The Banyan Tree Stands.

The powerful tremor passed through the banyan tree, uprooting many trees on its way. All the birds from the tree rose and began circling overhead, making a loud noise. The big and large banyan tree should unshake as it did from past many years. It was under this tree the villagers used to meet and discuss things.

The walls of many houses bulged and the roofs fell inwards. The air was filled with choking dust of rumble. Not even a single house remained. Everything came down like a pack of cards. Even the village temple came down, but the idol was not damaged.

Cries of help filled the air from almost everywhere. Many were injured and few dead. Everyone came together and started helping those in need. Later, everyone gathered under the banyan tree.

"Everything is lost forever!" cried Somu,"We're finished!"

"No, everything isn't over as yet. We are still alive...alive, aren't we?" said Ramu,"Just look at the banyan tree. The earth quake has ripped through it. But still it stands tall, like it did for many years. It’s unfortunate that it has happened to us. But it doesn't mean everything is over."

"We have the strength to re-build everything again. We can do anything if we come together. Now, let’s start with this baby. Sadly, she has lost both her parents. Who will come forward to adopt her?" he continued.

"We'll take care of the baby." Said Chandru, standing up. He came forward with his wife. She took her in her arms.

"Good." said Ramu."And who will take care of Damu grandpa? He has unfortunately lost his entire family."

"I will take care of grandpa!" Cried a little boy coming forward. He was followed by his parents.” Yes, we will!" They said together.

"Alright, fortunately, the earth quake hasn't done much damage to our fields. So our crops will see us through to some extent. We will start re-building everything again. We shall start with the village temple." Ramu said.

"From now on, we will live together as one family and share whatever we have." Said Somu."I've lost my wife and my only daughter. But I've always thought my fellow villagers as my own family."

"Thank you, Somu." Ramu said.” We all should live with that spirit here afterwards in our lives. We are all one big family."

The End