The Sapling of Tomorrow

 

The old banyan tree had once stood where the market now roared, its branches home to monkeys and peacocks. Grandmother paused where the rough bark used to be, her hand lingering in the air. "What is it, Paati?" Meera asked, tugging at her sleeve.

"I’m remembering," she said softly. "When I was your age, this street was a forest. The monkeys swung from the branches. The peacocks danced in the rain. At night, we heard wolves singing to the moon."

Meera tried to imagine it, but all she could hear were car honks and shop music. "What happened?" she asked.

"We happened," Grandmother replied with quiet sorrow. "We called it development. We cut down trees, filled in ponds, built roads and buildings. The birds and animals had to leave. Now, we have no shade, no songs, and no rain when we need it."

Later that evening, Meera spotted a small sapling, half-buried in plastic by the roadside. She gently freed it and planted it near the window at home. "For the monkeys, the peacocks, and the wolves," she told her grandmother.

Grandmother smiled 👉a rare, full smile. "It’s the small things that matter. Every act of care counts my dear"

Morals:

1. Small actions matter: Even a single tree or gesture can contribute to a greater cause.

2. Sustainability over convenience: True progress doesn’t come at the cost of future well-being.

3. Mindfulness: Take time to reflect on the consequences of our actions, big and small, and act thoughtfully. 🌱