EXTRAORDINARY FRIENDS

Momo mouse wanted to get out of the wardrobe, but a cat was sitting outside. How could he get through?

- Madhu Goel

As soon as he came out, the cat would eat him up. He peeped out of the wardrobe and saw the cat sitting there and then went back in again.

He kept on peeking out and going back in because the cat was not moving. Momo was in great trouble. How could he escape?

Mini cat had seen the mouse; she was sitting right there and waiting for him to come out. She was thinking, Why is the mouse not coming out? Once he comes out, I will eat him, so I stop feeling hungry.

Momo started to think, What can a small creature like me do? I am in great trouble. One had to satisfy her hunger, and the other had to save his life!

After a lot of thought, Momo got an idea and said, "Cat Queen, spare me! You may not be aware, but I am Lord Ganesh's vehicle. I don't wish to die now as I have not lived and enjoyed my life enough. I have heard that life is beautiful and so, I extend the hand of friendship towards you."

Mini started to think, I have been hungry for the last four days. If I agree to what this mouse says, I will die of hunger. So, she said, "No, I don't believe in friendship. Often, there is betrayal in friendship."

Momo peeped out and said, "Look at me; I am not like that. Everyone knows me as Momo."

"All right, just come out...my name is Mini," she said.

"I will come out, but I am afraid. Wha you eat me as soon as I come out? I de wish to die now."

"Just come out," Mini insisted.

Momo did come out feeling scared but thinking, If Mini pounces on me, I will try to jump from here and get out. Let me see what happens.

But that didn't happen. As soon as Momo came out, Mini said, "Listen, Momo, you are my delicious meal, but I will not do that to you. I extend you the hand of friendship. I am very hungry. For the last four days, I have not had a morsel to eat."

"Why is that?" Momo asked.