All the animals at Shantivan were eagerly waiting for the monsoons. Everyone had made plans for the season and shared them with each other.
“Raindrops make me happy! When it rains, I will dance to my hearts content,” said Peeko peahen.
“This scorching heat is making my flesh burn. When the monsoon arrives, I will bathe all day long,” growled Bholu bear.
“Even I cannot wait any longer. How exciting will it be if it rains tomorrow!” Charlie monkey exclaimed.
A week had passed and not even a drop of rain was in sight. Peeko anxiously gazed at the sky, wondering where the rain had gone.
She saw Charlie hanging from a branch and said, “The monsoon season should have been here by now. When will I get a chance to dance?”
Charlie comforted her, “Maybe, the monsoons are late. But don’t worry, it will rain soon.”
A few more days passed and still there was no sign of the rain. Peeko couldn’t take it and thought Harry horse would have an answer.
“Oh Harry, when will the monsoon arrive?” asked Peeko. “Peeko, have some patience. The arrival of monsoon is certain,” neighed Harry.
Peeko walked ahead and saw Bholu bear staring at the sky. Peeko asked Bholu the same question.
“I can’t explain. There are some dark clouds in the sky. But I don’t understand why it’s not raining,” replied Bholu.
Peeko looked up at the sky. The dark clouds were visible.
“Let’s ask Kitey eagle. Perhaps, she will know where the rain has gone,” Peeko said as she saw Kitey fly closer to the clouds.
Peeko called out to her, “Kitey! Kitey!”
“What happened, Peeko? Why are you calling me?” Kitey asked as she landed near Peeko.
“Kitey, there are so many dark clouds in the sky. Then why is it not raining?”
asked Peeko.
“Let me check,” Kitey replied.
Kitey flew up into the sky and returned soon. She explained, “Peeko, the dark clouds that you’re seeing in the sky are not rain clouds.”
“What do you mean? We all know that dark clouds are rain clouds,” interrupted Bholu.
“Yes, Bholu. But these aren’t rain clouds. They are clouds of smoke that have gathered here because of pollution in the environment. The poisonous smoke looks like clouds and has spread like a blanket all over Shantivan. Until this smoke clears, it will not rain,” said Kitey.
Peeko and Bholu were terrified. They began to think of a solution.
“Bholu, we must clear out these polluted clouds. Otherwise, we will never receive rain and our rivers and ponds will dry out,” said Peeko.
“Peeko, how do you intend to clear out these clouds? I think it’s impossible,”
said Kitey.
“It might be a difficult task but I will try. In fact, if we all work together, we will be able to reduce pollution,” said Peeko, confidently.
“What can we do, Peeko? How can we reduce pollution?” asked Bholu.
“The biggest reasons for pollution are the increased number of vehicles, burning of garbage and cutting of trees. We need to make the animals of Shantivan aware of these causes so that they stop polluting the air,” replied Peeko.
They immediately got to work and made posters and pamphlets that listed the causes of pollution.
To make the posters attractive, Peeko added pictures of plants, trees, mountains, barren land and rivers. Kitey helped to distribute the pamphlets.
Peeko and Kitey also hung the posters on the branches of roadside trees. Bright and colourful posters caught the attention of many animals.
Bholu and Peeko went around Shantivan and made announcements of the benefits of being eco-friendly. They appealed to the animals to use bicycles instead of cars and motorcycles to reduce pollution and welcome rain.
Kitey spread the word that if more trees were planted, pollution would lessen. She also monitored illegal activities like cutting trees.
All the animals of Shantivan took up these eco-friendly initiatives. With the help of Peeko, they planted trees and stopped using cars to work. Soon enough, their hard work showed results. The dark clouds of smoke began to clear and the clouds of rain made their way.
The rain clouds rumbled and soon began to pour. Peeko could finally dance! It was the best dance the animals of Shantivan had ever seen. All the animals joined Peeko and danced with joy
good story