Chapter 3, "Gopal and Hilsa Fish," from the Class 7 NCERT English textbook, "honeycomb":  

This chapter introduces us to Gopal, a clever farmer known for his wit and quick thinking. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque village situated by a flowing river, the narrative unfolds with humor, wit, and a touch of wisdom.

The story begins with Gopal, the protagonist, catching a hilsa-fish from the river. Rather than considering it a mere catch, Gopal sees an opportunity to turn it into a unique gift for the king. With the fish cradled in his arms, he embarks on a journey to the palace. However, the journey is far from ordinary, as Gopal encounters various characters who question him about the peculiar cargo he's carrying.

At each juncture, Gopal answers with remarkable tact, referring to the fish as a "messenger." He claims that the fish possesses the extraordinary ability to carry messages through its bones. This absurd yet intriguing explanation leaves people baffled but strangely convinced. Gopal's interactions with the villagers and travelers are infused with humor and clever dialogue, making the narrative an engaging blend of wit and comedy.

As Gopal's journey progresses, he employs his wit to navigate the curious questions of those he meets. His responses are calculated to maintain the facade of the fish as a "messenger." This recurring theme not only showcases Gopal's quick thinking but also underscores the absurdity and unpredictability of life, often expressed through humor.

Upon arriving at the palace, Gopal's audacious adventure takes an unexpected turn. The royal guards are astonished by his assertion that the fish is a messenger for the king. The news of Gopal's arrival reaches the king, and he is brought before the royal court. The tension and amusement build as the king and his courtiers eagerly anticipate the unraveling of the mystery.

Gopal continues his act with finesse. He claims that the fish's bones contain a message that only the king can decipher. The king, intrigued by this unusual claim, opens up the fish's belly and inspects its bones. The atmosphere is charged with curiosity and anticipation as Gopal's clever ploy plays out.

Finally, Gopal reveals the "message" within the fish's bones. It turns out to be a punchline that leaves the king and his court in fits of laughter. Gopal's message is a witty jest that the hilsa-fish is at its best when fried. The narrative takes an amusing twist as Gopal's humor takes center stage. The king, instead of being offended by the unconventional gift, embraces the humor and rewards Gopal for his wit and cleverness.

The chapter beautifully captures the essence of Gopal's character — a shrewd individual who leverages his quick thinking to navigate the complexities of life. It emphasizes the power of wit and humor, not only to entertain but also to forge connections and win people over. Gopal's audacious journey from the village to the palace, replete with his ingenious explanations, showcases his ability to maneuver through tricky situations with intelligence and charm.