Once upon a time, in a small and sunny village, lived a little boy named Arjun. Arjun had curly black hair and eyes that sparkled like stars. He lived in a cozy house made of red brick and mud. The house had a big garden with yellow flowers that went'swish, sway'in the wind.
Arjun loved his home very much. But most of all, Arjun loved his Grandpa Hari. Grandpa Hari was old and kind. He had a face full of wrinkles and a white mustache that wiggled when he laughed.
Every day, Grandpa Hari sat in his big blue chair. It was the softest chair in the whole world. It was the Magic Story Chair. One morning, the sun was shining bright.
'Tweet, tweet! 'went the birds outside. Arjun was playing on the floor. He had a bright red toy car.
'Zoom! Zoom! 'went the car. Arjun made the car go fast.
'Vroom! Vroom! 'He was having so much fun. Grandpa Hari sat down in his blue chair with a soft'plop.
'He looked at Arjun and smiled. 'Arjun,'said Grandpa Hari. 'Come here, little one. It is time for a story.
'Arjun kept playing with his car. 'Not now, Grandpa! 'Arjun shouted. 'I am busy!
Zoom! Zoom! 'Grandpa Hari’s smile faded away. He looked at his hands.
He looked very sad. Arjun did not see Grandpa’s face. He was too busy racing his car. 'Beep!
Beep! 'went the car. Suddenly, Arjun heard a big sigh.
'Ohhh,'went the sigh. Arjun stopped his car. He looked up. He saw Grandpa Hari sitting alone.
Grandpa was looking out the window. He looked lonely. Arjun’s heart felt a little pinch. He did not like seeing Grandpa sad.
Arjun knew that Grandpa Hari loved him. Arjun knew that Grandpa had walked a long, long way in his life. He knew Grandpa was wise. Arjun put his red car down gently.
He walked slowly to the blue chair. He climbed up onto Grandpa’s lap. It was warm and cozy. 'I am sorry, Grandpa,'Arjun whispered.
'I am ready to listen now. 'Grandpa Hari wrapped his arms around Arjun. 'Thank you, Arjun,'said Grandpa. 'When you listen, you make my heart happy.
'Grandpa Hari tapped Arjun on the nose. 'Are you ready for the magic? 'he asked. 'Yes!
'said Arjun. 'Listen closely,'said Grandpa. 'Listen well. ''Once upon a time,'Grandpa began,'there was a tiny blue bird.
'Arjun snuggled in closer. 'The bird wanted to fly to the top of the big mountain. But the bird was scared. The wind went'Whoosh!
'and the bird tumbled down. ''Oh no! 'said Arjun. 'Can you guess what happened next?
'asked Grandpa. Arjun shook his head. 'An old eagle saw the bird,'said Grandpa. 'The eagle said,'Little bird, you must be brave.
Try again! 'So the bird flapped his wings. Flap, flap, flap! Up he went!
Higher and higher! 'Arjun felt like he was flying too. 'Wow! 'said Arjun.
Grandpa told another story. And then another. He told stories about talking tigers and dancing rivers. He told stories about the moon and the stars.
Arjun sat very still. He did not play. He did not run. He just looked at Grandpa’s kind face.
He held Grandpa’s rough, gentle hand. Arjun felt happy inside. He felt safe. He learned that old people have wonderful treasures inside their heads.
They have stories that make the world feel magical. The sun began to go down. The sky turned orange and pink, like a strawberry candy. 'The end,'said Grandpa Hari.
He kissed Arjun on the forehead. 'That was the best story ever,'said Arjun. 'I love listening to you, Grandpa. 'Grandpa Hari smiled big.
His mustache wiggled. 'And I love telling you stories, Arjun. You are a good boy. 'Arjun hugged Grandpa tight.
He learned that listening is a gift. It is a way to say'I love you. 'And that is the best magic of all.