(As told by Dadi Rupa, while the children sat around her on the rug, tracing patterns on it with their fingers, the afternoon sun painting stripes across the floor through the window)
“Listen, my little sweets,” Dadi Rupa began, her voice soft like the rustle of silk. “I’ll tell you about a parrot who could talk, and a promise that was almost forgotten.”
In a bustling marketplace, amidst the clanging of pots and the chatter of vendors, lived a little green parrot in a golden cage. This wasn’t just any parrot; he could speak as clearly as you or I. His name was Mithu, and he belonged to a kind old flower seller named Lakshmi Amma.
Lakshmi Amma loved Mithu dearly. She taught him many phrases and little songs. Mithu would call out “Fresh jasmines!” and “Beautiful roses!” attracting customers to her stall. He was her companion, her little green treasure.
One day, a wealthy merchant, Seth Govind, visited the market. He was captivated by Mithu’s ability to talk. He offered Lakshmi Amma a handsome sum for the parrot. Lakshmi Amma was hesitant, but Seth Govind promised her that Mithu would live in a grand cage with plenty of fruits and nuts. He also made a special promise to visit Lakshmi Amma often and let her see Mithu.
Tearfully, Lakshmi Amma agreed. Mithu went to live in Seth Govind’s mansion. At first, Seth Govind was amused by Mithu. He showed him off to his guests. Mithu would repeat phrases and sing little tunes, entertaining everyone.
But as time went by, Seth Govind’s interest waned. He got busy with his business. Mithu sat in his grand cage, missing Lakshmi Amma’s gentle voice and the lively atmosphere of the market. He would often call out, “Lakshmi Amma! Fresh jasmines!” but only silence answered him.
Lakshmi Amma waited and waited for Seth Govind’s visit, but he never came. Her heart ached for her little Mithu. She missed his cheerful calls and the way he would nibble on the flowers she offered him.
One day, a young boy from Lakshmi Amma’s village happened to be passing by Seth Govind’s mansion. He heard a familiar voice calling out, “Lakshmi Amma! Beautiful roses!” He peered through the gates and saw Mithu in his golden cage, looking lonely.
The boy rushed back to Lakshmi Amma and told her what he had seen. Her heart leaped with hope. She went straight to Seth Govind’s mansion.
Seth Govind was surprised to see her. He had completely forgotten his promise. Lakshmi Amma’s eyes were filled with sadness as she looked at Mithu.
Mithu, seeing Lakshmi Amma, squawked with joy. “Lakshmi Amma! You came!”
Lakshmi Amma looked at Seth Govind. “You promised I could visit Mithu,” she said, her voice trembling slightly.
Seth Govind, feeling a pang of guilt, finally remembered his word. He allowed Lakshmi Amma to see Mithu. Lakshmi Amma spent the whole afternoon talking to Mithu, feeding him sweet fruits, and listening to his little songs.
From that day on, Seth Govind, reminded of his forgotten promise, kept his word. Lakshmi Amma visited Mithu often, and though Mithu lived in a grand cage, he was happy knowing that his beloved Lakshmi Amma hadn’t forgotten him, and that Seth Govind had finally remembered the importance of a simple promise.
Dadi Rupa smiled gently. “So, my little ones,” she said, her eyes twinkling, “remember that even the smallest promise is important. Just like Seth Govind almost forgot, we too can sometimes forget our words. But true kindness lies in remembering and keeping our promises, for they mean the world to those we make them to.”
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