“Chitra would be so happy!” The White Champa Tree's branches swayed with joy, standing tall on the border of the Bhat and Nair residences. The tree had witnessed the warmth of two loving families, who showered it with care and attention.
"I've stood here for so long," the tree reflected, "and despite not blooming, both families have continued to nurture me. They water me, provide me with nourishing fertilizers, and tend to my needs with kindness. I'm grateful to every member of the Bhat and Nair families."
The tree was lost in its thoughts, remembering Chitra, the little girl who had won its heart. Chitra was always busy making drawings, lying down and gazing at the sky, decorating the tree's trunk. She desperately waited for the tree to bloom.
Finally, the day arrived when the tree sprouted a tiny bud. Chitra was overjoyed and tried to protect the bud from the rain by placing an umbrella on the trunk. Tragedy struck when a lightning bolt took Chitra's life, leaving her lifeless beneath the tree.
The tree was consumed by grief, unable to recollect what had happened. It wanted to scream, to call out Chitra's name, but deep down, it knew she was gone. The umbrella caught its attention, and in sorrow, the tree said, "Because of you, I lost my girl today! I wish I could just crush you!" The tree's moaning turned to anger, directed at its own bud. "It's because of you I lost my child... I waited for you... she waited for you... and see what you have done! I cannot accept you anymore." In sorrow, the tree shaded its only bud.
That night was a long night for everyone. After completing the last rites, the Bhat family returned home. Mrs. Bhat, consumed by anger and grief, stormed to the tree, shouting, "You murderer! My Chitra loved you like a friend, and what have you done to her? You killed her! I will never forgive you. As my beloved Chitra loved you and lost her life protecting the life blooming in you, I curse you that you will never bloom again!"
Mrs. Bhat's rage succumbed to a heart attack, and she lay lifeless at the same place where Chitra was lying. The tree cried in disbelief, "What! What is happening? Aaji, please get up! Your death shall certainly tag me as a murderer. I am not a murderer! Why didn’t you just burn me Aaji! I loved Chitra as much as you did! How am I ever going to prove this to these humans that I am not a murderer! What happened was just an accident and I loved Chitra like my child. I shall prove my love for chitra. I promise never to bloom gain. Let the world know me as the cursed tree but I shall never ever bloom!"
How was anybody supposed to understand a tree's sorrow!
Chitra's mother became catatonic after that fateful day, and her husband was consumed by grief. The family's happiness was replaced with sorrow and grief.
Days, weeks, years, and decades passed, but the Champa tree never bloomed. The Nair family continued to take care of the tree.
Ravi, a young boy, was fond of the White Champa Tree and curious about why it didn't bloom. He wrote down his observations, took photos, and asked everyone about the tree.
One day, while sitting with his Aaji, Ravi inquired about the tree. Mrs. Nair told him the tragedy of the Bhat family and the curse. Listening to the story again was painful for the tree, like old wounds bleeding again.
Ravi sat in stunned silence, his mind reeling from the tragic tale. He asked his Aaji to let him stay alone with the tree for a while. A strong emotional surge rushed through the tree as Ravi stood before it, feeling an overwhelming urge to comfort the tree.
Ravi wrapped his arms around the trunk, and the tree felt the warmth in his touch, instantly reminded of Chitra. Ravi whispered, "I understand your pain and sorrow. Please know it wasn't your fault. It's been years, and nothing can change what happened. You shouldn't punish yourself anymore. You have suffered enough." Ravi’s voice cracked with emotion as he continued, “I too love you as much as your beloved Chitra did. Please, start blooming again. And I want you to know that I will love you just the same, even if you never bloom.”
The tree felt tears flowing down its trunk, the tree was convinced, "Chitra has returned ! Only she could love me unconditionally.”
The tree felt happy, wanting to bloom immediately and fill the garden with its Champa flowers.
But the tree remembered its promise to prove its love for Chitra by making the curse happen. It feared that if it bloomed again, it might lose its Chitra in the form of Ravi again. The tree looked at Ravi's hopeful eyes but felt helpless.
Ravi continued to take care of the tree, nurturing it with love and compassion. Though the tree never bloomed, Ravi remained hopeful. The tree looked at Chitra's house, then at Ravi, feeling its connection with Chitra retrieving with Ravi.
Though the tree was never going to bloom, it felt a sense of peace.
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