On the banks of a wide, sparkling river stood a grand mango tree. Its branches hung low with golden, juicy fruit that gleamed under the sun. A cheerful monkey lived on that tree. He spent his days leaping from branch to branch, eating sweet mangoes, and singing songs to the gentle breeze.

One afternoon, a crocodile swam by. He looked tired and hungry. Seeing him, the kind monkey said, “Friend, you look weary! Please rest here and enjoy some of my mangoes.”

The crocodile tasted one and exclaimed, “These are the sweetest fruits I’ve ever had! May I come again?” “Of course!” said the monkey warmly. “Good friends should share food and laughter.”

Soon, they became good friends. Every day, the crocodile visited, and the monkey gave him mangoes. But one day, the crocodile’s wife grew greedy. She said, “If these mangoes are so sweet, your friend’s heart must be even sweeter! Bring it to me, or don’t come home!”

The poor crocodile was torn, but fear of his wife made him agree. The next day, he invited the monkey to his home.

“Come meet my wife! She’s eager to meet my wise friend,” he said.

The monkey happily agreed and climbed onto the crocodile’s back. But halfway across the river, the crocodile confessed the truth. “My friend, forgive me… my wife wants to eat your heart.”

The clever monkey didn’t panic. He calmly said, “Oh dear! You should have told me before. I left my heart on the tree’s branch. Let’s go back so I can bring it.”

The crocodile, foolishly trusting him, turned around. As soon as they reached the shore, the monkey leapt up the tree and said, “You fool! Can anyone leave his heart behind? Go and tell your greedy wife that friendship cannot survive deceit!”