Arav lived in a small village, where in the morning the smell of wet soil, the sound of birds and the cool air, and in the evening the stars twinkled with fireflies. He was calm, loved books and dreamed of becoming a teacher one day when he went to the city.
Meera came to the village during the summer holidays. Her smile was sweet and her eyes had stories of faraway places hidden in them. She was very loving in nature.
They met for the first time in the summer season, in the early morning, under an old lemon tree in the village. Arav was reading a book and Meera was curious.
"What are you reading?" he asked.
"A story of dreams," (he replied with a shy smile.)
From that day on, the lemon tree became their special place. They met there every day and they talked about school, fears, dreams and the future. Aarav talked about his dreams and Meera about her school, Aarav taught Meera to climb trees and Meera taught Aarav to believe in herself.
The days passed very quickly.
One evening Meera said softly, "I have to go tomorrow."
Aarav's heart felt heavy. "Will you forget this place?" he asked.
Meera shook her head. "Some places remain in the heart forever."
Before leaving, she tied a red thread to the lemon tree.
"This is a promise," she said. "One day I will come back."
Years passed. Aarav worked hard and became a teacher in the same village. The lemon tree was still standing, the red thread had faded, but not broken.
One spring morning, a familiar voice called his name.
He turned—and there stood Meera.
How many promises do not fade with time.
It is getting stronger.