The Big Mango Tree

The Mango grove looked splendid in all its beauty. Resplendent with olive leaves, sumptuous mangoes and an aroma that seduces even the most reluctant. It was the favourite playground for the obstreperous squirrels. They loved running around the trunks….But of all there was one Big Tree that she loved the most. Its deep roots, thick trunk, extension of branches and camouflage of leaves left her awestruck everytime she visited the grove.

There was something very special about this Tree. Its branches embraced her like fatherly arms, full of warmth and unconditional love. Its leaves like the beautiful, soft, well shaped hands. She felt so secure and happy by the touch of those phalanges..Why was she so attracted by the grace of the palm? What was it that kept her glued to the very sight of those hands? Probably the dexterity of the hands insinuated the great deeds done by them in the lifetime…

The Big Old Tree was also very friendly. He would welcome her with his delectable mangoes. He would let her play in his umbrage, jump from one branch to another joyfully. Sometimes  recklessly she would destroy his leaves or break his branches! But He never grumbled. Always forgiving and smiling….He too seemed to be fond of the little brat. Every morning he would wait for her to return……

With time He too was getting old. His leaves and skin were losing their sheen. Too many squirrels on His body and He would become breathless. Was it time to bid adieu? The thought of never seeing the sight of the brat made him feel restless….He wanted to see her grow and lead a gratified life. If possible to even let her children run around Him and jump on His branches. This summer there was little flowering on the Tree. Mangoes none. The time had come so He thought. Next morning the squirrel came back enthusiastically to have a smell of the Big hands but hands there were  none….

The Big Tree had breathed His last. Still the hands looked beautiful. Warm, gentle and giving….even death could not steal them of their grace. The squirrel was confused, had never witnessed death before. She came back again next morning and the next only to see the dear Tree missing. She would play around other trees but would time and again look back at the spot where the Big Tree once stood. Foolishly she expected the Tree to return…….

Running around was never the same, playing on the branches no more fun. She kept looking for the same hands amongst other trees. But could never….Fleeting Time passed and the seasons changed. Summer again visited  and this time when she returned she had a surprise waiting for her.

On the same place where once her Big Tree stood was another tree. Almost the same deep roots, thick trunk, extension of branches and camouflage of leaves that left her awestruck .But before running on its branches she looked for the Hands. And yes this Tree had the same hands: Beautiful, soft, well shaped. The Big Tree had returned but in a new avatar. Probably He too was  worried for her so he sent the new Tree. The fun returned. Running around, gleefully playing, jumping recklessly……And Yes life was back in all its glory!