One day, Toto, the tortoise saw Monty, the monkey walking slowly.
“What’s the matter, Monty? Why are you walking like a tortoise?” asked Toto. “If the tiger comes by, you will be an easy prey. Quickly run and climb a tree!”
“I hurt my legs while playing this morning, so I can’t walk fast,” replied Monty sadly.
“In that case, sit on my back. I’ll drop you wherever you have to go,” offered Toto.
Monty brightened up at the idea. “Thank you, Toto. Please drop me near the mango tree on the banks of the river. It has low branches so I will be able to climb it easily,” said Monty, climbing onto Toto’s back.
Toto dropped Monty near the mango tree and told him, “Do let me know whenever you need to go somewhere. I will be happy to take you there on my back.”
Then on, whenever Monty wanted to go anywhere, he would call for Toto who would promptly shuttle Monty from one place to another on his back. This went on for several days.
One day, Toto said to Monty, “Now that your legs are fine again, you should walk on your own. Otherwise, you’ll forget how to walk!”
“Just because you helped me out for a few of days, you have started lecturing me now? I don’t have to listen to your advice!” said Monty angrily. He kicked Toto so hard that he fell on his back.
“What have you done? Put me back on my feet or I won’t be able to move!” said Toto, struggling.
“I will help you only if you promise to continue carrying me from one place to place,” said Monty sternly.
“I am the one who helped you out in the first place, and now you are bullying me! Just put me back on my feet,” said Toto, waving his legs in the air.
“In that case, you can lie upside down until you agree to what I said,” threatened Monty.
Just then, Egor, the elephant happened to pass by. “Hey, what’s happening here? Why are you laying like that, Toto? That too, in the middle of the path! What if I or some animal steps on you by mistake?” he said.
“I am not lying upside down on purpose. Monty pushed me,” said Toto.
More from Champak: Rancho’s Challenge
“Why?” Egor asked puzzled.
When Toto narrated the whole story to him, Egor was enraged. He caught Monty with his trunk and hung him upside down. “How do you feel now, Monty?” asked Egor.
“Please put me down! It’s very uncomfortable!” pleaded Monty.
“You did the same to Toto. You threatened to let him lie like that until he agrees to you. Now, I am going to let you hang upside down till you realise your mistake,” said Egor.
“I realise now. Toto, I am sorry for bullying you. I will not behave that way again,” said Monty.
Egor put Monty down and helped Toto get on his feet, and went on his way. Toto and Monty continued to remain friends.
COMMENT