Holes in the Leaves

Ojas was sitting in the garden. He was up to some mischief. He hung from the tree branches, chased the butterflies, and enjoyed himself. He had come to the garden with his grandpa, who was watering the plants in the pots.

- Lalit Shaurya

While playing, Ojas plucked some leaves from a tree and started poking holes in them with a sharp twig. The leaves looked battered, and grandpa felt bad seeing that.

He asked, "What are you up to, Ojas? Why did you pluck those leaves? And why are you making holes in them?"

Ojas was surprised and said hesitantly, "Nothing, Grandpa! I'm just playing!"

"What kind of a game is this? Do you want to keep the trees hungry?" his grandpa asked.

"I don't understand! How will the trees stay hungry if I'm playing?" asked Ojas, surprised.

"You don't know? Trees prepare their food with the help of their leaves and sunlight. If you pluck the leaves, they will remain hungry," Grandpa explained.

Ojas was surprised again as he did not know that and said, "Grandpa, I've just learned something new!"