NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 4 Vitamin-M

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• Kaveri Chapter 4 Question Answers
• Kaveri Chapter 4 Poem Answers
• Chapter 4 English to Hindi Translation
• Poem 4 English to Hindi Translation
• Kaveri Chapter 4 Summary in Hindi and English

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Chapter 4 of the Class 9 English Kaveri textbook is titled “Vitamin-M” and is one of the most engaging and thought-provoking chapters of the entire book. It brings together a humorous short story, a supplementary story and a deeply emotional poem – all revolving around the central themes of family, memory, love and intergenerational relationships. The main story, written by Asha Nehemiah, uses gentle humour to explore how elderly people are often underestimated by their own families, while quietly proving that wisdom and wit do not fade with age.
The supplementary story “The Lost Child” by Mulk Raj Anand beautifully highlights a young child’s unconditional attachment to his parents. The chapter concludes with the timeless poem “I Cannot Remember My Mother” by Rabindranath Tagore, which captures how a mother’s love lingers in sensory memories long after she is gone. Together, these three literary pieces make Chapter 4 one of the most emotionally rich and academically important chapters in the Class 9 Kaveri English curriculum for session 2026-27.

Kaveri Textbook Chapter 4 Question Answers:

Now, discuss the points written in the organiser with your classmates and teacher.

See AnswerWhy should we care for the elderly?
They have spent their lives caring for us. They carry wisdom, experience and love. It is our moral and social responsibility to return their care and ensure their dignity in old age.
What are the problems faced by the elderly?
‣ Failing memory, weak eyesight and hearing
‣ Physical weakness and risk of falls
‣ Loneliness and feeling of being a burden
‣ Dependence on others for daily needs
‣ Health issues requiring regular medicines
What could be the possible reasons for the problems faced?
‣  Old age causing natural physical and mental decline
‣  Nuclear family system leaving elders alone
‣  Children being busy with work and their own lives
‣  Shift from hometown to city, causing displacement and stress
How can we take care of the elderly?
‣ Spend quality time with them
‣ Help with medicines and doctor visits
‣ Listen to their stories and experiences
‣ Make them feel loved, respected and included.

Answer:

See AnswerA Tradition Passed Down by My Grandparents
In my family, my grandmother has passed down a very special tradition – the recipe of making homemade pickle (achaar) every summer. Every year when mangoes arrive in the market, my grandmother would gather the whole family together and we would all sit in the courtyard, cutting raw mangoes, mixing spices and filling big clay jars with this homemade pickle.
This tradition means a great deal to me because it is not just about the pickle itself – it is about the togetherness and love that goes into making it. My grandmother would tell us stories of how her own mother taught her this recipe and how the same recipe has been passed down through generations in our family. Every spice had a specific measurement that she knew by heart and she never needed to write it down.
This connects me deeply to my growing-up years because the smell of mustard oil and spices instantly takes me back to those sunny summer afternoons in my grandmother’s home. It reminds me of the sound of her bangles clinking as she stirred the masala, the laughter of family members sitting together and the warmth of belonging to something bigger than myself.
Even today, whenever I taste that pickle, I do not just taste the food – I taste the memories, love, and wisdom of my grandmother. It teaches me that some of the most precious things in life are not bought from stores but are made with patience, care and tradition. This recipe is not just food for the body – it is food for the soul and I hope to pass it on to the next generation just as lovingly as it was passed on to me.

See AnswerGrandpa disliked city life because he was used to the peace and quiet of his small brick house in town. He hated the noise and bustle of the city. He missed his large garden with a mango tree, where it was so quiet that at dusk one could even hear a leaf fall. The flat in the city felt “poky” and cramped to him. He also felt his freedom was taken away as he was not allowed to go out alone.

See AnswerVidya did not want her father to go out alone because of two frightening incidents that had already occurred. First, Grandpa had absent-mindedly taken a double dose of his medicines and had to be hospitalised. Second, he had gone for a walk once and forgotten his way back home, causing the whole family great anxiety. She feared for his safety and did not want any further accidents.

