The jharokha, a delicate stone balcony, framed a breathtaking view. Perched amongst the ancient trees, two peacocks displayed their magnificent plumage.
The elder peacock, shimmering with iridescent blues and greens, preened with practiced grace. He swayed his neck, a vibrant fan of feathers unfolding like a peacock throne. The younger peacock, a mischievous glint in his eye, mimicked his elder, ruffling his own less impressive feathers.
They sat in companionable silence, enjoying the warmth of the afternoon sun. The elder peacock, with a gentle chuckle, ruffled the younger one’s crest. “Patience, young one,” he advised, his voice a soft, melodious rumble. “Beauty takes time to bloom.”
The younger peacock, eager to impress, puffed out his chest. “But I want to be the most magnificent peacock in the land!” he declared.
The elder peacock smiled. “True beauty,” he explained, “lies not just in the feathers, but in the kindness of the heart, the gentleness of the spirit.” He gestured towards the fields below. “Look at the flowers,” he said. “Each one is unique, yet all contribute to the beauty of the landscape.”
The younger peacock, captivated by the vibrant display of wildflowers, began to understand. He realized that true beauty was not about competition or showmanship, but about embracing individuality and finding joy in the simple beauty of existence.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the fields, the two peacocks remained perched on the branches, their silhouettes merging with the twilight sky. The younger peacock, now wiser, felt a newfound appreciation for his own unique beauty, and the elder peacock, content in his wisdom, knew that the beauty of the world, like the beauty of his young companion, was ever-evolving.