The Rooster’s Clever Escape: A Lesson in Cunning
In a battle of wits, a wise rooster outsmarts a cunning fox, proving that brains beat brawn every time
In a peaceful village surrounded by thick woods, there lived a small but clever rooster named Babu. He was a pure white rooster with a bright red comb and a magnificent voice. Every morning, without fail, Babu would crow at the first light of dawn, awakening the villagers. His crow was so melodious and loud that even the farthest corners of the village would hear it. The villagers loved him, especially the children, who would rush to the courtyard just to listen to his beautiful morning song.
But as always, admiration attracts jealousy.
In the dense forest near the village, there lived a sly fox named Chambeli. Chambeli was known far and wide for her sharp mind and cunning tricks. She had a reputation for outsmarting animals much larger and stronger than herself. However, for the past few days, she had been struggling to find food. The forest was quiet, and the animals had grown wary of her schemes. One morning, as Chambeli prowled the woods in search of her next meal, she heard Babu’s familiar crow in the distance. Her eyes lit up with greed.
“That rooster must be fat and tender,” Chambeli thought to herself as she imagined devouring him for breakfast. Her stomach rumbled at the thought.
Determined to catch him, Chambeli devised a plan. The very next morning, she quietly made her way to the village. She crawled through the bushes, being careful not to make a sound, and slowly approached Babu’s coop. Just as Babu was about to let out his signature crow, he sensed something moving nearby. His sharp instincts kicked in, and he immediately stopped, raising his head to scan the surroundings.
“Who's there?” Babu called out, his voice filled with authority.
Out from behind the bushes, Chambeli appeared with a sly smile. “Oh, Babu! I’ve been listening to your beautiful calls every morning. Your voice is so magical, it touches my heart,” she said, her tone sweet and charming.
Babu eyed her suspiciously. “Really? A fox is admiring my crowing?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.
Chambeli, seeing that Babu was not easily fooled, quickly added, “Yes, Babu! I’ve changed. I no longer hunt other animals. I live on grains, fruits, and vegetables now. I want to be your friend. Your voice is so beautiful that I’ve entered you into a contest for the best call in the forest!”
Babu remained cautious. “A contest? What contest are you talking about?”
Chambeli smiled wider. “It’s a competition hosted by the king of the forest, the great lion. The prize is a grand feast and the honor of being the lion’s guest of honor at the palace. I truly believe your crow is the best, and I’ve entered your name!”
This caught Babu’s attention, but his wisdom told him to be wary. “Where is this competition being held, and how do I know you’re telling the truth?”
Chambeli responded smoothly, “I will take you there. But first, you need to rest for a bit. Go ahead and clean your feathers. I’ll stand behind that tree and wait.”
Babu nodded, but as soon as Chambeli turned her back, he knew he had to be careful. He signaled to a nearby pigeon perched on a branch. “Fly to the village and warn them about the fox! Tell them to be ready.”
The pigeon took off, flapping its wings and calling out, “Fox! Fox is here!”
Babu waited calmly while Chambeli remained unaware of the message being sent. The villagers quickly gathered, armed with sticks and tools. As they approached, Chambeli heard the commotion and turned to flee, but Babu had already prepared for this moment.
With a triumphant crow, Babu called out, “Run now, Miss Chambeli, before it’s too late!”
Chambeli panicked and dashed into the forest, disappearing among the trees, her heart racing with defeat. The villagers cheered and praised Babu for his cleverness.
Babu calmly looked at the villagers and said, “Remember this: not every compliment is sincere, and not every fox’s smile is friendly.”
The children clapped with joy and admiration, thrilled by Babu’s smart escape. The wise rooster had once again saved himself and taught the villagers an important lesson.
Babu perched on his favorite spot as the sun began to set, knowing that wisdom and caution would always be his best defense against trickery. He had faced the fox’s deception and won, all because he trusted his instincts and used his intellect.
---
Moral:
This story reminds us that wisdom and wit are often far stronger than physical strength. Falling for flattery can lead to danger, and true wisdom comes from thinking carefully and being aware of others’ intentions. Babu’s cleverness saved him, and he taught everyone a valuable lesson about the power of patience and caution in the face of deceit.
About the Creator
Noman Afridi
I’m Noman Afridi — welcome, all friends! I write horror & thought-provoking stories: mysteries of the unseen, real reflections, and emotional truths. With sincerity in every word. InshaAllah.
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