See AnswerNo, Ravi was not in favour of it. We can tell this because Ravi winced when his mother spoke to Grandpa in an over-loud tone, as though speaking to a child who could not hear or understand properly. The word “winced” shows that Ravi felt uncomfortable and embarrassed by his mother’s behaviour. He felt it was disrespectful to treat an elderly person that way.

See AnswerNo, Ravi was not fully able to keep his promise. He had promised his mother that Grandpa would be fine at home with him, but when Grandpa decided to go out, Ravi found himself in a dilemma. He could not stop Grandpa without hurting his feelings, so instead he followed Grandpa secretly. Thus, he could not literally keep Grandpa at home as instructed.

See Answer1. Grandpa first stops at the children’s park
2. buys a paper-cone of peanuts and watches children play
3. Grandpa next goes to the tea stall
4. Ravi gets scolded by a little boy’s mother and the vendor ladies
5. Grandpa drinks sugary tea and eats two bananas and an ice cream
6. Grandpa then crosses the road and enters a barber shop
7. Next Grandpa walks quickly to a bus stop and boards a bus.

See AnswerNo, Grandpa was not lost. When Ravi returned home in a panic after losing track of Grandpa, he found Grandpa already back home, snoring peacefully in his bedroom. Grandpa had found his way back safely on his own.

See AnswerRavi would feel immense relief and joy after seeing Grandpa safe at home. He had been frantic with worry and had even tried calling his parents. When he found Grandpa sleeping soundly, he knelt beside the bed and was suddenly overcome with deep affection for his grandfather. He gave him a hug, showing how much he cared.

See AnswerIt is unlikely that Ravi’s mother would come to know the full truth. Grandpa cleverly deflected by saying he had a quiet morning and that Ravi had “disappeared.” This put Ravi in an embarrassing spot rather than revealing that Grandpa had gone out alone. Grandpa’s gift of a detective story book was a subtle hint that he knew everything, but he chose not to expose Ravi or himself.

See AnswerWhen Ravi found Grandpa asleep at home, he was overcome with deep affection and relief. He knelt beside the bed, placed his cheek against the old man’s wrinkled face and hugged him even though Grandpa only grunted in his sleep. This tender, spontaneous act reveals that beneath the surface of daily caregiving, Ravi genuinely loves his grandfather. He had been sick with worry while searching for him, which shows the depth of his emotional bond with Grandpa.

See AnswerThis habit reveals Grandpa’s generous and loving nature. Even in old age, he thinks of bringing joy to others rather than expecting attention for himself. It also shows his sharp memory for what truly matters – relationships and love – even when he may seem forgetful in other ways. This tradition reflects his dignity and his desire to remain a giver rather than become someone who only receives care.

See AnswerThe gift of “The Best Detective Stories” is very significant. Grandpa even said it would help Ravi learn “how to avoid getting fooled when trailing a suspect”. This strongly suggests that Grandpa was fully aware that Ravi had been following him secretly throughout the day. He had noticed his young detective but chose to say nothing directly, instead giving the gift as a playful, humorous acknowledgement. The twinkle in Grandpa’s eye at the end also hints at this. It shows that Grandpa’s mind was far sharper than anyone gave him credit for.

1. Grandpa hated the noise and bustle of city life and when they were on their own, he often spoke longingly of his small brick house in town. ‘Such a wonderful place…! With that big mango tree in the garden! It is so quiet that at dusky you can even hear a leaf fall!” But then Grandpa has slipped and fallen in the garden last one evening while he was pottering around and lain outside all night because there was no one at home to help him up.

(i) Choose the emotion displayed by the Grandfather.
A. regretful
B. apologetic
C. nostalgic
D. wistful
See AnswerC. nostalgic

(ii) Complete the following sentences with a reason.
Grandpa hated the busy and noisy city life because ________.
See AnswerGrandpa hated the busy and noisy city life because he was used to the quiet, peaceful surroundings of his small town home with a large garden, where the atmosphere was calm and he had his independence.

