One day, a man hunting in the forest came across a tiger. At first, both feared each other. But after speaking, they grew friendly and agreed to exchange visits.

The man spent two weeks in the tiger’s forest home, treated with kindness and respect. Later, the tiger came to stay with the man, bringing along his young cub, who became fast friends with the man’s son. Their friendship deepened with trust.

When the man’s father died, the tiger, showing compassion beyond expectation, brought money to help his friend in mourning. But on his journey home, two hunters ambushed him. Though wounded, he survived—but sorrow filled his heart. Had his friend betrayed him?

To test this, the tiger feigned death in their old meeting place, instructing his cub to watch. When the man discovered the "body," he wept bitterly and stayed all night protecting it. Convinced now of his friend’s loyalty, the tiger rose, revealing the truth.

In gratitude, he vowed:
"Because of you, my friend, I will never harm a man—unless he first harms me."

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