The Boy, a Monkey and an Elephant

Once upon a time, in a lush, vibrant jungle teeming with life, there lived a spirited boy named Kavi. He had an unbreakable bond with two remarkable friends: a clever monkey named Miko and a gentle elephant named Elara. Together, they roamed the emerald canopies and winding rivers, exploring every nook and cranny of their beloved home.

One sunny morning, while playing by a sparkling stream, Kavi noticed something strange. The air was thick with tension, and the usual sounds of the jungle seemed muted. As they ventured deeper into the forest, they stumbled upon a gathering of animals—birds, deer, and even the wise old tortoise. They were all anxious, their eyes filled with fear.

“What’s wrong?” Kavi asked, kneeling beside a trembling fawn.

“It’s the humans,” the fawn whispered. “They’re coming to cut down the trees! Our home is in danger!”

Kavi felt a surge of determination. “We can’t let that happen! We have to protect our jungle!”

Miko swung from a branch and chattered excitedly. “We’ll use our skills! I can gather information and distract them. Elara can help with her strength, and you, Kavi, can rally everyone!”

Elara nodded, her large eyes filled with wisdom. “Together, we can create a plan.”

That night, the trio sat under the stars, devising their strategy. Miko would scout the area for the humans and their machines, while Elara would gather the animals to form a united front. Kavi would lead them in a peaceful protest to show the humans the beauty of their home.

The next day, Miko dashed through the trees, his nimble body weaving effortlessly among the branches. He spotted the humans setting up camp at the edge of the jungle, their chainsaws gleaming ominously in the sunlight. He returned to Kavi and Elara, breathless but determined.

“They’re getting ready to start cutting tomorrow!” Miko exclaimed. “We need to act fast!”

That evening, Kavi called together all the animals of the jungle. They gathered at a clearing where the moonlight bathed the forest in silver. Kavi stood on a rock, his heart pounding, but his voice steady.

“Friends! Our home is in danger, but together we can save it! Tomorrow, we will show the humans how much this jungle means to us. We will stand united!”

As dawn broke, the jungle was alive with activity. Elara, with her mighty presence, rallied the larger animals, while Miko flitted about, spreading the word to every corner of the forest. Kavi painted vibrant signs made from leaves and flowers, each one depicting the beauty of their home and the message: “Save Our Jungle!”

When the humans arrived the next morning, they were met not with fear, but with a magnificent display of unity. Animals of all shapes and sizes lined the path, their eyes shining with hope. Kavi stood at the forefront, holding up a sign that read, “This is our home—please don’t take it away!”

The humans paused, taken aback by the sight. Miko swung down from the tree and began performing acrobatic tricks, drawing laughter and attention. Elara trumpeted, her voice echoing through the jungle, reminding everyone of the strength of their bond. The humans, witnessing the resilience and beauty of the jungle and its inhabitants, began to reconsider their actions. They saw the vibrant life surrounding them, the intricate balance of the ecosystem, and the fear in the eyes of the creatures who called it home. After a tense moment, the human leader stepped forward.

“We didn’t realise how much this forest means to you. We will rethink our plans.”

Cheers erupted from the animals as they celebrated their victory. The humans, moved by the display of unity and love for the jungle, decided to leave the forest untouched. From that day forward, Kavi, Miko, and Elara became guardians of the jungle, ensuring that its beauty would be preserved for future generations. The bonds they forged that day with their fellow creatures became stronger, and their home thrived once more, a testament to the power of friendship and the fight for what is right. And so, the jungle remained a sanctuary of life, where every creature had a voice, and every sound echoed the spirit of unity that saved their home. 

The Devotees – Abstract

EARTH

Once upon a time, in a tranquil village nestled amidst lush meadows and rolling hills, there lived a remarkable woman named Lila. Lila possessed an extraordinary connection with the Earth, transcending the ordinary bounds of human existence. She was drawn to the natural world from a young age, finding solace and inspiration in every facet.

