Elephant And Baby Monkey

Once upon a time, there was an elephant named Monu living with a group of elephants in the forest. He was loved by other fellows due to his jovial nature and kind-heartedness. He used to talk to his elders with respect and let the babies swing in his trunk. Then one day, he saw a little baby monkey fall down and cry. This was not a habitat for monkeys hence certainly some other animal would have caught him.

Monu really liked the baby monkey and decided to save it by bringing it within their group. He decided to take care of it and provide for its needs. They named it as Peechu and nurtured him throughout.

As Peechu was growing up, he got very fond of Monu and other elephants and used to behave like them. Due to this company, Peechu never climbed trees and did not know how to do so. Nobody ever trained it to climb trees so it never occurred to him as well. However, as he continued to grow, he felt estranged because he looked so different and many elephants started distancing from him. He was no more a baby which they could play along with. Peechu was yearning for its own group.

One day Peechu tried going out of the area to find it's mates. A little further, it found one monkey and was delighted to see it. Peechu screamed, "Hey, would you be friends with me? " Other monkey was puzzled to see it walking on the grass and not climbing up. It said, " Yeah come up on the tree. I will take you to my friends ". Peechu felt disabled and embarrassed when it could not climb. The monkey laughed at him loudly and left. Peechu was heartbroken at this mockery.

He came back to Monu who was desperately searching for Peechu. He wept inconsolably in Monu's lap and told him everything. Monu understood that Peechu is grown up and it is time to leave him in his community given that it is in his best interest. However he will again be alienated there with his inability. He asked Peechu, "Did you try climbing yourself? If you try, you can climb the tree. You are a monkey so it is your natural strength. "

However, Peechu was not convinced. He was quite scared.

"How can I climb the tree? It's so high and I don't know how to climb at all. If I fall, I will die! " Monu could sense that Peechu is not aware of his potential. It was because it has never seen us climbing any tree and remaining in this cocoon has rendered it vulnerable in this situation. Monu could not show himself as the trees would fall under his weight.

Monu decided to help it out without actually helping. He talked to his friend, Bobo Bear in nearby jungle and discussed a plan between themselves to help Peechu.

Next day, Peechu was sitting alone under a tree. Suddenly Bobo came running after him with a very angry face. Peechu did not know him and did not know why it was coming towards it. He was so scared and he had to run since there was no time to ask anything. The chase went on for a while and then Bobo climbed on a tree near Peechu which scared him further but suddenly he also leapt on another tree. He could not believe how it happened. However this gave him some more confidence to keep trying. Now Bobo jumped on to the same tree where he was which forced Peechu to climb a higher branch. This time he was thrilled and started enjoying this activity. Now he could easily climb from one branch to another and could go on much higher ones.

Suddenly he saw Bobo getting down and Monu standing alongside. This got Peechu completely amazed as to why Monu was cheering the bear. Monu signalled him to come down cheerfully. Peechu followed his instructions and got down. Monu knew the questions in his mind and told him, " Dear, I understand what are you so confused. This is Bobo Bear, your uncle. I asked his help to get you rid of your fear and realize your potential. I knew that you can climb up the tree only if you can free yourself and see a way to go. Given that monkeys can imitate well, I asked for Bobo uncle's help To show you the way. I guess I was successful too., wasn't I? "All of them smiled and agreed.

Now with a heavy heart, Monu asked him to leave the place and live with other monkeys where he could feel home and learn things his way.

Peechu was a bit sad to leave but far more confident that he could make new friends on his own. They decided to meet as and when possible to stay in touch and continue this beautiful friendship.

Moral: Always trust your capabilities and potential to keep growing.