In a peaceful forest where the sunlight danced through the leaves, there lived a clever crow named Chitragriva. He was wise and sharp-eyed, always observing the world from high atop the tallest trees. One cool morning, as Chitragriva was searching for berries, he spotted a gentle deer named Harini grazing in a clearing near a bubbling stream. Chitragriva was curious. He cawed softly, fluttering down to a branch nearby. “Good morning, friend. I have seen you here often, but we have never spoken. My name is Chitragriva. What is yours?” The deer raised her head, her ears twitching with surprise. “I am Harini,” she replied shyly. “I come here every day for the sweet grass.” Chitragriva smiled. “This forest has many surprises, both good and bad. Will you be my friend so we can look out for each other?” Harini’s eyes sparkled with delight. “I would love that.” From that day on, Chitragriva and Harini were inseparable. Chitragriva would warn Harini of dangers from above, like swooping eagles, while Harini alerted Chitragriva of hunters and wild animals lurking on the ground. They shared food, stories, and laughter beneath the shade of the ancient trees. One afternoon, as the sun dipped low, a jackal named Vikrala slunk through the woods. His fur was ragged but his eyes glinted with cunning. Watching the friendship between the crow and the deer, Vikrala devised a wicked plan to satisfy his own hunger. He approached the pair, putting on a friendly smile. “Greetings, noble crow and graceful deer. I couldn’t help but admire your friendship. May I join you as a friend?” Chitragriva cocked his head. “A jackal’s friendship is rare. Why do you seek us out, Vikrala?” Vikrala bowed low. “I am alone in this world, and I long for companionship. I can offer stories, wisdom, and help if there is trouble.” Harini, ever gentle, was quick to trust. “Everyone deserves a friend,” she said kindly. “You are welcome to join us.” Chitragriva was not convinced. He had heard tales of the jackal’s tricks. But not wishing to offend, he simply watched Vikrala with wary eyes. Days passed, and Vikrala made himself useful. He fetched fruits, told stories, and flattered Harini’s beauty and Chitragriva’s intelligence. But Chitragriva saw how Vikrala’s gaze lingered on Harini, and how his words sometimes twisted like thorns. One morning, Vikrala whispered to Harini, “Beyond the hill, there is a field full of the sweetest, juiciest grass you have ever tasted. Would you like to see it?” Harini’s eyes widened with hope. “That sounds wonderful. Will you come too, Chitragriva?” But Chitragriva shook his head. “It is wise to stay in familiar places, Harini. We do not know what dangers may hide in unknown fields.” Vikrala scoffed. “Are you afraid, noble crow? Surely we are safe as friends!” Harini, wanting to believe in goodness, agreed to go with Vikrala. The crow watched them disappear over the hill, his heart heavy with worry. At the edge of the distant field, hidden among tall grass, was a hunter’s trap. Vikrala, knowing this, led Harini straight to it. As Harini grazed, her slender leg slipped into the snare and she was caught. She cried out in fear. Vikrala grinned wickedly. “Poor Harini, you should not trust so easily! Now, you will make a fine meal for the hunter—and perhaps for me, too.” Harini wept, realizing too late that she had trusted the wrong friend. Meanwhile, Chitragriva, anxious for his friend’s return, flew high to search for her. Spotting Harini trapped and Vikrala lurking, he swooped down. “Harini, do not lose hope! I will save you.” He quickly devised a plan. He pecked at Harini’s bindings, but they were too strong. Then, remembering that hunters often come at sunrise, he whispered, “When the hunter comes, pretend to be dead. Do not move, no matter what. I will distract him.” As dawn broke, the hunter appeared, delighted to see a deer caught in his trap. He untied Harini, preparing to carry her away. Just then, Chitragriva swooped down, flapping his wings and cawing loudly, pecking at the hunter’s head. Startled, the hunter dropped Harini. Harini, remembering Chitragriva’s words, lay still. The hunter, confused, inspected her. At that moment, Chitragriva cawed even louder, fluttering wildly around the hunter’s face. The hunter, frightened and distracted, chased after the noisy bird. Seizing the