In a vast, emerald forest lived a tiger named Kalinga. Kalinga was powerful and strong, but he was also quite proud and often acted unkindly toward the smaller creatures. One afternoon, while Kalinga was enjoying a meal, a sharp splinter of bone accidentally lodged itself deep in his throat.
The splinter caused immense pain. Kalinga tried to cough it out, but it wouldn't budge. He wandered through the forest, pleading with the monkeys, the deer, and the rabbits for help. However, remembering his previous harsh behavior, the animals stayed far away. 'If we help the tiger, he might just eat us next!' they whispered among themselves.
Exhausted and unable to roar, Kalinga slumped under a large banyan tree. Just then, a clever crow named Corvus flew down. Kalinga looked up with teary eyes and said, 'Corvus, please help me! A splinter is stuck in my throat. If you save me, I promise to give you a treasure beyond your wildest dreams.'
Corvus hesitated. Entering a tiger's mouth was a terrifying prospect. But seeing the genuine suffering in Kalinga's eyes, the crow decided to be brave. He hopped onto the tiger's snout and carefully reached into the tiger's open mouth. With a precise movement, he gripped the splinter and pulled it out.
Relief washed over Kalinga instantly. He let out a soft breath of thanks. Corvus, remembering the promise, asked, 'Now, Great Tiger, where is the treasure you promised me?'
Kalinga looked at the crow and said calmly, 'Corvus, the greatest treasure I can give you is my restraint. When you were inside my mouth, I chose not to snap my jaws. My gratitude is your reward.'
Though Corvus felt a little disappointed by the lack of gold or food, he flew away with a light heart, knowing that his courage had saved a life.
Moral
The true reward of kindness is the peace of mind that comes from doing the right thing.
