Deep inside a forest, there was a pond where many fishes, crabs, and frogs lived a happy and peaceful life.
Among them were two beautiful and intelligent fishes named Sahasrabuddhi and Shatabuddhi. They were very proud of themselves. In the same pond lived a frog named Ekkabuddhi with his wife. They were all good friends.
One evening, two fishermen came across the pond and saw the creatures playing. Amazed by their number and beauty, they decided to return the next day to catch them.
Ekkabuddhi heard their plan and urged everyone to leave the pond for safety immediately.
"Just because two fishermen said they would come back, you want us to flee?" scoffed Sahasrabuddhi. "I know a thousand tricks to escape."
"And if his thousand ways fail, I know another hundred," added Shatabuddhi. All the others agreed and laughed at Ekkabuddhi's caution.
"Well, I know only one trick," said Ekkabuddhi. "To leave before danger strikes." He and his wife then left the pond in search of a safer place.
The next day, the fishermen returned and cast their net. "This net is too thick to bite through!" cried Sahasrabuddhi.
"We should have listened to Ekkabuddhi! Now we are all doomed!" cried another fish as they were all caught and taken away in a basket.
Ekkabuddhi, hiding behind a boulder with his wife, said, "If I had not acted in time, we would also be in that basket with the others."