The Peepal Tree
When my grandpa was still a boy, the peepal tree stood tall on the chautara. The three circular stoned steps leading to and surrounding it, was the resting place for the people of the village. The shadow it casted provided shelter from the scorching heat to the villagers and passers-by. The people returning to, and from the city rested to their hearts content on the chautara. The tired passers-by, who were often hungry when they arrived at the chautara, ate the lunch they carried in their backpack. The peepal tree, although stood alone on the mid-hill, was never actually alone. The people resting on its lap always provided it company and the peepal tree reciprocated the favour . Even when no one was sitting with it, it was in the hearts of many who had had the chance of passing by. Fifty years later, the village has now turned into a bazzar . The once six distant houses are now in t...