. The snake immediately agreed and promised that they would help each other in times of danger, even if it meant risking their lives. The pigeon accepted, and continued on his journey.

Flying and looking around, he spotted a vulture sitting on a tree. He quickly approached, explained everything, and requested friendship. The vulture immediately agreed and added that he had a good friend, an owl, who should also be included. The pigeon agreed, and the vulture called the owl. The owl also agreed to be friends and to help each other in times of need.

They made a pact that in any trouble, they would support one another. Soon, the vulture brought some grains for the pigeon, which the pigeon gratefully ate. He then got permission and returned home.

As he reached home, the female pigeon eagerly awaited him. She asked if he had made friends. The pigeon recounted everything, and she was overjoyed.

A few days passed quietly, until one evening a hunter entered the forest. He had spent the whole day hunting but had caught nothing. The hunter lay under the tree where the pigeons’ nest was, to rest. Suddenly, he noticed the nest above him and thought he might find chicks to capture. As darkness fell, the hunter lit a fire under the tree and began climbing it.

Inside the nest, the pigeons panicked, thinking about the safety of their eggs and chicks. Then the male pigeon remembered his friends. He quickly flew to fetch the vulture. Before the hunter could reach the nest, the pigeon and the vulture carried water from a nearby river in their beaks and extinguished the fire.

The hunter climbed down in frustration and attempted to relight the fire. Again, the pigeons and the vulture doused it. Irritated and tired, the hunter decided to rest and climb the tree at dawn to catch the chicks.

Meanwhile, the pigeon, sensing the hunter’s intentions, first thanked the vulture and let him go. Then he flew to the snake and explained the situation, seeking help. The snake reassured the pigeon and accompanied him to the tree. The pigeon safely returned to the nest and went to sleep, while the snake coiled around the tree trunk and waited for morning.

At dawn, when the pigeons opened their eyes, the hunter was still asleep. Once the hunter awoke, he began climbing the tree. He had barely climbed a short distance when he saw a huge snake hanging from the trunk. Terrified, the hunter lost his balance and fell to the ground, running away from the forest with his tail between his legs.

The pigeons witnessed everything. After the hunter fled, they breathed a sigh of relief and thanked the snake profusely.

Dear children, a true friend is the one who stands by you in times of difficulty.