In a peaceful village near a lush forest lived a farmer named Somu. He had a gentle goat named Mani. Somu was very kind to Mani, providing her with the freshest hay and grains every single morning. However, Mani was never satisfied with her simple meals; she always craved something more exciting.
One moonlit night, while Mani was wandering near the edge of the forest, a cunning fox approached her. "Why settle for dry hay, dear Mani?" the fox whispered with a grin. "Just beyond the hills, there is a magnificent orchard filled with the sweetest, juiciest mangoes. Come with me, and we shall feast like royalty!"
Mani, blinded by greed, followed the fox into the dark woods. When they reached the orchard, the scent of ripe fruit was intoxicating. Mani began eating the mangoes greedily. As her stomach grew full, she felt a surge of joy. "Oh, friend Fox! This is wonderful! I feel so happy that I just want to sing!" Mani exclaimed.
The fox, sensing danger, hissed quietly, "Please, Mani, stay silent! If you make a sound, the orchard owner will wake up and catch us. Just eat and be still."
But Mani was too caught up in her own excitement to listen. She ignored the fox's warning and let out a loud, proud bleat that echoed through the quiet night.
Within moments, the orchard owner rushed out with a heavy stick. The clever fox, seeing the commotion, quickly vanished into the shadows of the bushes. Mani, however, was trapped. The owner caught her and punished her for stealing the fruit. As Mani sat there, feeling the sting of the punishment, she realized that her lack of self-control and her trust in a dishonest friend had led her into this trouble.
Moral
Listening to bad company and losing self-control can lead to great trouble.
