Tara and the Talking Tree

Once upon a time, in the small village of Sunpet, lived a curious girl named Tara. She loved asking questions—about stars, bugs, puddles, and clouds. But one question puzzled her most: “Do trees talk when no one is listening?” Everyone laughed at the idea—except for Grandma Meera. “One tree does,” she whispered. “But only if you truly believe.” That night, Tara took her lantern and tiptoed into the forest. She walked past sleepy owls and rustling bushes until she reached the tallest, oldest tree—a giant banyan with silver leaves. “Hello?” she asked shyly. Nothing “I believe you can talk,” she said softly, placing her hand on its trunk. A low rumble echoed, and the tree’s bark shifted into a warm, wrinkled smile. “Hello, Tara,” said the tree. “What would you like to know?” Her eyes lit up like fireflies. “Everything!” The Talking Tree told her stories of forest dances, of squirrels who held acorn parades, of clouds who whispered secrets to the leaves. Tara listened for hours, laughing and gasping. Before she left, the Tree bent one branch low. “Whenever you feel lost,” it said, “come sit under my shade. I’ll always be here.” From that day on, Tara returned often—not just to learn, but to teach others. Soon, more children came, and the forest filled with laughter and questions. And sometimes, if you pass by the banyan tree just before sunrise… you might hear it chuckling softly