The Lonely Boy
Arjun pressed his face against the car window as they drove into the small village. Tall buildings disappeared, replaced by small colourful houses with intricate rangoli patterns decorating their doorsteps. A giant banyan tree stood in the centre of the village, its branches reaching out like hundreds of arms.
We’re here! His father announced. Our new home!
Arjun frowned. Mumbai had been exciting—with playgrounds, ice cream shops, and his best friend Rohan next door. This village looked… quiet. Making new friends in a strange place seemed impossible.
You’ll love it here, his mother promised, squeezing his hand. Just give it time.
That afternoon, while his parents unpacked boxes, Arjun wandered to the giant banyan tree. Its massive trunk was wider than three cars parked side by side. Long aerial roots hung down like curtains, creating mysterious hiding places beneath. The sweet scent of jasmine flowers filled the air around the tree.
I miss my friends, Arjun whispered, sitting cross-legged under the tree. He pulled out his favourite toy car—a shiny red racer that Rohan had given him before he left. Will I ever make new friends here?
An Unexpected Friend
Suddenly, a bark startled him. A small dog with bright eyes and a perfect white spot on his forehead appeared from behind the tree.
Hello there, Arjun said, surprised. The dog wagged his tail furiously, then darted away, stopping to look back at Arjun.
Do you want me to follow you? Arjun asked, standing up.
The dog barked again and raced down a narrow path. Curious, Arjun followed. They twisted through colourful market stalls with spices piled high in conical heaps of turmeric, red chilli, and garam masala, past women in bright saris carrying clay water jugs, until they reached a small blue house with a wooden door painted with peacocks.
The dog scratched at the door, which creaked open to reveal an older man with twinkling eyes and a long white beard.
Ah, Moti has brought a visitor! The older man smiled warmly. I am Dada Ji. And you must be the new boy. Come in, come in!
The Magical Book
Inside, the walls were covered with beautiful paintings of animals and children playing together. The scent of cardamom chai filled the small room. An ancient-looking book bound in worn leather sat open on a small wooden table.
Sit, sit, Dada Ji gestured to a cushion on the floor. Moti doesn’t bring just anyone to meet me. He has a good sense about people.
I’m Arjun, he said shyly. We just moved here from Mumbai. I… I don’t know anyone.
Dada Ji nodded wisely. Making new friends can be difficult. But did you know that the banyan tree you were sitting under is very special?
Arjun’s eyes widened. Special how?
“We call it the Magic Friendship Tree. Legend says it grants wishes to those who make true friends.” Dada Ji turned the pages of his old book, revealing colourful illustrations of the same banyan tree surrounded by children holding hands. “This story originates from the ancient Panchatantra, which teaches us about the importance of forming friendships.“
But lately, the tree has been wilting. People in the village have become too busy to make new friends. They’ve forgotten the magic of friendship. Dada Ji sighed, pointing to a wilting leaf in the book’s illustration. The tree needs help.
A New Friend
Just then, Moti barked excitedly. A girl with bright eyes and two long braids tied with marigold ribbons peeked through the doorway.
Dada Ji! I brought the special honey from my mother’s bees that you asked for— She stopped when she saw Arjun. Oh! Hello there!
This is Priya, Dada Ji introduced them. She knows every corner of this village.
Priya smiled brightly. You’re the new boy! I saw your family moving in. Would you like me to show you around?
Arjun hesitated, clutching his toy car tightly.
Go on, Dada Ji encouraged. Adventure awaits! And remember, the Friendship Tree needs three acts to restore its magic: share something special, help solve a problem, and create something beautiful together.
The Three Friendship Tasks
Outside, Priya chattered excitedly. “The village might seem small, but it’s full of wonders! There’s the sweet shop where Sharma Uncle makes jalebi that tastes like sunshine. And the potter’s wheel, where you can create your own clay diyas for Diwali!“
As they walked, Arjun noticed the banyan tree did indeed look sad. Some leaves had turned yellow, and fewer birds sang in its branches.
What’s wrong with the tree? Priya asked, following his gaze.
Arjun shared what Dada Ji had told him. He said we need to perform three friendship tasks to save it.
Then let’s do it! Priya declared, eyes shining with determination. However, first, we should identify what is threatening the tree.
They soon discovered that Mr. Kumar, a grumpy businessman who wore crisp white kurtas even in the village heat, had plans to cut down the banyan tree to build a big modern house.
He can’t do that! Arjun exclaimed, surprising himself with his outburst.
We have until the next full moon, Priya explained. That’s when the village council panchayat meets to decide.
Sharing Something Special
That evening, as Arjun lay in bed thinking about the tree, he made a decision. The next morning, he found Priya waiting by the stone well.
I want to try those friendship tasks, he announced, holding out his shiny red car. This is my favourite toy. My best friend from Mumbai gave it to me. I… I want you to have it.
Priya’s eyes widened. Really? That’s your first act—sharing something special! She accepted the car carefully. Thank you, Arjun.
Helping Solve a Problem
That afternoon, they discovered some younger children struggling to build a kite that wouldn’t fly. The children sat disappointed under a neem tree, their colourful kite lying broken on the ground.
Let me help, Arjun offered, remembering how he and Rohan used to make perfect kites in Mumbai. With Priya holding the string and Arjun adjusting the tail, they soon had a colourful kite soaring high above the village.
That’s the second act! Priya clapped her hands. Helping solve a problem!
Creating Something Beautiful Together
Word spread quickly. Soon, other children gathered around, curious about the friendship tasks. When Arjun suggested they all decorate the tree with colourful paper lanterns and flowers for the third task—creating something beautiful together—everyone eagerly agreed.
For days, children gathered to make decorations. They crafted paper lanterns in bright colours, strung marigold and jasmine flowers into garlands, and painted small clay diyas. Even adults stopped to help, sharing stories about their childhood days playing under the tree while sipping masala chai.
On the night before the full moon, they hung their creations on the tree’s branches. Hundreds of paper lanterns, flower garlands, and painted diyas transformed the banyan tree into a glowing wonder.
The Magic Awakens
As the last lantern was hung, something magical happened. The tree began to shimmer with a soft golden light. New green leaves unfurled from branches that had been bare. The aerial roots seemed to dance in the evening breeze.
Mr. Kumar arrived, his face stern. But as he stepped into the golden glow of the tree, his expression softened.
I had forgotten, he whispered, gazing up at the magnificent tree. When I was a boy, I met my best friend under this very tree.
The next day at the village panchayat council, Mr. Kumar announced he would build his house elsewhere. The Magic Friendship Tree belongs to everyone, he declared—especially the children.
That evening, the entire village gathered beneath the tree for a friendship celebration. Arjun sat between his parents, watching children playing all around them. The aroma of freshly made jalebis and samosas filled the air.
Are you happy here now? his mother asked.
Arjun nodded, smiling as Priya waved to him from across the feast. Moti raced between groups of children, barking joyfully. And Dada Ji smiled at him, his ancient Panchatantra book of stories clutched to his chest.
The Magic Friendship Tree stood tall above them all, its leaves whispering an ancient truth from the Mitra-lābha stories of old: friends are the greatest treasure of all.
~ The End ~
