Sword to kill a mosquito?!

After my hubby said one of his family members is eager to crush/kill me like a fly/mosquito with his/her boots, I laughed heartily remembering a Panchatantra story, The Foolish Friend, which I used to hear in our childhood. 

The power given to wrong hands can bring disasters to the very person who has given them. In this case, my hubby had fought with me to buy a pair of boots/shoes nine years ago to that person. And now, unable to face the truth, that person is eager to crush/kill me under the same boots! 

I’m sure all of us have heard that Panchatantra story at some or the other stage in our lifetime. As another year comes to an end, it’s that time to remember the story. Hope you guys will enjoy and laugh as much as I did!   

Once upon a time there was a king who had a monkey as his pet. He kept him constantly close at hand for his amusement. Everybody knows that parrots, partridges, doves, rams, monkeys and such creatures are a king's natural companions.

It goes without saying that the monkey, fed on the various dishes that the king gave him. He grew large and was given respect by all who surrounded the king. Indeed, the king, due to his love and exceeding trust of the monkey, even gave him a sword to carry!

In the vicinity of the palace, the king had a grove artfully planted with many trees of various sorts. Early in the springtime, the king noticed how beautiful the grove was. Its blossoms exuded a magnificent fragrance, filling the whole atmosphere with love. Thus overcome by love, he entered the grove with his favorite wife. He ordered all his servants to wait for him at the entrance.

After having pleasantly strolling through and observing the grove, he grew tired and said to his monkey, "I want to sleep a little while in this arbor of flowers. Take care that nothing disturbs me!" Having said this, the king fell asleep.

Meanwhile, a mosquito flew up and lit on his head. Seeing this, the monkey thought angrily, "What is this? Am I to allow this common creature to bite the king before my very eyes?"

With that he proceeded to drive it away. However, in spite of the monkey's defense, the mosquito approached the king again and again. Finally, blinded by anger, the monkey drew his sword and struck down the mosquito with a single blow. However, the same blow also split the king's head.

The queen, who was sleeping next to the king jumped up in terror. Seeing the crime, she said, "Oh, oh, you foolish monkey! What have you done to the king who placed such trust in you?"

The monkey explained how it had happened, but thereafter he was shunned and scorned by everyone. Thus it is said, "Do not choose a fool for a friend, for the king was killed by a monkey."

And after that incident, I feel, "It is better not to give power to the wrong person, even if it's your own family member!"