The esteemed Mustansar Hussain Tarar mistakenly associated us with owls. In reality, monkeys are far closer to us than the dear owl. According to biological science, if not our real brothers, monkeys are certainly our cousins. Thousands and millions of years ago, our ancestors were the same. We came to cities and built palaces; our cousins are still camped in forests. Times changed, generations changed, science and modernity pushed these cousins far apart, but the relationship could not end. Humanity and monkeys cannot escape this brotherhood.

Just yesterday, while going from Murree to Nathia Gali, I unexpectedly encountered our cousin – the monkey. Because of the weekend, everyone was on the same route. There was such a rush that traffic kept halting, with lines stretching for miles. We couldn’t reach Nathia Gali, and in the hilly forest we ran into a whole troop of monkeys, and our age-old bond resurfaced. When humans settled in cities, many monkeys became urban as well. The fear of humans vanished from their hearts. The troop was stopping passersby and snatching food from them. One monkey was performing somersaults to show tricks, and another was swinging from branch to branch, showing off his skills.

An old monkey, like a banyan tree, was sitting on the footpath with his arms outstretched and children by his side. I greeted him with my eyes and tried to understand what our cousin was thinking. I stared deeply into the eyes of this banyan-like monkey, observed his manners and posture – I wanted to know what was going on inside him. Despite our ancient kinship, I could not figure it out. The quest was to know – you’re our cousin, but why are you so mischievous? Why are you always up to some prank? Why are you bent on mischief, tricking innocent humans and snatching bread and fruit from them? Why do you jump noisily on rooftops in Nathia Gali and Khaira Gali? Why do you make so much noise at night? And also, your face looks innocent, but why is your mind always scheming to overturn everything?

The old banyan-like monkey ground his teeth two or three times, patted his children, but didn’t give any clear answer to any question. A mischievous-looking, mustached monkey was quite active — sometimes vanishing into the forest, sometimes appearing on the road, waving his hands furiously. It seemed as if he was giving a speech or delivering an ultimatum. Then suddenly he would disappear deep into the forest. His voice wouldn’t be heard for a while. Perhaps he was consulting or meeting someone important in the hidden part of the jungle. Then he would reappear. When I tried to read his emotions, I felt part of his anger came from within, and part from a desire to stand out from others.

This monkey was the most interesting of all. The banyan monkey was mysterious – he seemed like a magical character – while the orator monkey was emotional and carried courtly manners and decorum. It seemed like this present-day monkey wanted to stay on both sides. He did not want to leave his fellow cousins, but he was also fed up with the royal family of cousin monkeys.

Science tells us that in a troop of monkeys, there is an alpha male monkey who is practically the group’s leader, king, or ruler. This alpha king selects friends and foes, forms alliances or wages wars. The rest of the troop gives him preference in food and mating.

Anyway, right now, we are discussing the orator cousin monkey. Outside the jungle of Nathia Gali, his jumps and antics were worth watching. If someone were to cut open the heart of this emotional monkey, they would find it filled to the brim with love, sympathy, and loyalty. Whether one accepts it or not, he has presented cases even in the largest of gatherings, in the most difficult of times, and before the most powerful people – cases that no one even dares to listen to. He repeatedly said, “Do something about my king,” but no one was willing to listen. Instead, he gets scolded every time. Yet the king suspects him. The king thinks: He neither recommends me, nor talks on my behalf, nor puts any pressure, nor comes out for me, nor stays loyal. Everyone is trying to throw me out.

But this orator monkey is different from all others. He knows the art of speech. No one matches his acting skills. He can ride a horse just as well as a human. If it’s time to cry, no one cries better than him. If it’s time for fun, no one dances better than him. He too loves honey. A king couldn’t wish for a better minister – wise, talented, and extraordinary. The orator cousin is currently fed up with jealous critics. His legs are pulled from all sides. Complaints are filed against him. Sometimes he is thrown here, sometimes there. And yet he fits in everywhere.

The road to Nathia Gali was completely blocked, but forest paths were open. It seemed there was some commotion. Either a royal guest was arriving from outside, or the monkeys of the jungle, fed up, were about to head toward the roads and plains. Something was definitely up – from the banyan monkey to the mischievous monkey, all cousin brothers were hopping about. In the days to come, something will be revealed, and we’ll find out what the real story was.

Humans and monkeys – scientifically speaking – are from the primate group, whose brains are large relative to their body size. Though there is a threefold difference between human and monkey brains, even monkeys make schemes, play tricks, fight and quarrel, form groups, and engage in mischief. In India, monkeys have attacked cities multiple times – but to no avail. Because true progress and victory — like humans — cannot be attained through intense emotions and anger, but only through the coolness of intellect.