(iii) Why did Grandpa come to the city despite his dislike for city life?
See AnswerGrandpa came to live in the city because he had slipped and fallen in his garden one evening while pottering around and had lain outside all night as there was no one to help him. This incident showed he could no longer live alone safely, so his daughter Vidya locked up the house and brought him to live with the family.

(iv) Choose an expression similar in meaning to, ‘you can even hear a leaf fall”,
A. end of one’s life
B. arrival of autumn
C. sign of good luck
D. pin drop silence
See AnswerD. pin drop silence

(v) State one advantage and one disadvantage of the Grandfather living in the house in town.
See AnswerAdvantage:
He had his own space, independence, a peaceful garden, and was emotionally comfortable in familiar surroundings.
Disadvantage:
He lived alone with no one to help him in an emergency, which led to the dangerous accident when he fell and lay outside all night.

2. “I had a quiet morning, but I don’t know about Ravi, He just disappeared instead of staying at home at look after me like you told him to,” answered Grandpa coolly, while Ravi just looked confused and embarrassed.
Grandpa has another surprise for Ravi. A gift-wrapped parcel!
“But, Papa, Ravi’s birthday was three months ago. Have you forgotten?” exclaimed Ravi’s mother, impatiently.

(i) Choose the option that displays the tone of the Grandfather’s response.
A. apologetic
B. hurtful
C. calm
D. puzzled
See AnswerC. calm

(ii) Why was Ravi confused and embarrassed?
See AnswerRavi was confused and embarrassed because Grandpa coolly told Ravi’s mother that Ravi had “disappeared” instead of staying home to look after him. Ravi knew the truth – that he had been secretly following Grandpa – but could not explain himself without revealing that he had let Grandpa go out alone. He was caught between guilt and the impossibility of defending himself.

(iii) Complete the sentence with a suitable reason.
Ravi’s mother was impatient because ____________.
See AnswerRavi’s mother was impatient because she thought Grandpa had forgotten Ravi’s birthday and was confused about why he was giving a gift at the wrong time, as she had reminded herself of his birthday by marking it on the calendar.

(iv) State whether the following sentences is true or false.
Grandfather forgot the Ravi’s birthday was three months ago.
See AnswerFalse

(v) Why did Grandpa say he didn’t know what kind of morning Ravi might have had?
See AnswerGrandpa said this cleverly to highlight that Ravi had been out of the house instead of staying home to care for him as instructed. It was Grandpa’s witty and indirect way of protecting his own secret (that he had gone out) while gently putting Ravi in an awkward position. It also subtly showed that Grandpa was fully aware of Ravi’s absence.

See AnswerEvidence 1: Grandpa remembered detailed chess games – he would cite the exact moves of grandmasters like Karpov and Bobby Fischer, showing a remarkably sharp and detailed long-term memory.
Evidence 2: Grandpa remembered his own tradition of giving gifts to everyone on his birthday and even had gifts ready for his daughter, son in law, and Ravi – while his daughter, who had marked the date in red on the calender, had still forgotten it was his birthday. This proves Grandpa’s memory was functioning well for meaningful things.

(i) Grandfather
(ii) Ravi
(iii) Ravi’s mother
See Answer(i) Grandfather:
• Dignified and independent: He resisted being treated like a child and insisted on his right to go out alone, showing pride in his self-sufficiency.
• Generous and loving: He gave gifts to everyone on his own birthday and even gave his cap to a stranger on a hot day.
(ii) Ravi:
• Caring and responsible: He secretly followed Grandpa to ensure his safety, going through great embarrassment to protect him.
• Sensitive and empathetic: He winced when his mother spoke to Grandpa condescendingly, showing emotional maturity and respect for his grandfather’s dignity.
(iii) Ravi’s mother (Vidya):
• Anxious and protective: She was constantly worried about Grandpa’s safety and gave Ravi detailed instructions before leaving for work.
• Somewhat insensitive: She spoke to Grandpa in an over-loud tone as though he were a child, not realising this hurt his dignity.

