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Extract from the Story
On a warm sunny afternoon, when even the bees looked sleepy, Rakesh was looking for Grandfather without finding him in any of his favourite places around the house. Then he looked out of the bedroom window and saw Grandfather
reclining
on a cane chair under the cherry tree.
‘There’s just the right amount of shade here,’ said Grandfather. ‘And I like looking at the leaves.’
‘They’re pretty leaves,’ said Rakesh. ‘And they are always ready to dance, if there’s a breeze.’
After Grandfather had come indoors, Rakesh went into the garden and lay down on the grass beneath the tree. He gazed up through the leaves at the great blue sky; and turning on his side, he could see the mountains striding away into the clouds.
‘There’s just the right amount of shade here,’ said Grandfather. ‘And I like looking at the leaves.’
‘They’re pretty leaves,’ said Rakesh. ‘And they are always ready to dance, if there’s a breeze.’
After Grandfather had come indoors, Rakesh went into the garden and lay down on the grass beneath the tree. He gazed up through the leaves at the great blue sky; and turning on his side, he could see the mountains striding away into the clouds.
Summary in Bullet Points
- The tree now gives more than fruit. It offers shade, beauty and a peaceful place to sit.
- Rakesh notices movement and personality in the leaves. They seem “ready to dance” whenever a breeze comes.
- The tree changes the garden itself. What began as one seed has created a place where people can rest and look outward at the mountains and sky.
NCERT Questions (from the Textbook)
Let us Think and Reflect
Let us Think and Reflect
How does the writer describe the relationship between Rakesh and his grandfather?
How to answer:
Answer in complete sentences and use specific incidents from the story.
View Answer
Their relationship is warm, affectionate and mutually supportive. Grandfather guides Rakesh with practical advice and stories; Rakesh reads the newspaper to him, shares discoveries with him and later enjoys quiet moments beside him under the tree.
Board Pattern
Questions Mapped to Exam Format
Short Answer
2 marks
Why does Grandfather like sitting under the cherry tree?
2 Marks
How to answer:
Give the key point and one relevant detail from this section.
View Answer
Answer: The tree gives the right amount of shade, and he enjoys looking at its leaves. It has become a comfortable and beautiful part of the garden.
Longer Short Answer
3 marks
How does the tree’s role change from the beginning of the story to this point?
3 Marks
How to answer:
Explain the idea and connect it with the story’s development.
View Answer
Answer: At first it is only a forgotten seed. Later it becomes a living companion, habitat, source of blossoms and fruit, and finally a place of shade and rest for Rakesh and Grandfather.
