In the corner of Greenfield School stood an ancient banyan tree. Students loved playing under it, but they also spread rumors:

“They say the tree can talk at midnight!”

“No, it grants wishes if you hug it!”

One rainy evening, Aarav, a shy boy who never spoke much in class, forgot his notebook near the tree. When he returned to fetch it, lightning flashed, and for a second, it seemed the branches moved.

“Don’t be scared,” a voice echoed. Aarav froze. Was the tree… speaking?

“You students litter around me, carve names on my trunk, and still expect me to grant wishes? Foolish!”

Terrified yet curious, Aarav whispered, “Then what do you want?”

The tree sighed. “Respect. Care. A friend.”

The next day, Aarav gathered courage and told his classmates. At first, they laughed. “A talking tree? Really?”

But Aarav persisted. He suggested starting an Eco Club—cleaning the playground, watering plants, and protecting the banyan. Slowly, his classmates joined. The old tree stood taller than ever, its shade cooler, its roots stronger.

One day, during a science exhibition, judges were amazed at Class 8’s green initiative. The class won first prize.

That night, when Aarav passed by, he swore he heard a gentle whisper: “Thank you, friend.”