See AnswerRavi was worried because Grandpa was consuming things that were strictly forbidden at home for health reasons – sugary tea (sugar was banned), two bananas (another prohibited item) and an ice cream. Ravi was aware that these were restricted because of Grandpa’s age and health condition. He imagined his mother’s horrified reaction, thinking “Mother would faint if she saw this!” He was helpless to intervene without revealing he had been following Grandpa.

See AnswerNo, it was not easy for Ravi to follow Grandpa at all. He faced several embarrassing and difficult situations throughout. He was scolded by a little boy’s mother while hiding behind a bush, was mistaken for a vendor by the ladies near the banyan tree and was surrounded by them, was thrown out of a Ladies’ Hairdressing Salon and finally boarded a bus only to discover he had been following the wrong person. He was exhausted, hot and humiliated throughout the ordeal.

See AnswerIn favour: Ravi showed commitment and persistence by following Grandpa through multiple locations – the park, the tea stall, across the road and even onto a bus – all while trying to remain unseen. His intention to protect Grandpa was sincere and well-motivated.
Against: Ravi was repeatedly discovered and embarrassed at every hiding spot. He ultimately lost track of Grandpa and ended up following a complete stranger onto a bus. As Grandpa’s gift of the detective book humorously implied, Ravi still had a great deal to learn about the art of trailing a suspect without being noticed.

See AnswerYes, Grandpa was almost certainly aware that Ravi had been following him. The clearest evidence is the gift he gave Ravi – “The Best Detective Stories” – with the remark that it would teach him “how to avoid getting fooled when one is trailing a suspect”. This is a direct, playful reference to Ravi’s failed attempt at surveillance. The “twinkle” in Grandpa’s eye at the end further confirms that he knew exactly what had happened, but chose to handle it with humour rather than confrontation.

See AnswerIn this story, ironically, it is Ravi’s mother Vidya who needs Vitamin-M the most. While she worried about Grandpa’s memory, she herself had forgotten Grandpa’s important tradition of giving gifts on his own birthday – even though she had marked the date on the calendar! Grandpa even turned this around beautifully by telling Ravi’s father that his daughter needed Vitamin-M for her memory. The story cleverly shows that memory loss is not limited to the elderly alone.

See AnswerOne common example of age-based discrimination is when elderly people’s opinions are dismissed in family decisions. For instance, when an old grandparent suggests a traditional remedy or advises caution about something, younger family members often ignore it saying “times have changed” or “you don’t understand modern life.” Similarly, young people’s ideas are sometimes rejected in professional settings simply because they “lack experience.” In both cases, the person’s actual wisdom or capability is overlooked simply because of their age.

Now, fill in the blanks with appropriate words from Column 1 or Column 2.

Detective Shankar, 1. _____________ the mysterious suspect through the dimly lit side lanes, away from the 2. _____________ of the city, quickened his pace 3. _____________. The suspect’s heavy footsteps 4. _____________ across the street, unaware of the pursuit. Shankar 5. _____________ his magnifying glass had to 6. _____________ behind the market stalls, 7. _____________ through the lanes to avoid being seen. Shankar 8. _____________ when he hit himself against a pole. This alarmed the suspect and he 9. _____________ into the might leaving only the distant 10. _____________ of the sleeping city behind.

Answer:

Detective Shankar, 1. trailing the mysterious suspect through the dimly lit side lanes, away from the 2. bustle of the city, quickened his pace 3. briskly. The suspect’s heavy footsteps 4. thudded across the street, unaware of the pursuit. Shankar 5. darted his magnifying glass had to 6. crouch behind the market stalls, 7. creeping through the lanes to avoid being seen. Shankar 8. grunted when he hit himself against a pole. This alarmed the suspect and he 9. sprinting/ducked into the might leaving only the distant 10. whirr/snoring of the sleeping city behind.

Off he went, twirling his walking stick jauntily, leaving Ravi in a dilemma.

