Page 85 - English Expedition Class 4

But Rakesh had grown too.
The tree kept blossoming right through
the spring.
That summer there were small

cherries on the tree. Rakesh tasted
one and spat it out.
‘It’s too sour,’ he said.
‘They’ll be better next year,’ said

Grandfather.
On a warm sunny afternoon, when
even the bees looked sleepy, Rakesh
was looking for Grandfather without

finding him in any of his favourite
places around the house. Then he
looked out of the bedroom window
14
and saw Grandfather reclining on a
cane chair under the cherry tree.
‘There’s just the right amount of
shade here,’ said Grandfather.
Grandfather and Rakesh waited in silence until the stars came out and the nightjar 15
16
began to call. In the forest below, the crickets and cicadas began tuning up, and
suddenly the trees were full of the sound of insects.
‘There are so many trees in the forest,’ said Rakesh. ‘What’s so special about this
tree? Why do we like it so much?’

‘We planted it ourselves,’ said Grandfather. ‘That’s why it’s special.’
‘Just one small seed,’ said Rakesh as he touched the smooth bark of the tree.
‘I wonder,’ he whispered, ‘is this what it feels to be God?’

Ruskin Bond (adapted)

Ruskin Bond (born 1934) is one of the best-loved contemporary
writers in India. He lives in Mussoorie. Mainly known for the stories he
wrote for children, his famous works include The Adventures of Rusty
and The Blue Umbrella.

14 reclining: leaning back 16 cicada: a large insect that produces a high-pitched noise
15 nightjar: a nocturnal bird
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