A heartwarming story by Navika Ghosh, Class 4, Epic Public School, about a zebra and a bear where the Zebra learns the value of education, patience, and friendship in a magical forest.
There once was a magical forest. Do you know why? It is because, like any other forest, this forest is filled with tall trees and streams, but the interesting aspect of the forest was the fact that here lived two friends who in any other forest would have been foes. They were a fun-loving zebra who loved to jump around and a wise, knowledgeable bear who used to read books. They spent their days exploring the woods, playing games, and even sharing food with each other. Despite their differences in size and nature, their friendship was strong and a pride for the jungle.
One morning after breakfast the zebra suggested the bear, he said, “Bhalu Bhai, don’t you think we should build proper houses for ourselves? I mean we live under the shady trees which is fine, but it becomes difficult when it is stormy or even the cold nights. Look how the humans protect themselves, I think we should do something like this as well.”
The bear being the knowledgeable one, gave it a long thought, and finally, after a few minutes responded, “Well, you definitely have a point Zibbe, a house surely sounds a good idea. Let me fetch the book ‘The Civil Engineering Handbook’ by Richard and Chen, I found at the abandoned house of Mr Jim Corbett sometime back.”
“What is the point of reading a book, let us just start building one, we will go along the way, you and your studies.” Saying this Zibbe the Zibra decided to start working on the house the very next day.
Bhalu Bhai the bear on the other hand started reading his book and drafted a complete design. Finally, after a series of drawings he was satisfied with his plan, and started his construction.
The Zebra had chosen a spot already near the river, and as the Bear went there he did the soil testing. It was firm and the air was fresh. He said, “Your choice of land is good Zibbe, I am impressed.”
The zebra, always full of energy and excitement, wanted to finish his house as quickly as possible. “See, you wasted your time reading a book, I have chosen a land which even you like, so why waste time in reading, I have already started and I’ll be done in no time!” he bragged as he galloped around collecting sticks and leaves. He didn’t bother to check if the materials were strong enough or whether the foundation of his house was sturdy.
By the end of the second day, the zebra had already finished his house. It was a simple structure made of twigs and dried grass. “Look, Bhalo Bhai!” he called out proudly, “I’m done! Isn’t it amazing?”
The bear who was working on the house as he planned went over to take a look. He inspected the zebra’s house carefully and said, “It looks good Zibbe, but are you sure about the materials you used? I mean will stand strong against a storm?”
“Of course!” the zebra replied with a laugh. “You worry too much, Bhalu Bhai. You should work faster, like me instead of wasting time reading. At this rate, you’ll spend all summer building your house!”
The bear just smiled and shook his head. “I believe in taking my time to do things properly. I want my house to last,” he said calmly. The bear continued his work steadily, cutting sturdy branches and gathering stones to build a strong foundation. Every detail mattered to him, and he made sure everything was just right.
As days turned into weeks, the zebra often teased the bear. “Why are you so slow? You’re missing out on all the fun!” he said, jumping as usual outside his house. But the bear didn’t let the zebra’s words bother him. He worked patiently, knowing that his efforts would pay off in the long run.
By the end of the summer, the bear’s house was finally complete. It was a solid and steady structure, built with strong wood and stones. The bear felt proud of his hard work as he moved in, knowing that his house would keep him safe no matter what.
The zebra, on the other hand, was enjoying his carefree life in his quickly made house. But one night, everything changed.
The weather took a sudden turn as dark clouds were seen in the sky, and the wind came in like never before. Thunder rumbled in the distance, and soon, a fierce storm struck the forest. The wind was so strong that it shook the trees, and the rain came down in heavy sheets.
The zebra’s house started shaking and had no chance against the storm. The twigs and grass he used were all ripped apart, and within an hour, the entire structure collapsed. The zebra was left standing in the pouring rain. He was feeling cold and was extremely frightened. His entire house was now a heap of broken sticks.
Shivering and soaked, the zebra realised his mistake and decided to seek help from his friend. He ran through the storm to the bear’s house and saw it was standing strong.
Knocking on the door, the zebra called out, “Bhalu Bhai ….Bhalu Bhai please help me! My house has shattered and has fallen apart, and I have nowhere to go. Can I stay with you?”
The bear quickly opened the door and looked at his friend. He welcomed the Zebra with a kind smile, “Come quickly before you catch a cold,” he said warmly. “I will make some hot soup for you.”
“A soup?” The zebra asked.
“Yes, I got this cookbook which has the perfect recipe for such a night.” The bear informed.
“I have always teased you for your reading, but today I realise how important education is. I am sorry Bhalu Bhai.” The Zebra expressed his genuine apology.
The bear patted the zebra on the back. “It is okay Zibbe. We all learn from our mistakes. You can stay here as long as you need.”
From that day on, the zebra never made fun of the bear’s slow and steady ways again. He learned an important lesson about the value of education and realised there is no easy way out to success.
