Lush Green Beauty

Rajiv went to his grandparent's house during the summer vacation. Their house was located in a very beautiful village called Makhania in Bihar.

- Mughda Pande

Rajiv lived in Mumbai, so as soon as his summer vacation began, he was excited to go to the village. However, there was no direct train to the village.

"There's still some time, Rajiv," said his parents.

They got off the train and then took a bus. Rajiv enjoyed seeing the gardens full of mango and lychee trees along the way.

One morning, Rajiv and his grandfather went out for a walk. He asked him,

"Nanaji, my parents go to the office. They work. Where is your office?"

Rajiv's grandfather burst out laughing. He said, "Rajiv, this is my office."

"Where is it?" asked Rajiv and started looking around.

"This field, this garden, this well, all of this," said his grandfather.

"Oh!" said Rajiv, and looked at him.

Nanaji picked a bunch of ripe lychees and gave them to him.

"Eat these fresh lychees, Rajiv," he said. "Let me tell you something. I like farms and gardens. I like some trees more than others, like mango and lychee trees."

"Nanaji, there's a lot of work on the farm, right?" Rajiv interrupted.

"Oh, not that much! Just as much as your parents do," replied his Nanaji.

"Oh," Rajiv replied.

"But we work on our farm, plant trees and have fun. We prefer this life and cannot live in the city because there's no greenery there. Look, there are different types of animals on the farm too, like cows, goats, buffaloes, and bulls. Look at them!" his Nanaji showed him.

Rajiv was listening. His Nanaji continued, "This farm produces grains twice or thrice every year."

"That's great, Nanaji!"

"Yes, it is! Like wheat, maize, gram, millets, and so on," Nanaji said.

"So, how do you water your plants, Nanaji?" Rajiv asked.

"Look at that canal."

"Oh yes, I have seen it," replied Rajiv.

"And these two big puddles are filled with rainwater," Nanaji said.

"Is the water clean?" Rajiv asked.