Visual Story: The Cherry Tree | English Poorvi Class 8 - New NCERT PDF Download

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The Cherry Tree
A Story of Growth, Resilience, and Wonder
Meet Rakesh
Rakesh, a six-year-old boy, lived with his grandfather in a cottage on the 
outskirts of Mussoorie because there were no schools in his parents' village.
One day, whilst returning from the bazaar, he bought some cherries from the 
Kashmir Valley. He ate most of them, shared one with his grandfather, and 
kept one seed in his mouth.
A Lucky Seed?
Curious, Rakesh asked if cherry seeds were lucky. Grandfather replied that 
luck only comes when we make use of something, so he suggested 
planting it.
Rakesh planted the seed in a soft, shady corner of the garden and soon 
forgot about it as he went to play with friends.
Winter Arrives
Winter arrived, making 
the garden bare. Rakesh 
and his grandfather spent 
evenings near the 
charcoal fire. Grandfather 
told stories, and Rakesh 
read the newspaper to 
him, though he found 
stories much more 
interesting.
Spring's First Signs
In spring, Rakesh saw 
wild ducks flying north in 
a V-shape and noticed the 
first shoots of the cherry 
seed. The plant was only 
four inches tall but had 
rooted firmly. Excited, 
Rakesh showed it to 
Grandfather and started 
watering it regularly, 
protecting it with small 
pebbles for "privacy. "
Monsoon Growth
During the monsoon, the cherry plant grew fast, reaching about 
two feet. But one day, a goat entered the garden and ate all its 
leaves. Rakesh was upset, but Grandfather consoled him, saying 
cherry trees are tough.
Another Challenge
Later, a woman cutting grass with her sickle accidentally cut the 
plant in half. Grandfather scolded her, but Rakesh thought the 
tree was lost. Amazingly, the tree sent out new shoots and 
continued to grow.
Resilient Recovery
By the next summer, the plant was almost up to Rakesh's chest, 
showing resilience.
Village Visit
That monsoon, Rakesh went to his village to help his 
parents on the farm. When he returned, he was 
happy to see the tree had grown another foot taller. 
He continued watering it, even during rain, to let 
the tree know he was taking care of it.
First Visitors
The tree got its first visitors Rakesh saw a praying 
mantis on its branch. Later, a hairy caterpillar began 
eating the leaves, but Rakesh gently removed it, 
asking it to return as a butterfly.
Winter Returns
Winter came again, with heavy 
snow covering everything. 
Grandfather's stories turned 
gloomy, the newspaper could not 
be delivered, and mice made 
homes in the roof.
Birthday Surprise
In February, on Rakesh's ninth 
birthday, the sun came out. 
Grandfather suddenly called 
Rakesh to see the first pale pink 
blossom on the cherry tree. Both 
were amazed and happy.
Full Bloom
The next year, more blossoms 
appeared, and the tree grew 
taller than both Rakesh and 
Grandfather. Birds, bees, and 
insects visited it.
When the tree bore its first 
cherries, Rakesh tasted one but 
found it sour. The birds, 
however, enjoyed them.
One warm afternoon, Rakesh found Grandfather resting under the cherry tree's shade. He joined him, 
lying down and looking up at the sky through its leaves.
As the stars appeared and crickets chirped, Rakesh felt the tree was very special. Grandfather explained 
it was special because they had planted it themselves.
Rakesh gently touched the rough bark and asked if this was what it felt like to be God.
Through the cherry tree, Rakesh experienced the joy of nurturing life, the patience of waiting, and the bond 
between family and nature.
Theme/Message
Connection with Nature
The main theme of the story is 
the connection between nature 
and humanity. Rakesh's 
relationship with the cherry tree 
symbolises how nurturing 
something can lead to growth 
and happiness.
Resilience
Another important theme is 
resilience. The cherry tree faces 
many obstacles, yet it continues 
to grow stronger, showing that 
challenges can be overcome 
with care and persistence.
Importance of Family
The story emphasises the 
importance of family, as the 
bond between Rakesh and his 
grandfather is central to the 
narrative. Their shared 
experiences bring them closer 
together.
Small Actions, Big Results
The message of the story is that 
every small action, like planting 
a seed, can lead to something 
wonderful. It teaches that with 
love and care, we can create 
beautiful things in our lives.
Patience and Dedication
Additionally, the story conveys 
that patience and dedication 
are essential when nurturing 
relationships or projects. Rakesh 
learns that taking care of the 
cherry tree requires time and 
effort.
Simple Joys
Ultimately, the story reminds 
readers to appreciate the 
simple joys in life, such as the 
beauty of nature and the 
warmth of family connections.