Read the passage given below:
Long, long ago, in a big forest, there were many trees. Among the cluster of trees, there was a very tall pine tree. He was so tall that he could talk to the stars in the sky. He could easily look over the heads of the other trees. One day late in the evening, the pine tree saw a ragged, skinny girl approaching him. He could see her only because of his height. The little girl was in tears. The pine tree bent as much as he could and asked her : “What is the matter ? Why are you crying ?”
The little girl, still sobbing, replied, “I was gathering flowers for a garland to offer goddess Durga, who I believe, would help my parents to overcome their ** and I have lost my way.” The pine tree said to the little girl, “It is late in the evening. It will not be possible for you to return to your house, which is at the other end of the forest. Sleep for the night at this place.” The pine tree pointed out to an open cave-like place under him. The little girl was frightened of wild animals. The girl quickly crept into the cave-like place. The pine tree was happy and pleased with himself. He stood like a soldier guarding the place. The little girl woke up in the morning and was amazed to see the pine tree standing guard outside the cave. Ten her gaze travelled to the heap of flowers that she had gathered the previous night. The flowers lay withering on the ground. The pine tree understood what was going on in the girl’ mind. He wrapped his branches around the nearby flower trees and shook them gently. The little girl’ eyes brightened. But a great surprise awaited her. The pine tree brought out a bag full of gold coins which had been lying for years in the *** in its trunk and gave it to the girl. With teary eyes she thanked her benefactor and went away.
Give meanings of the given words :
(a) cluster (Para 1)
(b) wild (Para 2)
(c) withering (Para 2)
