Mallika s grandmother notices that Mallika no longer visits her favourite perch, the mango tree. She finds out thereason for it is that a non-poisonous snake has taken residence in that very tree. Mallika and her brother have beentaught to respect animals and not to fear them. Strangely Mallika who once saved her brother from a snake seems tobe scared of snakes. It s time for Mallika s grandmother to tell them a story.