Escapades of Beeju

A Tale Of Breaking Through The Soil-itude

Arisha Agarwal, AIS Vasundhara 1, X D

“You! You have caused too many problems! I am tired of little children shaking me, all because you choose to keep on hanging on to me. I curse your children to never be able to break through the mighty seed coat,” declared the ancient plant deity, sending little Appy into endless sobs. It wasn’t his fault that he was a fruit, but that his seeds would have to bear the brunt was something he could not live with and started to rot, till his life met a tragic end.
Years later, on a frigid winter day, Beeju entered the world only to be banished beneath an arid and parched earth. Encased in a cage tightly bound by the malevolent curse, he strained against the confines. Beeju yearned for sunlight, nourishment, and the delectable flavours of his favourite foods. Days melted into weeks, and weeks into months, yet no one came to Beeju’s aid. One morning, Beeju awoke to a strange sensation, his form moist and engorged. He thought to himself, “Ughh! Why am I so wet and icky? Is my life not miserable enough already?” His confused mind was interrupted by a jump scare! “Hey buddy! Surprised to see me?” asked Water excitedly.
Initially befuddled by the uninvited guest, Beeju found himself cramped within his enclosure. Gathering every ounce of strength, Beeju prayed for a miracle. Perhaps the plant fairies took pity on him, as a radiant beam pierced the darkness of his prison.
For the first time, Beeju basked in the sun’s warmth, and reveled in the gentle caress of the breeze. The scent of petrichor reassured him that this new venture was not solitary. Water, the once-unwanted guest, revealed himself as Beeju’s fairy godfather, aiding him in shattering the age-old curse. With water’s magic, the seed coat softened, enzymes stirred to life, and Beeju emerged triumphantly from the soil. Beeju contently listened as Water told him about his mystical adventures where he, along with oxygen, light, temperature, nurtured cursed seeds like him.
As the days unfolded, Beeju flourished. All good things, however, come to an end. Water dramatically said, “Goodbye, my friend” Beeju replied, “Oh, Water! You know we’ll meet when the rain comes!” And in the heart of the forest, Beeju grew big and strong, all because of perseverance and a pinch of magic!

Baadshah