The Hunter and the Doves

Once upon a time, in a quiet forest, a flock of doves lived peacefully under a big banyan tree. Every morning, they flew out together in search of food and returned together by sunset. Their leader was wise and always reminded them, “Stay united, and we will always be safe.” One day, a hunter came to the forest and spread a large net under the tree. He sprinkled grains over it to trap the birds. When the doves returned from their search, they saw the grains and flew down excitedly, unaware of the danger. Within seconds, they were caught in the net. The doves panicked. They fluttered their wings and cried out, but the net held them tightly. The hunter began walking toward them with a sack in hand. Just then, the dove leader shouted, “Don’t panic! If we all fly up together, we can lift this net. Unity is our strength!” Listening to their leader, all the doves flapped their wings at the same time. Slowly but surely, the entire net rose into the air—with all the doves still inside! The hunter watched in shock as the birds flew away with his trap. The doves carried the net far away to a mouse friend who lived near a river. The kind mouse quickly chewed through the ropes and set them free. The doves thanked their leader, their friend, and each other. From that day on, they never forgot that working together can overcome even the greatest danger.