The Tale of the Forest Council & the Two Handshakes

In the ancient woods of Prakritipur, animals of all kinds lived under the canopy of giant mango trees, bubbling streams, and chirping birds. It was a land full of chatter, debate, and sometimes, a lot of show. 🌳

In Prakritipur, once every few seasons, the Forest Council met. The Council was presided over by Harinath the Deer, wise but proud; assisted by Mrinalini the Owl, thoughtful and just; and Basav the Buffalo, strong and popular among the animals. The other members: Roohi the Rabbit, Chatur the Fox, Mali the Monkey, and many more.

Chapter 1: The Rumors Begin

One rainy morning, Mali the Monkey scampered up to Roohi the Rabbit:

“Mmm, have you heard? The neighbouring forest, Pakwood, says our Deer won’t shake the paw of their Bear at the next Council meeting!” 🐻

Roohi’s nose twitched. “Why won’t he? That’s customary. Hand-paw, or paw-shake, is part of our tradition.”

Mali nodded, face serious. “They say it’s because something happened long ago — a Bear from Pakwood harmed a Maple tree in our forest, and Deer remembers. Something about Pahal Creek.” 🌲

Word spread fast. The squirrels chattered; birds tweeted; even the frogs in the pond had opinions. Some said tradition must be followed; others said grudges from long ago shouldn’t matter now; some felt avoiding a handshake was disrespectful.

Chapter 2: Tensions & the First Council

Finally, the day of the big meeting arrived. Animals from both Prakritipur and Pakwood gathered at the Great Clearing. The sky was grey; the ground, a little muddy from monsoon. All eyes were on Harinath the Deer and the Pakwood Bear, named Sher Singh.

Mrinalini the Owl perched high and announced, “We begin with the customary greetings.” Harinath nodded, Sher Singh stepped forward.

Then… silence. Harinath lifted his hoof but paused. Sher Singh extended his paw. Harinath withdrew; the two did not shake. A hush fell across the Clearing.

Some animals gasped. Mali scratched his head. Roohi’s ears drooped. Packwood’s Bear huffed, stomped a foot. Some Prakritipur animals cheered quietly.

Chapter 3: Pandemonium After

Immediately, chaos. Pakwood’s council complained: “This is disrespect! Old traditions broken!” They declared they might not attend further meetings if this continues.

Inside Prakritipur, the animals argued:

• Chatur the Fox said: “Sometimes tradition must yield to memories. Harinath is honoring feelings of betrayal from an old damage. It sends a message that you can’t just hurt the forest and expect forgiveness with a handshake.”

• Mali the Monkey said: “But a Council is about unity. Avoiding handshake fractures trust.”

• Basav the Buffalo was torn; strong and proud, but wanting peace many animals could feel uneasy if peace was lost.

Meanwhile, in hushed corners, some animals speculated: What did Deer really mean? Was this about Pahal Creek? Was it about the tree, or bigger things — promises, justice, recognition?

Chapter 4: Plot Twists & Surprises

Just when everyone thought things were heading toward war of words, a messenger — Kabir the Crow — arrived with news: “Oh wise ones, the sapling planted near Pahal Creek, the Maple that was harmed, has survived. It’s healed. The roots have grown strong again. The damage was serious, yes, but the forest healed it.”

The crowd rustled. Deer’s antlers shook slightly. Sher Singh the Bear bowed slightly in acknowledgement.

Then Mrinalini asked both Deer and Bear to share their hearts:

• Harinath: “Yes, the damage was deep. But I withheld the handshake because I felt justice was never addressed. Recognition of wrong, but also hope of repair.”

• Sher Singh: “I regret what was done. I didn’t personally do it, but I represent a forest that has learned from mistakes. The people of Pakwood have helped replant, supported water flow to that creek.”

Then Sher Singh held out his paw again.

Will Harinath accept? The forest fell silent.

Chapter 5: The Unexpected Handshake

With all eyes fixed, Harinath stepped forward, lifted his hoof, and shook Sher Singh’s paw. The moment echoed through the Clearing. A soft breeze, leaves trembling.

Some animals cheered; others wept quietly (tears of hope). The frogs croaked a melody; the birds sang.

Then Mrinalini declared, “Let this be a message: grievances may lie deep, healing takes time, but respect and tradition matter only when backed by sincerity.” 🌿

Chapter 6: The Aftermath

In the following days:

• Animals from both forests collaborated to nurture the Pahal Creek area — planting trees, cleaning water, ensuring the damage doesn’t return.

• New rules in Council meetings formed: before greetings, a moment of recognition for harms done; discussion of how to heal. Traditions adjusted, not abandoned.

• Harinath and Sher Singh’s handshake became not just a ritual, but a symbol of willingness to face the past, speak truth, and reconcile.

Characters Young & Old Loved

People of all ages in Prakritipur told the tale. Children learned that ignoring wrongs doesn’t erase them; elders nodded that forgiveness is power only when there’s responsibility. Every season, the story is recalled — especially at rains' end, when forest reflects, grows, renews.

Moral of the Story

• Truth: You cannot pretend nothing harmful ever happened — sincere acknowledgment matters.

• Tradition is important, but ritual without meaning is hollow.

• Forgiveness can heal, but it’s meaningful only when paired with effort, apology, and change.

• The past shapes the present — but choice lies in whether to keep grudges or build connections.

What News This Story Parallels

This story is inspired by recent events where symbolic gestures — like handshakes — became political. In this case, it mirrors an instance during a major cricket tournament where the Indian captain chose not to shake hands with the Pakistani captain, raising questions about sportsmanship, historical grievances, and public perception.