The Turtle Who Was Never Late

Deep in a green forest lived a turtle named Dheeru. He was slow. Very slow. But Dheeru was never late.

His friend Chiku the rabbit was very fast. Zip! Zoom! Chiku was always in a hurry.

In spring came the Kite Festival on the hill. Dheeru set off early. He did not rush. He looked at the yellow flowers. He listened to the birds.

Step, step, step. Just on time.

Chiku slept a little longer. Then he jumped up and raced off. He ran so fast, he took the wrong path. Then he raced back again.

When the first kite rose into the sky, Dheeru was there, calm and happy. Then Chiku came running, huffing and puffing. He flopped on the grass and laughed. "Dheeru, you again!"

Then the rains came, and with them the Swing Festival by the river. Dheeru set off early. Rain went pitter-patter on his shell. He liked the sound.

Step, step, step. Just on time.

Chiku waited under a big leaf till the last minute. Then he dashed out. Splash! Splash! He jumped over every puddle.

When the first swing went up in the old banyan tree, Dheeru was there. Chiku hopped in, wet and tired. He shook off the water and laughed. "How do you do it?"

In autumn came the Festival of Lamps in the meadow. Dheeru set off early, as always. Crickets sang softly. Fireflies blinked in the grass.

Step, step, step. Just on time.

Chiku was busy here and busy there. Then he saw the sun going down. Off he raced, faster than ever!

When the first lamp was lit, Dheeru was there. Then Chiku tumbled in, tired and puffing. He looked at Dheeru and laughed.

"Dheeru, you are so slow," said Chiku. "But you are never late. What is your secret?"

Dheeru smiled. "I start early, and I go at my own pace. Slow is my right speed."

Chiku sat down next to his friend. Together they watched the lamps glow. A cool breeze blew. Above them, the stars came out one by one, just on time.