Jungle Tales 2.0.2 : Harmony’s Discord
Chapter 2: Junglestan — Harmony’s Discord
Junga arrived promptly, the sleek Electric Drone humming softly beside the cave entrance. Electric drone for passenger transport ? I refuse to be surprised anymore . Anything is possible here.He emerged with a smile, a hint of tiredness lingering in his eyes. “Junga!” I greeted him, rising from the bed I was resting .
“Good morning! Ready to explore the wonders of Junglestan ?” Junga chuckled, a touch of amusement chasing away the tiredness.
“As ready as I’ll ever be” considering the…unique circumstances.
“ Did you manage to catch some decent sleep in there?” Junga gestured towards the cave interior, sunlight filtering through natural openings. “Surprisingly well, actually,” I admitted shyly. Junga raised an eyebrow. “I imagine it would. But hey, at least the view is spectacular, right?” said jokingly,
A wave of guilt washed over me as I realised Junga had completely misinterpreted my “surprisingly”. He probably thought I was talking about the comfort of the cave.But no, my surprise stemmed from something entirely different — the crazy events of yesterday. So I was obliged to clarify.
“Oh Junga,” I started, then stopped. How do you even explain that?…..Taking a deep breath, I said, “I, uh, meant considering the mental state I was in yesterday. This cave? Top marks! Let me be honest — was undeniably a seven-star experience”. A relieved grin spread across Junga’s face.
“Absolutely breathtaking,” I agreed, stepping outside for a better look. “Alright, well, should we get going? I’m curious to see this flying machine in action.” Junga nodded, a hint of his usual confidence returning. “Of course. Hold on tight, it can be quite a smooth ride”
Witnessing Junga’s attentiveness, a world away from home, makes me wonder: could workplaces thrive on empathy, not just results? Perhaps compassion is the missing ingredient for a truly fulfilling work environment. Hey, I started liking this guy! Junga’s actions go beyond expected courtesy and hospitality. He clearly cares about more than just getting the job done. If every leader could emulate Junga’s brand of compassion, workplaces would be a lot more like home — supportive, encouraging, and filled with people who genuinely care about each other’s well-being.
“Gunjan MKII” the bold letters on the Electric drone proclaimed ( means “Buzz” I later found out ) .We climbed aboard the Drone, Junga explaining its features and capabilities with a touch of pride. The tension from earlier had dissipated, replaced by a sense of cautious optimism for the day ahead. The Electric drone , a testament to the latest clean technology, hums to life, whisking me over a breathtaking landscape. Lush gardens cascade down towering trees, their roots intricately woven into the very buildings themselves.
Junga clears his throat, breaking the silence. “What are your initial impressions of Junglestan?” His voice holds a hint of nervousness, his gaze flitting away from mine. I was glad that he asked since I thought that would lead to many of my questions also being answered.
“Honestly, it’s like stepping into a utopia,” I admit, still captivated by the view. “Everything seems so efficient, harmonious.
“”Harmony is a delicate balance,” Junga interjects. “We strive for a benevolent monarchy, but a king’s power can be a double-edged sword.”Junga leans back in the Drone seat, his brow furrowed in concern. “The ideal monarchy,” he begins, his voice thoughtful, “is a delicate dance between tradition and progress. The king serves as a symbol of unity, a source of wisdom accumulated over generations. But a king who becomes too rigid, who clings to power without considering the needs of his people, becomes a tyrant, not ….a leader”
“ Look at them,” he says, his voice softening as he gestures out the window at a sprawling public garden teeming with activity. “The otters tending the water lilies, the squirrels harvesting nuts, the bees pollinating the flowers. Each plays a vital role in the harmony of Junglestan. A good king recognises the importance of each creature, listens to their concerns, and guides them towards a prosperous future.”
“Our current dilemma,” Junga continues, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, “is King Vana Varma. He has a firm grip on the Vana Sabha, the council that advises him. The idea of relinquishing any control seems…unpalatable to him.”
A cold dread washes over me. “So, this perfect society isn’t as perfect as it seems?”Junga’s expression darkens. “There’s a growing unease amongst the animal citizens. The king’s…inflexibility is stifling progress.”
I was getting used to the idea of a benevolent leader, someone who could make swift decisions and prioritise the greater good, held a certain appeal, especially compared to the gridlock and empty promises that seemed to plague democracies back home. But now my initial doubts were coming back as in his own words .Ah.. May be democracy was not bad after all. Maybe the real threat wasn’t democracy itself, but the imperfections that plagued it: special interests, career politicians bogged down by ambition, and debates that prioritised grandstanding over action.
“But what about checks and balances?” I ask, voicing the thought that had been nagging at me. “But what if the king turns bad? Democracies allow people to control their leaders, right?”
Junga sighed, a flicker of sadness in his eyes. “Indeed. Controlled chaos vs ordered uncertainty. The perfect king, however, is just a fantasy. In a perfect world, a king would always be wise and just. But even the wisest can falter. In Junglestan, the Vana Sabha, the council of advisers, was meant to offer guidance and a different perspective. Unfortunately, King Vana Varma sees them as a challenge to his authority, rather than a source of strength.”
A shiver runs down my spine. This utopia I’d stumbled into, it was starting to feel…fragile. Junga’s words painted a picture of stagnation, a beautiful society trapped within its own walls.A pang of longing shot through me. So far, I’d brushed aside thoughts of getting back to my normal life. But the terrifying reality that I had no idea how to leave, not even a single clue about Junglestan’s geography or possible exits, created a knot of unease in my stomach. It wasn’t just like …. booking a flight home. Was this it? Was I stuck here, forever adrift in this fantastical dream?
About : Jungle Tales 2.0 : The awakening
