Singing in the Dark

　　Long ago there was a small little town called Ramgarh. In this town lived a washerman and his old， lean donkey called “Ghonchu”。 Ghonchu helped the washerman with his work. Every morning Ghonchu carried a pile of dirty clothes to the ghats and got back washed clothes in the evening. At nights Ghonchu was allowed to roam around and do whatever he wanted.

　　One night during his usual nightly stroll he met a fox named “Chameli”。 Ghonchu and Chameli soon became friends. They would meet regularly at nights and jointly look for something to eat.

　　One night while exploring they came across a cucumber farm. Ghonchu's mouth started watering at the sight of the luscious， juicy cucumbers. They tiptoed to the field. While Ghonchu feasted on the cucumbers， Chameli devoured fowls from the adjacent poultry farm. And at the break of dawn they returned to their respective homes.

　　The second night they visited the cucumber farm once again and had their fill. Soon this became an everyday affair. The thin and weak Ghonchu soon looked well-fed， thanks to the cucumbers.

　　One particular night Ghonchu， after having his usual dinner of juicy cucumbers， was in a cheerful mood. He told his new friend， “Look at the sky. The full moon looks so beautiful and there is a gentle breeze blowing. This is a perfect night and I'm in the mood for singing.”

　　Chameli smiled and said， “My friend， don't start singing now lest we awaken the watchmen of the farm. We are stealing their cucumbers and we would be inviting trouble by singing”。

　　But Ghonchu was in no mood to listen. “What are you saying. The weather is fabulous and I'm very happy and contended. So isn't that a good excuse to sing”， he asked.

　　The fox persisted， “no dear friend， no. It's better to keep quiet. Moreover you don't sing very well. And your voice is also quite harsh.”

　　Ghonchu could not take it anymore.

　　“You are plain jealous， Ghonchu thundered， ”What do you know about raag and taal. What do you know about singing anyway.“

　　“ Maybe you're right” Chameli said， “ I do not know a thing about music. But once you start singing you will wake up the watchmen. One thing I know is that they will reward you appropriately for your song， a reward you will always remember. So listen to me and forget about your singing urges for the time being.”

　　“Ha， I always knew you were foolish” Ghonchu countered， “you have doubts about my singing talent. Well here is one for you.” Saying this Ghonchu raised his head towards the skies.

　　Stop， stop， cried Chameli.“If you want to go ahead， then at least let me get out of here. Once I'm out of the fields you can sing to your heart's content. I'll wait for you outside the farm.”

　　As soon as the fox left， the donkey started singing at the top of his voice.

　　The silence of the night was broken by Ghonchu's loud braying sounds. The watchmen who were fast asleep were rudely woken by the braying sounds. Armed with their sticks， they ran towards the donkey.

　　Ghonchu lost in singing was completely taken aback when he felt the lashes on his back. The watchmen continued with their lashes till the donkey collapsed. They then proceeded to tie a huge boulder round Ghonchu's neck and left him there.

　　Meanwhile Chameli kept waiting for Ghonchu outside the fields.

　　After some time Ghonchu regained consciousness and managed to reach the gate.

　　As soon as Chameli saw his friend tottering along， he went up to him and congratulated him. “Well， my friend， I see that you have been rewarded for your singing.”

　　Ghonchu sheepishly replied， “ Don't rub it further， I'm ashamed about not listening to you.”

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