The Foolish Fish

In a beautiful lake filled with crystal-clear water and colorful lotuses, lived three Fish who were best friends. They were always together, swimming through the reeds and playing tag. But even though they were friends, they were very different.

The first fish was named Satavadhani (Wise). He was very smart and always thought about the future. He liked to have a plan. The second fish was named Pratyutpannamati (Clever). He was quick-witted and good at solving problems right when they happened. The third fish was named Yadhbhavishya (Fate-believer). He was lazy and liked to say, “Whatever happens, happens.” He never worried about anything.

One peaceful evening, while the three friends were chatting near the shore, they heard heavy footsteps. Two fishermen were walking by, carrying large nets on their shoulders. “Look at this lake!” said one fisherman. “The water is still, and I can see hundreds of fat fish swimming.” “Yes,” said the other. “Let us come back tomorrow morning at sunrise. We will cast our nets and catch them all.”

The Wise fish heard this and was terrified. He quickly gathered his friends. “Did you hear that?” he whispered. “Danger is coming! We must leave this lake tonight. There is a small canal that leads to another pond. It is a long swim, but we will be safe there.”

The Clever fish laughed. “Why worry now? They said they are coming tomorrow. I will wait and see. If they come, I will find a way to escape then.” The Fate-believer fish yawned. “I am not going anywhere. I have lived here all my life. If it is my fate to be caught, I will be caught. If it is my fate to live, I will live. Why tire myself swimming to a new pond?”

The Wise fish was sad. “I cannot stay,” he said. “I must save my family.” So, that very night, the Wise fish and his family swam quietly through the canal and escaped to the other pond.

The next morning, as the sun rose, the fishermen returned. They splashed into the water and cast their giant nets. Swish! Splash! The net covered a large part of the lake. The Clever fish saw the net falling. He panicked for a moment but then had an idea. He stopped moving completely. He floated on his side, belly up, pretending to be dead. The fishermen pulled up the net. They saw the Clever fish. “Oh, this one is dead,” they said, and they threw him back into the water. As soon as he hit the water, the Clever fish darted away to the deep bottom and saved himself.

But the Fate-believer fish did nothing. He swam lazily in circles, thinking, “Fate will save me.” Suddenly—Snap!—the net closed around him. He was pulled up out of the water, flapping and gasping. He was caught along with all the other foolish fish who hadn’t listened.

Moral of the Story: Planning ahead prevents trouble. Relying only on luck is dangerous.