Stories

The Revenge [SHORT STORY]

Written by Swathi Shenoy

The night was quiet. Except for the gentle breeze, there was no sound. Even a slight ruffle in the leaves could be heard clearly. For any onlookers, it appeared as though no life existed in this part of the forest. But contrary to that, a secret meeting was going on in the jungle, unheard by the human ears, which had the potential to decide their fate! 

“I don’t think he is worth sparing. His crimes are increasing day by day and this time he has crossed all limits. More than half of my kind is killed and the rest of us live in a constant fear of joining them soon! He doesn’t deserve mercy”, said the tiger, his face fiercer than ever, his tone filled with revulsion.

“Yes! Yes! He either kills us for food, or locks us in the zoo for entertaining his own kind and earns money out of it. It was bad enough that we had to defend ourselves all the time earlier from animals; now we have to face the fear of humans as well; a fate worse than death. I was lucky I could escape from that hell!” said the deer, shuddering at the memory of its stay in zoo.

“I agree Mr. Deer. I too have lost my parents because of him. They were kidnapped and shipped to some sanctuary. What comfort could he provide to us after separating us from our very own families?” sobbed the baby elephant.

“Enough of this crying! It is time we fight back for our rights, for our home and for the better future of our children, who are as precious to us as their infants are for the humans”, said the Lion and all the birds and animals echoed his thoughts. The cries of “Kill them! Don’t spare them!” reverberated throughout the jungle.

“You have to take our side this time mother. Without you we cannot ever think of defeating him. He thinks he is all powerful but we know; it’s within you that the power lies. You have been forgiving him all these years. Yet what did he do to you? He has been destroying your beauty, your life and us, your children. It is time now, for you to put him in his right place” said the old rabbit seeking for nature’s help.

The leaves rustled and the trees swayed. The rage of Mother Nature, moved by the helpless cries of her children, was evident by the coming thunderstorm. She was a mother and had to take care of her children. She knew the animals were right. The humans had crossed every limit and were committing unforgivable deeds. But as much as she loved the animals, she loved humans too. She couldn’t create havoc in their lives, even if she wanted to.

It started raining, as if mirroring Nature’s helplessness, her frustration and her rage about everything that was going on. Night turned into day and yet, there was no sign of the rain stopping! Cries were heard as people became prey to her emotions! Houses were submerged and there was no sign of the rains stopping.

Meanwhile the news papers read, “Lakhs of people lose their lives as the city is hit with sudden rainstorms! Rescue teams are trying their best to save as many lives as possible, but the situation is getting worse. Life and property have suffered great losses” Finally, Mother Nature had carried out her revenge. Or was it just the beginning?

 

(Image source: Mathias Krumbholz from Wiki Commons used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license)

About the author

Swathi Shenoy

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