By the river stood a huge jamun tree, and in it lived a monkey — leaping, swinging, munching ripe jamun all day. Plop! — a sweet jamun would drop into the water with a splash. What a happy life!
One day a crocodile came up under the tree — worn out, and oh so hungry. The monkey dropped jamun down for him — “Eat up, friend!” The crocodile couldn't believe it — “My! These are sweeter than honey!” From then on he came every day, and the two friends' stories never ran out.
The crocodile carried some jamun home for his wife. She tasted them and said — “If he eats fruit this sweet every day, how sweet his heart must be! I want the monkey's heart. Bring it to me!” The crocodile froze — do that, to a friend? But his wife wouldn't budge, and at last he gave in.
Next day the crocodile said — “Friend, you're invited to my home today! Hop on my back, I'll carry you across.” The monkey jumped on, delighted. The crocodile swam on — splish… splash… wave after wave. And right in the middle of the river, he suddenly stopped.
Deep water on every side. In a heavy voice the crocodile said — “Forgive me, friend. My wife wants to eat your sweet heart. That's where I'm taking you.” The monkey's heart went thump! But he didn't cry, didn't scream. He stayed very still and thought — a way… a way… there has to be a way.
Suddenly the monkey laughed — “Oh, is THAT all? You should've said so! I left my heart in the hollow of the jamun tree. Come on, let's go back and get it.” The silly crocodile spun around and sped back. The moment they touched the bank — one leap, and the monkey was up his tree! “Silly friend! Who can keep their heart outside? It stays right here in your chest!”
The crocodile hung his head — “Forgive me, brother. Greed nearly made me cheat my own friend.” The monkey smiled and dropped jamun down — plip, plop. “Take these — and some for your wife too. Sharing sweet things is what makes a heart sweet.” And ever since, everyone by that river knows — when trouble comes, don't panic. Think calmly, and you'll find the way.