Lila’s affinity for the Earth was evident in her daily rituals. As dawn painted the sky with hues of gold, she would rise barefoot to greet the rising sun. With each step she took, she could feel the pulse of the Earth beneath her feet, as though it whispered ancient secrets only she could comprehend. Lila would spend hours tending to her garden, nurturing delicate blossoms and cultivating vibrant vegetables.

Her hands seemed to possess an innate understanding of the soil’s needs as if the Earth itself guided her movements. Beyond her garden, Lila’s devotion to the Earth extended to the larger world. She would embark on long walks through the woods, tracing the intricate patterns of sunlight filtering through the foliage. She would listen intently to the rustle of leaves, feeling the rhythm of the wind as it danced through the branches.

Lila would often sit beneath the sheltering embrace of a mighty oak, her heart beating in tune with the Earth’s pulse. In these moments, she would offer her gratitude and prayers, whispering words of reverence for the beauty and abundance bestowed upon her. Word of Lila’s connection with the Earth spread throughout the village, captivating the hearts and minds of its inhabitants. They witnessed the bountiful harvests from her garden, the vibrant flora that adorned her home, and the serenity that emanated from her very being. Some began to seek her counsel, seeking guidance on how to nurture their own connection with the Earth. Lila embraced each person with open arms, imparting her wisdom and encouraging them to listen to the Earth’s whispers.

As seasons passed, however, Lila noticed a change in the world around her. The meadows that once bloomed with wildflowers began to wither, and the once-clear streams turned murky. The Earth’s bountiful gifts started to dwindle, leaving Lila with a heavy heart. She could feel the Earth’s distress; an ache mirrored her own. Driven by her unwavering love, Lila resolved to restore her beloved Earth to its former glory.

She gathered the villagers, sharing her vision of a sustainable future, one in which they would nurture and protect the Earth they depended upon. Together, they planted trees, erected rainwater harvesting systems, and established community gardens. Lila’s voice became a beacon of hope, inspiring others to rekindle their connection with the Earth and become stewards of the land. Years passed, and the village transformed into a vibrant oasis of sustainable living. The meadows once again burst forth with wildflowers, and the streams flowed crystal clear. Nature flourished, and the villagers thrived in harmony with the Earth. Lila’s devotion sparked a movement, a testament to the power of a single individual’s love for the Earth.

As Lila sat beneath her favourite oak tree in her twilight years, she reflected on her journey. She had dedicated her life to the Earth, and in return, the Earth had gifted her with purpose, fulfilment, and a deep sense of belonging. Lila’s legacy endured through the generations as the village and its inhabitants continued to honour and protect the Earth. As Lila’s time on this earthly plane drew to a close, the villagers gathered to express their gratitude and bid her farewell. They spoke of her unwavering dedication, her gentle spirit, and the profound impact she had made on their lives. Lila smiled, her eyes reflecting the wisdom and contentment of a life well-lived. On that final day, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Lila closed her eyes one last time, surrendering her spirit to the embrace of the Earth she had cherished so deeply.

The villagers mourned her passing but found solace in the knowledge that her legacy would live on, carried within their hearts and woven into the very fabric of their community. And so, the story of the woman who worshipped the Earth became a legend, whispered among the generations that followed. The tale reminded them of the profound connection between humanity and nature, of the importance of stewardship and reverence for the world that sustains us all. From that day forward, the villagers vowed to continue Lila’s work, to nurture the Earth and keep her memory alive. They recognized that the Earth was not merely a provider of resources but a living entity deserving of respect and love.

Lila’s legacy became a guiding light, inspiring others far and wide to cultivate their own relationships with the Earth and to embrace the responsibility of being its custodians. And so, the story of Lila, the woman who worshipped the Earth, continues to ripple through time, reminding us of the profound beauty and interconnectedness of all life. May her devotion serve as a reminder that, in our own unique ways, we, too, can forge a deep bond with the Earth, becoming guardians and advocates for the precious planet we call home!