Once upon a time, in a small village surrounded by lush green fields and thick forests, there lived a cock named Chintu. Chintu was no ordinary cock; he was known throughout the village for his intelligence and quick thinking. Every morning, he would climb to the top of the barn and crow loudly, waking the entire village to start their day. The villagers loved him for his punctuality, and he was considered a symbol of the village's prosperity.
Not far from the village, in the dense forest, lived a cunning and wicked fox named Firoz. Firoz was always on the lookout for easy prey. Over time, he had heard about Chintu, the wise cock, and decided that he wanted to catch and eat him. However, Firoz knew that Chintu was not easy prey. He had heard tales of Chintu outsmarting other predators, and he knew he would have to come up with a clever plan to catch him.
One day, Firoz decided to put his plan into action. He waited until dusk, when the sun was setting and the shadows were growing longer. As the night began to creep in, Firoz made his way silently toward the village. He moved carefully, making sure not to make any noise that would alert Chintu or the villagers.
When he reached the edge of the village, Firoz hid behind a large bush near the barn where Chintu roosted. He knew that Chintu would be perched on the top of the barn, watching over the village, as he did every evening. From his hiding place, Firoz watched as Chintu settled down on his perch, his bright red comb glowing in the fading light.
Firoz decided to try his luck with flattery. He stepped out from behind the bush and called out to Chintu in a sweet, melodious voice, "Oh, Chintu! The pride of the village, the most handsome and wisest of all cocks! I have traveled far and wide, and I have never seen a cock as magnificent as you."
Chintu, being wise, knew better than to trust a fox. He recognized Firoz immediately and understood that the fox was up to no good. However, Chintu decided to play along to see what the fox was planning.
"Thank you, Firoz," Chintu replied in a calm and measured tone. "It is rare to receive such compliments from someone as well-traveled as yourself. But tell me, what brings you to our village at this hour?"
Firoz, sensing that his flattery was working, continued, "Dear Chintu, I have heard of your great wisdom and bravery. I have come to offer you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I have heard the most beautiful singing in the forest, and I believe that with your magnificent voice, you could join in and create the most enchanting melody the world has ever heard. The birds of the forest would be honored to have you join them."
Chintu knew that the fox was lying, but he was curious to hear more. "That sounds interesting, Firoz," he said. "But why should I leave my safe and comfortable perch here in the village to follow you into the dark forest?"
Firoz, thinking he had Chintu hooked, replied, "Oh, wise Chintu, you deserve to be heard by more than just the villagers. Imagine, your voice echoing through the forest, admired by all the creatures who live there. You could be famous, not just in this village, but throughout the entire forest. I assure you, there is no danger. The forest is peaceful, and the other animals will welcome you with open arms."
Chintu smiled inwardly, knowing that the fox was trying to lure him into a trap. But he pretended to be interested. "You make a compelling argument, Firoz," Chintu said thoughtfully. "But how do I know that you are telling the truth? How can I be sure that this is not some trick to get me into the forest where I could be easily captured?"
Firoz, who was getting impatient, quickly responded, "I understand your concern, Chintu. But I swear on my honor that I have no intention of harming you. I only wish to see you recognized for the great talent that you are. I promise you will be safe, and I will personally escort you back to the village once you have finished singing."
Chintu knew that the fox's promises were empty, but he decided to turn the tables on Firoz. He said, "Very well, Firoz. I will come with you to the forest. But before I do, I must perform my evening dance on this perch. It is a tradition I have followed for many years, and I cannot break it."
Firoz, eager to get Chintu off the perch and into the forest, agreed. "Of course, Chintu. Take your time. I will wait here patiently."
Chintu began his dance, flapping his wings and crowing loudly. As he danced, he moved closer and closer to the edge of the perch. Firoz watched intently, his mouth watering at the thought of finally catching the clever cock. But just as Chintu was about to reach the edge, he suddenly leaped into the air and flew to the top of a tall tree nearby.
Firoz was stunned. He had not expected Chintu to fly away. "What are you doing, Chintu?" Firoz called out, trying to hide his frustration. "Come down from there and let's go to the forest!"
Chintu looked down at Firoz from his new perch and said, "Oh, Firoz, I appreciate your invitation, but I have changed my mind. You see, I know that you are not to be trusted. You may have fooled other animals with your sweet words, but I am too wise to fall for your tricks."
Firoz realized that his plan had failed, and there was no way he could catch Chintu now. He cursed under his breath and slunk back into the forest, defeated.
Chintu watched as the fox disappeared into the trees. He knew that he had made the right decision by not trusting Firoz. From that day on, Chintu continued to live happily in the village, waking the villagers each morning with his crow. The villagers were even more grateful for their wise cock, who had once again outsmarted a cunning predator.
And as for Firoz, he never returned to the village. He had learned his lesson: that cleverness and wickedness are no match for true wisdom.
The moral of the story is that intelligence and caution are far more valuable than falling for sweet words and empty promises. It's always wise to think carefully and not be swayed by flattery, especially from those who may not have your best interests at heart.
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