In the heart of a lush jungle lived a magnificent golden tiger named Sheru and a quiet black panther named Kalu. Sheru was very proud of his bright, striped coat. He often teased Kalu, saying, 'Look at me, Sheru! My colors shine like the sun. But you, Kalu, are so dark that you look like a mere shadow. You have no beauty at all!' Kalu would simply smile and continue his walk through the trees.
One afternoon, the peace of the jungle was broken by the heavy footsteps of hunters. They had brought strong nets and cages to capture the forest animals. Suddenly, Sheru’s young cubs wandered into a trap and were caught in a large net. Sheru tried to rush to them, but his bright orange fur made him stand out instantly against the green leaves. The hunters spotted him immediately and blocked his path with heavy ropes.
Seeing Sheru in trouble, Kalu decided to act. Because of his deep black coat, Kalu could move through the shadows without being seen. He crept silently toward the hunters, looking like nothing more than a moving patch of darkness. Before the hunters could react, Kalu jumped out and startled them, causing them to drop their gear and flee in fear. In the confusion, the cubs were freed.
Sheru realized that his beautiful stripes, which he was so proud of, had actually made him a target. It was Kalu's 'plain' dark coat that had saved them all. Sheru approached Kalu with humility and said, 'I was wrong to mock you. Your strength and your colors saved my family.' From that day on, they were inseparable friends.
Moral
True value lies in usefulness and character, not in outward appearance.
