Once upon a time, Chhura caught a very pretty fly in the countryside. He was delighted, for its wings were like the colours of the rainbow. He said to himself contentedly. “I’ll sell this fly and become a rich man in the world.” So he started along the path leading to Mawngping village to sell his captive for a reasonable price.

In the Mawngping village Chhura shouted aloud, “Hey folks, come and see this pretty fly. The most beautiful fly that ever lived in this universe! And who will buy my pretty fly, pretty fly?” Some men who heard the shout came to him and asked, “Where is it? Show it to us. We would like to see it first and then we may purchase it.”

However, Chhura replied to them, “O you, foolish people, how can you see the fly before you buy it. If I show it to you now it will fly away.” Then they said, “Where is it?” “It’s in my hand.” He replied. “But how can we buy it without seeing it?” they continued. “Alright,” said he, but “If it escapes from my hand when I open it, you must pay me.” They remained silent.

“I’ll show it to you but you’ll have to pay me if it flies off,” said he and then he opened his hand and showed them the so-called pretty fly. As soon as the little insect felt its freedom, it spread its wings and flew away while all the villagers looked at it, open-mouthed. Chhura then stared at them accusingly as if demanding the price for his pretty fly. However, the villagers willingly promised to give a grand feast for him, and they all lived happily as before.

A folktale sourced from Folk Tales of North East India: A relook for Environmental Studies Classroom Transaction, by Tulika Dey.
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