The War of Crows and Owls

Dadi: "Guddu, come sit with me. Tonight I'll tell you a story about why some birds never became friends."

Guddu: "Which birds, Dadi?"

Dadi: "Crows and owls, beta. Long, long ago, all the birds of the forest had a big meeting - swans, parrots, peacocks, doves... everyone except Garuda, their king, who was too busy serving Lord Vishnu."

Guddu: "So they had no king?"

Dadi: "Exactly! And you know what happens when there's no leader? Everyone starts arguing. They decided they needed a new king. And guess who they chose?"

Guddu: "Who?"

Dadi: "The owl! Because owls can see in the dark, and all birds feel scared at night. They thought an owl king would protect them. They prepared a grand coronation with holy water, decorated throne, everything!"

Guddu: "So the owl became king?"

Dadi: "Wait, beta. Just as the owl was walking towards the throne, a crow flew in late. "What's happening here?" he asked. When they explained, the crow said something very rude."

Guddu: "What did he say?"

Dadi: "He said the owl was ugly, had a crooked nose and angry eyes, and couldn't even see during daytime! "Why make a blind, ugly bird your king when Garuda's name alone scares enemies away?""

Guddu: "That's so mean, Dadi!"

Dadi: "It was, beta. But you know what happened? The other birds listened. One by one, they left. The owl sat there alone with his wife, confused and humiliated."

Guddu: "Poor owl..."

Dadi: "The owl's wife told him what happened. And the owl, trembling with anger, declared: "From today, owls and crows are enemies forever!""

Guddu: "Forever? Just because of that one crow?"

Dadi: "Yes, beta. And here's the sad part - even that crow felt bad later. He thought, "Why did I speak without being asked? Now all crows will have powerful owls as enemies.""

Guddu: "So one person's words caused a war between whole species?"

Dadi: "That's the lesson, Guddu. Words, once spoken, cannot be taken back. Before giving your opinion, especially when no one asked, think - is it kind? Is it necessary? Will it help?"

Guddu: "Like when I told Rohit his drawing was bad... maybe I shouldn't have."

Dadi: "Exactly, my wise boy. Sometimes the bravest thing is not speaking first, but knowing when to stay quiet. Now, shall I get you some warm milk before bed?"

Guddu: "Yes please, Dadi. And tomorrow, I'll say something nice to Rohit about his drawing."

Dadi: "That's my good boy. *kisses his forehead* Sometimes the bravest thing is not speaking first, but knowing when to stay quiet."