The Clever Rabbit and the Foolish Lion - Indian

The sun feels warm on my fur, but a chill of fear runs through our forest. My name is Shashaka, and though I am just a small rabbit, I have always believed that a quick mind is more powerful than sharp claws. Our home, once filled with the happy sounds of chattering monkeys and singing birds, has fallen under the dark shadow of a greedy lion named Bhasuraka. This is the story of The Clever Rabbit and the Foolish Lion, and how my wits became my shield. Bhasuraka hunts not because he is hungry, but for the thrill of it, and every creature from the tiniest mouse to the strongest deer lives in constant terror. To save ourselves, we made a terrible deal: each day, one animal must volunteer to go to his den to be his meal. It was a dreadful solution, but it stopped him from rampaging through our homes. Today, the lot fell to me. My friends looked at me with wide, sad eyes, but I wiggled my nose and promised them I had a plan. I would not let fear win.

My plan began with a simple, but dangerous, delay. I took my sweet time hopping toward the lion's den, nibbling on delicious clover and watching the colorful butterflies dance in the air. Can you imagine how much courage that took? I knew Bhasuraka’s pride was as big as his roar, and his impatience would make him angry and careless. When I finally arrived, he was pacing back and forth in front of his cave, his massive paws kicking up dust and his thick tail lashing like a whip. 'You tiny morsel!' he bellowed, his voice echoing through the trees. 'You dare make the king of the forest wait for his lunch?' I bowed low, making my body tremble as if I were terrified. 'Oh, mighty King,' I squeaked. 'Please forgive me. I was not alone. Five other rabbits were coming with me as a grand feast for your magnificence.' I explained that on the way, we were stopped by another lion, a huge, ferocious beast who declared that he was the new king of the forest. I told Bhasuraka that this other lion had kept the other rabbits for himself and sent me, the smallest one, to deliver the insulting message. Bhasuraka’s golden eyes burned with fury. 'Another king?' he roared, shaking his great mane. 'In my forest? Impossible! Take me to this impostor at once! I will show him who the true king is.'

I led the fuming lion across the forest, my heart thumping like a drum. We didn't go to another lion's den, of course, but to an old, deep well with stone walls. 'He lives down there, in his stone fort,' I whispered, pointing into the darkness of the well. 'He is very proud and will not come out.' Bhasuraka stomped to the edge and peered angrily into the still, dark water. He saw his own reflection staring back at him—a powerful, furious lion with a magnificent mane. Believing it was his rival, he let out a mighty roar that shook the leaves on the trees. A louder, more terrifying roar echoed back from the deep well. It was only his own echo, but in his rage, he thought it was the other lion answering his challenge. Without a second thought, Bhasuraka leaped into the well with a tremendous roar to attack the 'other king.' There was a great splash, and then, only silence. I returned to my friends and told them we were free. Our story, first written down thousands of years ago in a collection of Indian fables called the Panchatantra, was created to teach young leaders that wisdom is more powerful than brute strength. It shows that courage and a clever idea can solve even the biggest, scariest problem.