A Tale of Three Birds🔊

Once upon a time, in the heart of a lush green forest, lived three birds: a peacock, a dove, and a wise old owl. These three were unlike any other in the forest. They established a unique friendship that transcended their differences. Hence, the beauty of the peacock, the gentleness of the dove, and the wisdom of the owl stood as a symbol of harmony and unity among the creatures of the forest.

One sunny afternoon, as the three sat under a shady tree, a heated argument broke out between the peacock and the dove. The proud peacock, encapsulated by his own vanity, accentuated his vividly colored plumage, boasting about his unparalleled beauty. The dove, humbled by his nature, remarked, 'True beauty, dear friend, lies in one’s deeds, not in appearance.'

Hearing this, the owl, sagacious as he was, proposed a challenge. He suggested a test for the peacock and the dove, 'Go into the world of humans for one day. The one who manages to bring the most happiness to the humans shall be declared as the most beautiful.'

With the challenge set, the peacock and the dove bid farewell to their old friend, each determined to consume the laurel of victory. The next day, the peacock chose a grand royal palace for his visit. Spreading his vibrant feathers, he danced gracefully, captivating every human around with his stunning hues. Applauds swarmed in, feeding his pride.

Simultaneously, the dove opted for a small village at the edge of their forest. Spotting a weary old man outside a crumbling hut, the dove fluttered onto his shoulder. Surprised, the old man met the dove's eyes. He ran his fingers gently across its soft feathers, a smile slowly blooming on his face. The dove cooed lightly, providing a comforting companionship to the lonely man.

As dusk settled, the birds returned to their home in the forest. The peacock strutted in, confident of his victory, claiming to have mesmerized hundreds with his beautiful display. On the other hand, the dove narrated the story of the old man, explaining how his small act of kindness had helped bring a bit of happiness to the man's desolate life.

After listening to their experiences, the owl, with an air of wisdom, declared the dove as the most beautiful. Stunned, the peacock, protested, 'But I entertained hundreds!' The owl, calm as the moonlit sky, responded, 'Despite your mesmerizing beauty, you have only appealed to their eyes. The dove appealed to a heart. That's the essence of true beauty - it lights up not just the eyes, but also the heart.'

From then onwards, the peacock learned that real beauty lay much beyond the superficiality of looks. And the forest's tale of the peacock’s pride and the dove’s kindness served as a moral compass for both human and animal inhabitants, thus fostering understanding and compassion in their diverse society.

The story of these three birds stands as timeless as it does meaningful - an enriching tale of humility and wisdom pointed toward the eternal truths of life. Their friendship, though tested, emerged stronger, painting a picture of unity and harmony amidst the vibrant canvas of the forest. And their story, echoing through the rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds, lives on to inspire every heart that seeks the true essence of beauty. Their tale is a testament that true beauty resides in the heart and its deeds.