It was going to be dawn on a Friday morning in a crowded city in India. Suddenly it appeared that there was a huge commotion in the busy market area. A rumour had spread that a tiger was spotted in the city. People were cautious to step out of their homes and go to offices. Parents did not want to send their kids to school. News channels were constantly beaming images of where the tiger was last spotted by a passerby.

Most in the city didn’t know if there was really a wild tiger roaming in the city or it was a prank by some mischief mongers. In a deserted building which was still under construction, Chulbul the witty mouse was creating some sounds in the underground basement. There was one small flickering bulb and no else was present in the basement. He was enjoying his catch, a leftover pizza loaded with cheese. He suddenly shivered as he saw a huge shadow near him. He rubbed his eyes to see if he was seeing a tiger. A huge tiger emerged slowly from the shadows.

The tiger said, “Hey mouse, can you tell me where I can get some food.” Chulbul had to gulp down the pizza piece quickly. He offered the pizza to the tiger. The tiger Sherkhan, said “ I don’t know what is this food?. I want to eat something like a deer or a rabbit or even a mouse will do.” Chulbul had to react quickly. He said, “Listen tiger”. “My name is Sherkhan,” said the tiger.

“Well..Sherkhan, I have another interesting food for you. He dragged a watermelon fruit behind a tin sheet and gave it to the tiger. Sherkhan threw a fit. “Do you think I can eat vegetarian food like these fruits. I want my kind of food. First of all I got lost today from the jungle and entered this noisy city. I want to go back to the jungle but I think I will either be killed by these humans or I will be dragged to a zoo.”

“Calm down” said Chulbul. For now you have to either eat this dish. It’s called pizza or you have to eat the watermelon. And yes I have a way out for you to reach the jungle. The tiger ate a piece of watermelon hesitantly and said this was not his food. He was almost to tears. The rat said “I think it is better if you reach the jungle quickly before the city residents spot you.”

Chulbul then took the tiger to another corner of the deserted building and that led to an underground canal. He said “You can try your luck and swim for a while before you can reach the jungle. I had heard from some other animals that there is a forest close to the city. Maybe this underground water canal will reach to the closest destination like a far-off highway road and from there you can find your way out. Also hopefully you might find something in these waters like fishes.”

Sherkhan seemed hopeful and thanked Chulbul. He also mentioned to the mouse that he is most welcome to visit him in the jungle if at all he ever thinks of a jungle trip.

Sherkhan started to swim and soon disappeared from chulbul’s sight. Chulbul prayed for a moment and thanked his stars that he was able to help someone, but more importantly he saved himself from being someone else’s breakfast.

By evening Chulbul got to know from his friends that a tiger had been caught across a water canal by some people but it was soon taken to the jungle and set free.

Chulbul went to bed with a memorable experience of his lifetime.