Hrishi and Tara are going to spend their summer vacation at their Grandpa’s house. Their Grandpa spent his life building a beautiful apple farm around the house. The trees bear the most succulent red apples; one bite, and the juices flood in like a water balloon exploding inside one’s mouth. Despite the huge demand for these fruits from outside the city, Grandpa has remained a limited seasonal supplier. He doesn’t like having strangers inside his garden for long. However, Grandpa finds himself growing weary more quickly with age, a reminder of the passing seasons and the inevitable march of time.
Hrishi and Tara have an entire month of vacation. They are delighted to help their Grandpa in plucking this year’s batch of apples. After a good sleep on the first night, Hrishi and Tara head towards the North side of the farm early in the morning. Hrishi is carrying an empty basket and lunch. He puts the basket on his head like a shield to protect himself from the sun. Tara has her box of crayons, a drawing book, and a soft toy she cannot part with even in sleep. Grandpa is pushing a wheelbarrow through the bumpy grass of the farm while listening to songs.
As they are walking, Hrishi asks, “Grandpa, are dragons real?”
Tara’s ears went up when she heard ‘Dragons’.
“Haha, Dragons. They are real, you know?” says Grandpa who is leading the team. “But you don’t see them nowadays.”
“But why, Grandpa?” Tara asks. She was tired at first. Now she is curious.
“Well, it is because they live for one thousand years. As they grow older, they become grumpy and tired. So, they sleep in their caves for many years.” says Grandpa.
“Are they scary?” Tara asks.
“No, they are not. They are cool. I want to see a dragon one day.” says Hrishi.
“Umm, they are not cool,” Grandpa corrects Hrishi, “They are big creatures. They have big teeth that can chew a tree bark. They have wings that can blow off a forest fire, or even start one.”
Tara is listening to every word of her Grandpa. She can now imagine how big Dragons can be. “Big as an airplane!” She deduces.
“Correct!… and they can breathe out a fire that can have the same impact as a NUCLEAR DISASTER. However, they only become destructive when you wake them up or when they are hungry.” Grandpa says.
“I am scared.” Tara tries to hide behind her drawing book.
“Don’t be. If we ever encounter a dragon, I will protect you from it with a sword.” Hrishi says as he picks up a broken branch and holds it up like a sword. He gives confidence to his sister.
Grandpa looks at both of his grandkids and feels proud of their love for each other. He smiles and says, “Well kids, there are better ways to deal with a dragon.”
“HOW, Grandpa?” both siblings speak at the same time.
“Ahh, I will tell you at night before you sleep. Let’s not get tired. We are close.” says Grandpa, as they reach near the biggest apple tree.
“Here we are,” says Grandpa.
Tara is tired of walking. She finds a good spot to relax. Grandpa puts the wheelbarrow under a tree. Hrishi takes a look around.
“Wow Grandpa, you have built up a beautiful farm,” says Hrishi.
“Thanks, kid. You see that tree. That is the oldest tree on this farm. I have named it ‘the big tree’. That tree is the reason why we have the best apples in the country. I found its seed from a special spot. But I could get only one seed and that’s it.” Grandpa says.
“From where?” asks Hrishi.
“From there.” Grandpa points to the north where there is a forest. Suddenly, they hear a thunderous roar from the forest. Hrishi is not scared. He gets curious to know what’s in that forest.
Grandpa notices the curiosity. “Ignore it,” he says.
Hrishi keeps quiet and picks up the basket. Grandpa finds a long stick and starts plucking the apples. Hrishi picks up the apples from the grass, puts them in the basket, and empties the basket into the wheelbarrow. Tara is busy drawing apple trees.
A gentleman in a suit comes to visit Grandpa. “Hello sir, I am here for some fresh apples for my store,” he says.
Grandpa leaves the stick for the moment and goes to shake the gentleman’s hand. “How are you?” he asks with a smile.
“Fine, sir. Thank you.” says the gentleman. “I can see this year’s production is even bigger and better than last year.”
“Thank you. Yes, it has been a good year once again,” says Grandpa.
“If you don’t mind, can we have the apples from that tree?” the gentleman points to ‘the big tree’.
“Oh!… the Big Tree. I am sorry, but I have already promised its apples to another customer. But surely next year.”
“I see. Well, hard luck. I won’t get sleep tonight because of it.” They both laugh.
While they are discussing things, Hrishi sneaks in behind Grandpa and goes to Tara.
“Tara, what are you doing?” Hrishi speaks in a low voice so their Grandpa cannot hear them.
“I am drawing the big tree,” Tara says.
“Do it later, we have to go.” He grabs Tara’s hand.
“But where, brother?” Tara asks.
Hrishi holds his excitement and says, “We are going into the forest.”
