Page 39 - Abhivyakti - Vol 4.3

the talking mango tree

Once upon a time in a small village in India, there was a mango tree in the center
of a playground of a school. The children loved the tree so much because of its
sweet mangoes but no one knew its secret.

One day, a fourth standard student Meera stayed back after school was over. She
usually read books under the mango tree. As the wind was blowing, a mango fell
near her. She picked that mango and heard the tree talking. The tree said “Thank
you for always reading near me”. She looked around and said “Who said that?”

“I said”, the mango tree replied. “But only the kind-hearted children hear my
voice”, the tree said further. She was shocked and asked “You can talk?”

“Yes” the tree replied. “I have seen many children play in the playground, but you
only always sit quietly, read books near me and water my roots.” The tree said
further.

She smiled and replied that the tree is her friend. The tree rustled its leaves and
gave a gift to her. The tree said, “This mango will give you knowledge from every
book you have ever read.” She took the mango home and told her parents about
the incident.

Her parents laughed at her f irst but when she answered all the exam questions so
well her teacher was impressed with her. After that day, every day she visited the
tree in the evening time, shared stories with her and watered her roots.

The tree never spoke again, but she knew that magic happens to those who are
kind hearted.

JAHAAN KANAKHARA
GRADE 4

NAND VIDYA NIKETAN,

JAMNAGAR

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