Panchatantra and the CIO: The Crows and the Snake

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Once upon a time, there was a Crow couple. Mr. and Mrs. Crow were living a dream. They were happily married, owned a paid up nest on a tree overlooking a pond, and now, they were expecting their first children.

Nothing could come in the way of this happy couple.

Unfortunately, a snake heard about the happy news too. He had a taste for delicious baby crows. So he took up residence in a hole in the tree right below the Crows loft.

“There goes the neighborhood,” exclaimed Mr. Crow. Mrs. Crow, a card holding member of the local Civil Liberties Union, was having none of that. “What do you mean?” she replied, “Just because he is a snake does not mean that he does not have a right to live where he wants.”

Mr. Crow’s political correctness got the better of him and he kept quiet.

Mrs. Crow soon gave birth to gorgeous baby crows - each more beautiful than the other. As the babies hatched both parents were obliged to make food runs. So off they went in search of food leaving their babies in the comfort of their cozy nest.

To the Snake, lunch was served - a wee bit earlier than he was used to but one has to give something to get something.

The Crows returned home to find an empty nest. Police report and investigation later, the culprit was not apprehended. Mr. Crow pointed at the snake but Mrs. Crow admonished him again.

For the first time in their happy married life grief took control. The despondent couple went about their business till one day Mrs. Crow broke the happy news. You see, she was expecting again!

Mrs. Crow was liberal but no fool. She also suspected the snake but did not want to accuse him without proof.

Soon, the babies were hatched. This time Mrs. Crow stood guard while her husband went in search of food. But she was no match for the snake’s strength who came in and had his meal without breaking a sweat.

Mrs. Snake had realized her worst nightmare. Her world and world-view shattered, she wanted revenge. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

The snake had hissed his last.