The Monkey and the Soldier

Shahab was a kind-hearted and compassionate soldier. One day, he was returning to his village to spend his leave. On his way, he had to pass through a dense forest. As he rode through, he noticed a thorny bush shaking violently. Curious and cautious, he dismounted his horse, drew his sword, and called out: “Who’s there? Come forward, or I will cut you into pieces!”

There was no reply, so Shahab repeated his words and circled around to approach the bush from another side. Inside, he found a monkey trapped badly in the thorns, struggling to escape. Startled at the sight of a human, the monkey froze and closed its eyes in fear. Shahab carefully began cutting through the thorns with his sword and soon reached the trapped animal.

He gently freed the monkey from the thorns. Although safe, the monkey was still trembling with fear. Shahab took some herbs from his bag, prepared a paste, and applied it to the monkey’s injuries before continuing on his way. After walking a short distance, he suddenly heard a voice calling behind him: “Wait, kind one!”

Turning back, he saw the same monkey following him. The monkey said, “I am grateful to you. At first, I thought you were a cruel hunter, but you are a compassionate human. I will stay with you and serve you in every way I can.”

Shahab replied, “Your company is not suitable for me. I am a soldier on leave, going to my village. It is better for you to live freely in the forest.”

However, the monkey refused to leave and continued following him. The monkey had a peculiar habit—it could never sit idle and always wanted to be of service to its benefactor. Shahab tried various ways to distract it during the journey, but it remained persistently at his side. Eventually, they reached Shahab’s village.

Shahab’s mother was overjoyed to see him. She hugged him tightly and said, “You’ve returned after so many days. Now I won’t let you go so soon. I’ll feed you well and make you as strong as Afzal Halwai’s boys.”

Shahab laughed and replied, “Mother, if I become fat, how will I fight enemies? I might even be dismissed from the army!”

As they spoke, the monkey, who had stayed outside, climbed over the wall and jumped into the house. His mother shouted, “Where did this monkey come from? Shahab! Take your sword and drive him away!”

Shahab said calmly, “Mother, this monkey is with me.”

His mother was astonished: “Are you in the army or a circus? Why have you brought this monkey with you? Your ancestors were soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country, and now you’ve become a caretaker for a monkey!”

Shahab explained to his mother how the monkey had attached itself to him. She smiled and said, “Well, you did a good deed. Now rest; I’ll make some parathas for you.”

The monkey climbed down and approached Shahab, asking, “Tell me a task—I cannot stay idle without serving you.

Shahab, hoping to get rid of it, said, “Go fetch me some water.” The monkey jumped over the wall and ran off to collect water. His mother brought parathas and asked, “Where did the monkey go?”

Shahab replied, “He is always asking for work. I sent him to fetch water; perhaps he won’t return immediately.”

The next day, Shahab prepared to leave the village. Following his mother’s advice, he took the monkey with him to the forest where they had first met. He handed the monkey a water container with tiny holes, asking him to fill it. The monkey busied himself attempting to fill the leaky container, allowing Shahab to continue his journey unhindered.

Meanwhile, the monkey remained occupied with fetching water, unaware that its master had safely returned to his military cantonment. \

Thus, Shahab’s compassion saved the monkey, yet his intelligence allowed him to continue his duties without interruption. The monkey remained in the forest, safe and engaged, while Shahab resumed his life as a dedicated soldier.