By the great Nandana river stood a mango tree heavy with the sweetest fruit. In its branches lived Kapi, the cleverest monkey in the forest. Every morning he watched the shimmering river and felt perfectly happy.

One morning, a large crocodile poked his head out of the water. 'Those mangoes look delicious!' said Makar. Kapi laughed and tossed a bright red mango — it landed right on the crocodile's nose with a soft plop!

Every day they met by the river. Kapi dropped sweet mangoes and Makar shared funny river stories. They laughed from sunrise to sunset. They were the best of friends.

One evening Makar brought a piece of mango home to Makari, his wife. She tasted it and her eyes grew wide. 'If the monkey eats such sweet fruit,' she said, 'his heart must be the sweetest thing in the world. Bring it to me!'

Makar's heart felt as heavy as a river stone. He did not want to hurt Kapi. But his wife would not stop. With a sad heart, he swam to the mango tree the next morning.

'Come swim with me, dear Kapi!' said Makar. 'My wife has invited you for dinner.' Kapi leaped happily onto the crocodile's back and they set off across the wide sparkling river.

When they reached the deepest part of the river, Makar stopped. With tears in his eyes, he told Kapi the terrible truth. 'My wife wants your heart.' Kapi froze — then burst out laughing!

'Oh no!' cried Kapi. 'I always leave my heart in the mango tree when I go swimming! Take me back quickly and I will fetch it for you.' Makar believed him and turned around.

The moment they touched the shore, Kapi leaped to the highest branch. 'Makar,' he called down gently, 'a heart cannot be left in a tree. And a true friend never plots against you. Goodbye, old friend.'

Makar swam home slowly, his head hanging in shame. That day he understood what every wise guru teaches: real friendship is built on truth, and truth is the greatest treasure in all the forest.