An inspirational story in A1 English.
In a small town near the hills, there was a quiet railway station. Trains came and went, people hurried by, but one thing never changed—a wooden bench under a red Gulmohar tree.
Every morning, the birds sang in the branches, and the leaves danced in the wind. The bench was old but strong. Many people sat on it every day—old men with stories, tired workers, and sometimes, a boy named Arjun.
Arjun was 12 years old. He lived nearby with his mother, who worked as a tailor. His father had died when Arjun was only three. They were poor, but his mother always smiled and made simple food with love.
Arjun came to the station every evening after school. He loved to sit on the bench and watch the trains pass. He also loved to read. His mother gave him one old storybook, and he read it again and again. Sometimes, he dreamed of writing his own stories.
One evening, as Arjun sat on the bench with his book, an old man sat beside him. He wore simple clothes and had kind eyes. He looked at Arjun and said, “What are you reading, young man?”
“A storybook,” Arjun replied softly.
“Do you like stories?” the man asked.
“Yes,” Arjun said, his eyes shining. “I want to write my own stories one day.”
The old man smiled. “Then you must read a lot, watch the world, and listen to people. Stories are all around us.”
Arjun nodded. The man stood up and said, “I’ll see you again.” Then he walked away, slowly, like a shadow in the golden evening light.
Days passed. The old man came often. He always sat with Arjun and listened to him talk about school, life, and his dreams. Arjun did not know the man’s name, but he felt happy when he came.
One day, Arjun said, “Sir, do you think someone like me can become a writer?”
The man looked at the sky and then at Arjun. “Yes, of course. But you must believe in yourself. Life is not easy, but stories can give us hope. Keep writing, even if no one reads.”
Arjun smiled. “I will.”
But after that day, the man did not return. One week passed, then two. Arjun waited every evening on the bench. He felt lonely without the old man’s words.
Winter came. The Gulmohar tree lost its red flowers. The wind grew cold. One day, Arjun found a small envelope under the bench. It had his name on it—To Arjun, the Storyteller.
Inside was a letter.
Dear Arjun,
If you are reading this, then I am probably gone. I was very ill, and I did not want to tell you because I loved our talks. I was once a teacher. I had no family, but I had books and dreams like you.
When I met you, I saw my young self. You reminded me of hope. Never stop dreaming, Arjun. Write stories, even if your hands shake and your heart feels small.
I left something for you. Go to the bookshop near the station. Ask the man for the blue diary. It is now yours.
With love,
Your friend, R.K.
Arjun’s hands shook as he read the letter. His eyes filled with tears. He ran to the small bookshop. The man there smiled and gave him a wrapped diary.
It was old, with a soft leather cover. Inside, on the first page, were the words:
“For Arjun – Fill these pages with your heart.”
Arjun sat on the bench under the Gulmohar tree and opened a fresh page.
And then, he began to write.
Ten Years Later
Arjun is now a young man. He still lives in the small town. He works at a school and teaches children how to write. He also writes short stories. His first book, “Under the Gulmohar Tree,” was about the old man who once sat beside him.
People love his stories. They are simple but full of heart.
Every evening, Arjun still visits the railway station. The bench is old but still there. The Gulmohar tree blooms with red flowers again.
He brings his diary and watches the world. Sometimes, a boy comes and sits next to him. Arjun smiles and asks, “Do you like stories?”
The boy nods, and Arjun says, “Then listen to the world. Write your dreams. One day, they will come true.”
Moral of the Story:
Sometimes, the smallest moments teach us the biggest lessons. Dreams need time, love, and belief. Even one kind person can light the way for another. Keep writing, keep dreaming, and never give up—your story matters.
