The Monkey and the Crocodile

On the banks of a river, a monkey lived in a lush jamun tree laden with sweet, purple fruit. He befriended a crocodile, sharing his harvest with the reptile every day. The crocodile took some fruit home to his wife, who loved the sweetness but grew greedy. She reasoned that if the monkey ate such sweet fruit, his heart must be the sweetest morsel of all. She demanded her husband bring her the monkey's heart. Torn between friendship and his wife, the crocodile eventually lured the monkey onto his back, promising a grand dinner at his home. In the middle of the deep river, the crocodile confessed his dark intent. Thinking quickly, the monkey laughed and said, 'My friend, I would have gladly given it, but I leave my heart on the tree for safekeeping. We must go back and get it.' The foolish crocodile swam back to the shore. As soon as they reached the bank, the monkey leaped to the highest branch, telling the crocodile that his heart was exactly where it belonged—inside his chest—and that their friendship was over.