At the age of 20 I married my husband, who was in a transferable job. My first marital home was a 'basha'. It is a kind of temporary, makeshift accommodation. It has brick walls and floor , but thatched roof. Roof was home to many rat families, who would pay us a visit at odd hours or invite themselves over meals. He had a busy schedule, but I never felt lonely. Mango tree in the front yard was a great company. Every evening a colony of birds would perch on its branches.

After a few months we shifted to another house. It was a proper furnished accommodation. My husband was happy , but I missed my Basha friends and the Mango tree missed the early morning jungle sounds and chirping of birds. But not the one to remain in low spirits for a long time , i soon established a relationship with a row of palm trees on the road side. Watching them gave me a strange pleasure.

Soon we moved to another station and here we had a house, I always dreamed of. It had a huge lawn and a big back yard to grow vegetables. But the best thing i liked about that house was a bush of ' night queen' outside our bedroom win
dow. Its sweet smell would fill the room at night.By now my love for trees and plants had rubbed off my husband.

He moved to different stations during his course of service. I moved with him. We raised family.We got the opportunity to stay in different houses and in different climates. But every house had at least one huge shady tree. Having a tree in the house gave me a sense of calm and happiness.

In one house there was no tree. Nothing would grow there. There was a small bed of cactus. I tried planting some seasonal flowers an grow vegetables. But failed. There we used to sleep on the roof. And me and my younger son would watch the neighbours eucalyptus tree swaying in the air.It gave me peace. But one day neighbours decided to cut down the tree. That night and following nights , I could not sleep on the roof. I was happy to move out of that house.

Now he is retired . We are staying in a flat. I was very upset till my younger son brought home a few potted plants. They are no substitute to a big tree, but they do add a serenity to the atmosphere. I dream of a small house surrounded by trees. I wonder how can people cut down these beautiful companions for selfish motives.