A Bond of Love

Mohan loved his Baba. He loved his mother and father too. But he was happiest when he was with Baba, his paternal grandfather. Baba told him stories, walked with him through the village, and never ever scolded him.

One day Baba got a basketful of mangoes for Mohan. Mohan was thrilled! Baba washed the mangoes and then both of them relished the sweet fruit.
‘‘Baba,’’ said Mohan, ‘‘I wish we had a mango tree in our garden. Then we could pluck and eat the mangoes whenever we wanted.’’

‘‘Yes we could,’’ said his grandfather. ‘‘But do you know that a mango tree gives us many other things too?’’
‘‘Like what, Baba?’’ asked Mohan.
‘‘My child, as the tree grows it gives us shade. We use its leaves to make garlands for festive occasions.’’

Mohan nodded eagerly. ‘‘I saw these garlands at Ramu Bhaiyya’s wedding,’’ he said. ‘‘And there were mango leaves around the water pots too!’’
‘‘And what about the peepani, the flute you make from the seed of the mango? You love playing the flute, don’t you?’’ Baba teased Mohan.
Mohan smiled. ‘‘Baba, a mango tree is very useful, isn’t it? We should definitely have one in our garden.’’