Rabbit and Tortoise Run Again - A Moral Story

Everyone has heard the story of a fast rabbit and a slow tortoise who had a race that ended in winning of the slow and steady tortoise. Now it so happened that the same rabbit suggested to the tortoise that they should have one more race. The tortoise agreed to run the second race. By this time the rabbit had realized that the cause of his losing the first race was his utter lethargy and idea to have a rest in the shade of a roadside tree while the race had not been over, therefore he resolved that that time he would continue running the race and would not sleep even a wink till the race was won.So as decided, the race was run again, The tortoise ran as fast as his legs could carry him. Obviously the rabbit left the slow tortoise miles away behind. The defeated tortoise was not dejected at all. He very well knew that his speed was in no way comparable to that of the rabbit. So the tortoise now worked upon a clever planning. He persuaded the rabbit for a third race. The race started, but with a different route, leading to the same decided goal.After running some distance, the rabbit was stunned to find a river in the way. He did not know how to swim. Shortly after, the tortoise also arrived at the same spot. He was adept at swimming. So he swiftly slipped into the river and crossed it in no time while the rabbit kept on standing at the river-bank, wondering what to do next. Thus the tortoise maintained his onward race and ultimately emerged as a winner while the rabbit faced shame of losing the race due to his incompetence.Now this fact dawned upon the rabbit that every living being on earth was born with some or other characteristic talent. He shook hands with the tortoise and vowed to remain as friends forever.Now both of the friends again decided to run the same race in which the river had proved to be a potential hurdle for one of the partners. This time both of the friends cooperated with each other. While on the land, the rabbit would run with the tortoise sitting on its back and in the water the tortoise supported the rabbit on its back while swimming with ease. In this way both of the friends reached their goal at the same time and rejoiced at their togetherness and victory. NB: This story has been published in two international journals.