In a tall banyan tree lived many crows. Near them, in a dark hollow, lived a group of owls.

The crows and owls were enemies. Every night, the owls attacked and killed the crows while they slept.

One wise crow named Meghavarna said, “We must outsmart them, not fight them.” So he pretended to be hurt and went to the owl king. “I want to join you,” said the crow. “I hate my own kind.”

The owl king trusted him and let him stay in the cave. At dawn, when the owls were asleep, the crow flew out and set fire to their cave using burning twigs. All the owls were trapped and perished.

From that day, the crows lived safely, thanks to Meghavarna’s cleverness.