The Story of the Fake Parrots
In a dense forest, there was a large banyan tree. Many parrots resided in its branches, constantly chattering. Among them was a parrot named Mittू, who spoke little and preferred quietude. The other parrots often teased him for this, but Mittू never took offense. One day, two parrots were conversing. The first parrot said, "I once found a delicious mango. I enjoyed it all day." The second parrot replied, "I also had a mango one day, and I savored it greatly." Mittू remained silent. The chief parrot, noticing this, said, "Parrots are meant to talk; why do you remain quiet?" He continued, "You don't seem like a true parrot. You're a fake parrot." All the parrots started calling him a fake parrot, but Mittू stayed silent.
This continued. Then, one night, the chief parrot's wife's necklace was stolen. Crying, she recounted the incident, "Someone stole my necklace, and it was one of our own parrots." Hearing this, the chief immediately called a meeting. All the parrots gathered. The chief said, "My wife's necklace has been stolen, and she saw the thief fleeing. The thief is one of you." Everyone was shocked. The chief further stated that the thief had covered their beak, but their beak was visible – a red one. The entire flock's gaze fell on Mittू and another parrot named Heeru, the only two with red beaks. Everyone demanded the chief reveal the thief, but he hesitated. He worried about accusing his own. So, he sought help from a crow.
The crow was summoned to identify the thief. The crow called Heeru and Mittू to the front. "Where were you during the theft?" the crow asked. Heeru began to speak loudly, "I was very tired that day. After eating, I went to bed early that night." Mittू replied in a soft voice, "I was sleeping that night." The crow then asked, "How can you prove your innocence?" Heeru, raising his voice, said, "I was asleep that night. Everyone knows that. Mittू must have stolen it. Why is he so quiet?" Mittू stood silently. All the parrots observed. Mittू softly said, "I did not steal it."
Hearing this, the crow smiled and declared, "The thief has been found." The chief and all the parrots looked at the crow in astonishment. The crow explained, "Heeरु spoke loudly trying to make his lie seem true, while Mittू, knowing his innocence, spoke calmly. Heeरु is a talkative parrot, and you can't trust his words." Afterward, Heeru confessed his guilt and apologized to all. The parrots began to demand punishment, but Mittू said, "Chief, Heeru has admitted his mistake and apologized. This is his first offense; he should be forgiven." The chief accepted Mittू's plea and forgave Heeru.
Moral of the story - Sometimes, speaking too much can diminish our importance. Speak only when necessary.
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