The guava in the backyard had invited everyone’s displeasure.Year after year creamy white blossoms grew on it only to be blown away by the breeze a few days later.Our wait for the lime green luscious fruit would invariably end in disappointment. Every year I would tell the children that the plant was maturing and would soon bear fruit.They would look at it wistfully and sometimes just crush its leaves on their palms to inhale the aroma.
Years passed by. In their busy schedule the children hardly noticed the guava as it grew old.Soon it was time for Chhoti’s wedding.It was suggested that we have her mehndi function in the backyard.The guava tree would have to go now.It occupies so much space. Such were the thoughts till the wedding planner arrived. She was overjoyed at the sight of the tree. On the mehndi day, long string of bright yellow marigold were wrapped around its trunk.Globe size balls made of orange and mustard marigold were hung from its branches. It looked resplendent. Even the singer made her place under its shade and sang folk lyrics to the beat of dholak.Had it not been for the tree the decor would have been so lifeless.Chhoti mused.
Years passed by. In their busy schedule the children hardly noticed the guava as it grew old.Soon it was time for Chhoti’s wedding.It was suggested that we have her mehndi function in the backyard.The guava tree would have to go now.It occupies so much space. Such were the thoughts till the wedding planner arrived. She was overjoyed at the sight of the tree. On the mehndi day, long string of bright yellow marigold were wrapped around its trunk.Globe size balls made of orange and mustard marigold were hung from its branches. It looked resplendent. Even the singer made her place under its shade and sang folk lyrics to the beat of dholak.Had it not been for the tree the decor would have been so lifeless.Chhoti mused.
Leave a comment