Baula the Truthful Cow

In a quiet little village, surrounded by tall green fields and gentle hills, lived a calm brown cow named Baula. Her big round eyes were always full of kindness. Baula had a sweet little calf, with white spots on her body and a pink nose. The villagers lovingly called the calf Bauli.

Every morning, when the golden sun rose, Baula would leave for the jungle nearby to graze on soft green grass. She always promised to return by afternoon to feed her little Bauli. And every evening, the sound of Baula’s bells made Bauli jump with joy and run in circles.

One morning, however, the scene was different. As Baula got ready to leave, Bauli’s heart felt heavy. She tugged at her mother’s side and began to cry softly.

“Amma, please don’t go today,” Bauli pleaded, her small eyes filling with tears.

Baula nuzzled her gently and said in a warm voice, “Oh my dear child, don’t be sad. I must go to graze, else I won’t have strength. By the afternoon, I will surely return and feed you. Be brave, my Bauli.”

Bauli sniffled but nodded. She trusted her mother’s words, though her heart still felt uneasy. Baula rang her bell cheerfully and walked towards the forest path.

A gentle brown cow with a bell around her neck, and a small white-spotted calf looking up sadly. — V

The jungle was peaceful that day. Birds sang from the trees, and monkeys chattered. Baula munched on fresh grass happily. But as the sun began to set behind the trees, she turned back towards the village, thinking lovingly of her calf.

Suddenly, her ears twitched. The bushes nearby rustled. Out jumped a huge tiger, his eyes glowing like fire, his tail swishing slowly.

Baula froze. Her heart pounded with fear.

The tiger growled, “Cow! I am hungry. Today you shall be my food.”

Baula trembled but tried to stay calm. She thought of Bauli waiting at home. Gathering courage, she said, “O mighty tiger, I am indeed in your power. But I have a small request. Please allow me to go home and feed my hungry calf once. Then, I promise I will return here. You may do as you wish after that.”

The tiger narrowed his eyes suspiciously. “You think I will believe you? No animal would return to danger after being set free!”

Baula’s voice was steady though her heart was racing. “I speak the truth. My Bauli is waiting with an empty stomach. How can a mother break her child’s trust? I will surely come back.”

For a moment, the tiger was confused. He had never heard such honest words before. Finally, he nodded. “Go then. But remember, if you do not return, I shall come looking for you.”

Baula hurried back to the village. As soon as Bauli saw her mother, she leapt with joy, her earlier sadness melting into happiness.

“Amma, Amma! I knew you would come!” Bauli cried, pushing her head into Baula’s side.

Baula smiled gently and fed her calf with love. For a few moments, she forgot all fear, feeling only the warmth of being with her child. But deep inside, she remembered her promise to the tiger.

When Bauli finally lay down, full and content, Baula licked her forehead tenderly. Tears filled Baula’s eyes, but she whispered, “My child, always remember: truth must never be broken.”

Taking a deep breath, Baula turned and walked back towards the forest.

A large tiger standing in the forest path, staring in surprise at a cow returning bravely. — Deep ju

The tiger could not believe his eyes when Baula returned. His mouth fell open in shock.

“You really came back!” the tiger exclaimed. “No one has ever kept such a promise to me before. You could have easily stayed safe in your village.”

Baula bowed her head humbly. “I gave you my word. And a mother who breaks her word will lose her honour before her child. I could not teach Bauli falsehood.”

For a long while, the tiger remained silent. Then slowly, his fierce expression softened. “Cow, today you have taught me something greater than my hunger. Your truth and courage are stronger than my claws. I cannot harm you. Go home, and live happily with your calf.”

Baula’s eyes shone with relief and gratitude. She turned back joyfully, her bell ringing in rhythm with her steady steps. That evening, when she returned to Bauli, the calf danced around her, and the whole village could see the happiness in their eyes.

From that day, the tiger never troubled Baula or any animal of the village again. And Bauli grew up learning the lesson that her mother had lived: truth and honesty can melt even the hardest heart.

Moral of the Story

Truth and honesty are the greatest strengths. Even in danger, keeping one’s word brings respect and safety.