An unsuspecting Rangdale had left for the forest last Wednesday when his farm hand Radheylal reported a bullock missing.
The duo noticed a movement behind a thick clump of bushes at the far end of a clearing and began to tiptoe towards it. They froze when they spotted a tigress, crouching to leap out of the thicket.
There was no time to run, recalls Rangdale. So, the two clambered up the nearest peepul tree, stopping only when they reached the top branches. When they peered down they saw the big cat and her two cubs clawing the tree trunk, grunting and roaring in rage.
The animal even made an attempt to climb the tree but abandoned the attempt when she saw the cubs trying to emulate her.
The drama continued for almost two hours.
And after realising the mobile lying forgotten in his pocket, he rang his friends and told them his story.
Soon the entire hamlet started walking towards the jungle, armed with drums, lathis and torches.
The commotion scared off the tiger and her cubs and she retreated into the deep wood.
