The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse
Once upon a time, in a quiet and lush countryside, lived a mouse named Gramya. He was simple-hearted and hardworking, living in a cozy burrow beneath an old oak tree. His days were spent gathering grains, berries, and roots from the surrounding fields. One day, his cousin from the city, Nagariya, came to visit him. Nagariya lived in a grand mansion and was accustomed to a life of luxury and bustle. Gramya welcomed him warmly and offered him a meal of fresh barley and clear spring water. Nagariya looked at the food with disdain and said, 'My dear cousin, how can you survive on such bland food? You must come with me to the city. I will show you what real living is like. We have feasts that you could only dream of!' Curious and excited, Gramya agreed to accompany Nagariya to the city. When they arrived, Gramya was overwhelmed by the towering buildings and the constant noise. They entered a magnificent dining room in a grand mansion. The table was laden with the remains of a lavish banquet - expensive cheeses, sweet cakes, and exotic fruits. Gramya's eyes widened with wonder. Just as he was about to take a bite of a delicious piece of cheese, the heavy door swung open with a bang. 'Run for your life!' whispered Nagariya. They scrambled into a dark, narrow hole, their hearts pounding. After some time, they cautiously emerged, only to be terrified again by the barking of a massive mastiff. This happened repeatedly throughout the night. Gramya realized that while the food was indeed exquisite, the constant fear was unbearable. He turned to Nagariya and said, 'Cousin, you may keep your fine silks and gourmet meals. I prefer my simple grains in the safety of my quiet fields. A crust eaten in peace is far better than a banquet partaken in fear.' With that, Gramya bid farewell and returned to his peaceful countryside home.
💡 Moral
A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in fear.
📝 स्पष्टीकरण (Explanation)
This story illustrates that material wealth and luxury have no value if they come at the expense of one's peace and safety. It teaches students to value security and contentment over dangerous extravagance.