He occasionally visited the city, where he would listen to the news on TV at teashops or eavesdrop on conversations in restaurants about the country and the world.
Thus, he grew more knowledgeable and smart. He'd also taste delicious food, as children were delighted to see him and offered him food from their plates. Dabbu would sit among them and soak up their innocent, yet clever ideas.
One day, Dabbu was sitting with his friends in the forest, when one of them remarked, "Dabbu, where do you keep disappearing to? We hardly see you anymore."
"I go to the city to learn new things. I work hard, study books and visit different places to satisfy my curiosity."
Dabbu had made quite an impression among his friends in the forest. Everyone thought that he was truly knowledgeable.
"We're so lucky; we live in the biggest forest in the world," one day, Stella * snake remarked.
Right away, Dabbu started showing off his knowledge. "What are you saying, Stella? We don't live in the biggest forest-the Amazon rainforest is the largest in the world!"
"How do you know that Dabbu?" Koko crocodile challenged.
Acting humble, Dabbu replied, "Don't you know? I don't just spend all day and all night lost in books I actually study them." Dabbu didn't want to spoil his image by admitting he had simply picked up this knowledge from overhearing things in the city.
"Oh wow, then you really are smart! You should teach our children too!" said Howly the hyena. Hearing this, Dabbu swelled up with pride.
One day, while wandering in the city, Dabbu came across a nursery school where a teacher was reciting a poem to children:
"Let's go to the moon, Let's spend all our holidays there Where there will be chocolate trees and lollipop buds Crispy biscuits for leaves swaying in the breeze Ponds of mango juice, fruit punch, and cola..."
This story is from the December First 2024 edition of Champak.
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This story is from the December First 2024 edition of Champak.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Return Gift
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