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Extract from the Story
The following year there were more blossoms.
And suddenly the tree was taller than Rakesh, even though it was less than half his age. And then it was taller than Grandfather, who was older than some of the oak trees.
But Rakesh had grown too. He could run and jump and climb trees as well as most boys, and he read a lot of books, although he still liked listening to Grandfather’s tales.
In the cherry tree, bees came to feed on the nectar in the blossoms, and tiny birds pecked at the blossoms and broke them off. But the tree kept blossoming right through the spring, and there were always more blossoms than birds.
That summer there were small cherries on the tree. Rakesh tasted one and spat it out.
‘It’s too sour,’ he said.
‘They’ll be better next year,’ said Grandfather.
But the birds liked them—especially the bigger birds, such as the bulbuls and scarlet minivets—and they flitted in and out of the foliage, feasting on the cherries.
And suddenly the tree was taller than Rakesh, even though it was less than half his age. And then it was taller than Grandfather, who was older than some of the oak trees.
But Rakesh had grown too. He could run and jump and climb trees as well as most boys, and he read a lot of books, although he still liked listening to Grandfather’s tales.
In the cherry tree, bees came to feed on the nectar in the blossoms, and tiny birds pecked at the blossoms and broke them off. But the tree kept blossoming right through the spring, and there were always more blossoms than birds.
That summer there were small cherries on the tree. Rakesh tasted one and spat it out.
‘It’s too sour,’ he said.
‘They’ll be better next year,’ said Grandfather.
But the birds liked them—especially the bigger birds, such as the bulbuls and scarlet minivets—and they flitted in and out of the foliage, feasting on the cherries.
Summary in Bullet Points
- The mature tree supports more life. Bees feed on nectar; birds visit the blossoms and later eat the fruit.
- The tree keeps producing despite losses. Birds break off blossoms, but there are always more blossoms than birds.
- The first cherries are too sour for Rakesh. Grandfather simply says they will be better next year — patience continues even after success.
NCERT Questions (from the Textbook)
Let us Think and Reflect
Let us Think and Reflect
What can you infer about the connection between humans and nature based on the story?
How to answer:
Answer in complete sentences and use specific incidents from the story.
View Answer
The story suggests that humans become deeply connected with nature when they observe, care for and live alongside it. The tree gives Rakesh joy and learning, while his care helps it survive; later the tree also supports insects, birds and people.
Board Pattern
Questions Mapped to Exam Format
Short Answer
2 marks
What does the arrival of bees and birds show about the cherry tree?
2 Marks
How to answer:
Give the key point and one relevant detail from this section.
View Answer
Answer: It shows that the tree has matured and now provides food and shelter to other living creatures, becoming part of the wider natural environment.
Longer Short Answer
3 marks
Why is the sour cherry episode important even though the tree has already succeeded in growing?
3 Marks
How to answer:
Explain the idea and connect it with the story’s development.
View Answer
Answer: It keeps the story realistic: growth does not instantly produce perfection. Grandfather’s response reinforces patience and the idea that living things continue improving over time.
