The Story of Arbor ~5

 The story of Arbor

“ Nature is always ready, are we humans ready for that deal.”

Life with Humans

I think I was the only old tree in the entire city then. I was lucky that the human who owned the land I lived was a peace lover. Instead of cutting us he took care of us. He made the entire place a park. Children used to come to play the see-saw, jungle gym , swing-set and slide. While some played hide and seek, hopscotch, blind man’s buff etc. I was amazed by the charm and innocence of the child in a place of heartlessness. But very quickly this amazement ended. The descendent of the old owner donated the place for humankind. Except me and some very old trees ,all other trees were cut down. They started construction of a building which was rather different from any other usual building. It was one storey with lots of pillars then usually needed. The building was open from every side and there weren’t many rooms for living. Many humans used to visit the place, each-one carrying an oil-lamp. In the evening they used to drum for three-four minutes. I heard that humans call it Naam-Ghar. On special occasions , they sing for an entire day. The residents of the building used to feed a lot of pigeons and birds. Cows are always most welcome. They even take good care of us.  

The treaty 

I lived in peace with those humans over a century. But my life was again going to be in trouble. After many years, I saw bulldozers approaching me. Humans were constructing a 4-lane road, and so were destroying every single house and trees on their way. I and Naamghar were on their way . So they were about to derooted me. But they didn’t,  they just removed me to another place with huge machines. Obviously it was the 22nd century. Now they no-longer need to cut trees. They gently picked me up and took to another spot. Many humans for over many months examined me. Took measure of my waist (girth), took a sample of my leaves and roots etc. many days later, they loaded me in a huge truck and then they loaded me in a big box that can fly in air. .............................TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

-R Choudhury