Answer:

Answer:

Answer:

1. I’ll just walk across to the corner shop…
2. …he felt a shadow fall over him…
3. …the vendors sitting under the tree…
4. Ravi took position behind a big banyan…

Now, fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions.
I walked (i) ___________ (through, between, against) the village, crossed a bridge (ii) ___________ (over, under, beside) a brook, and found a quiet garden (iii) ___________ (among, near, across) a cottage. Sitting on a bench (iv) ___________ (on, at, in) the garden, I enjoyed the peaceful surroundings. Later, I strolled (v) ___________ (beside, through along) a riverbank, exploring the forest and heading (vi) ___________ (into, towards, beyond) the unknown.
See AnswerI walked (i) through (through, between, against) the village, crossed a bridge (ii) over (over, under, beside) a brook, and found a quiet garden (iii) near (among, near, across) a cottage. Sitting on a bench (iv) in (on, at, in) the garden, I enjoyed the peaceful surroundings. Later, I strolled (v) along (beside, through along) a riverbank, exploring the forest and heading (vi) towards (into, towards, beyond) the unknown.

1. “Shall we play chess or watch the cricket match on TV, Grandpa”? asked Ravi,
2. “Who are you?” said the little boy’s mother.
3. “What did you both do today?” asked Ravi’s mother
4. “Have you forgotten?” countered Grandpa
5. A small child came up to him and asked, “Are you playing hide and seek?”

Now choose the correct answer.
A. The words in the quotes are (i) _________________ (exclamatory/interrogative) sentences.
B. Sentences 1, 4 and 5 are (ii) _________________ (Wh-/Yes, No type) interrogative sentences.
C. Sentences 2 and 3 are (iii) _________________  (Wh-/Yes, No type) interrogative sentences.
So there are (iv) _________________ (two/three) types of interrogative sentences.
See AnswerA. The words in the quotes are (i) interrogative sentences.
B. Sentences 1, 4 and 5 are (ii) Yes, No type interrogative sentences.
C. Sentences 2 and 3 are (iii) Wh- type interrogative sentences.
So there are (iv) two types of interrogative sentences.

D. Let us have a quick glance at a few guidelines to remind you of the changes while transforming from direct form of speech to indirect. You can ask your teacher for more inputs.

ARVIND: Do you help in taking care of your grandparents at home?
PRIYA: Yes, I do. We take turns making sure they’re alright. Do you have grandparents living with you?
ARVIND: No. My parents and I visit my grandpa every weekend. How do you manage your grandparent’s medical needs?
PRIYA: We have a schedule for giving medications and visits to the doctor.

Now, complete the following sentences in reported speech.
Arvind asked Priya if she 1. ________________ for which Priya replied in the affirmative and said that they 2. ________________. Priya further asked Arvind 3. ________________ . Arvind replied in the negative and said that 4. ________________  every weekend. He further enquired 5. ________________ . Priya responded by saying that they 6. ________________
See AnswerArvind asked Priya if she 1. 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲, for which Priya replied in the affirmative and said that they 2. 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁.
Priya further asked Arvind 3. 𝗶𝗳 𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗵𝗶𝗺.
Arvind replied in the negative and said that 4. 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗽𝗮 every weekend.
He further enquired 5. 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀’ 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀.
Priya responded by saying that they 6. 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗮 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿.

(Transcript for teacher on page 266)
1. Meditation is a form of yoga that usually refreshes the mind and helps with _____________.
2. Meditation leads to a better health condition both _____________.
3. Meditation also aids in lessening undesirable feelings and improving _____________.
4. It is advised that we meditate everyday so that it becomes a _____________.
5. Meditating on a daily basis is beneficial in comfortably tackling _____________.
See Answer1. Meditation is a form of yoga that usually refreshes the mind and helps with 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁.
2. Meditation leads to a better health condition both 𝗽𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆.
3. Meditation also aids in lessening undesirable feelings and improving 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀.
4. It is advised that we meditate every day so that it becomes a 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲.
5. Meditating on a daily basis is beneficial in comfortably tackling 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗺-𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲.

Organise the article  in the manner given below.
Follow the steps given below to write an article about your skills and passions
Write the title at the top and your name and grade below it.
Paragraph 1: Give a brief introduction to the topic. Focus on the main idea, but do not give any details.
Paragraph 2: Give details to support the main idea – how the elderly inspire, Include examples, facts and quotations.
Paragraph 3: Elaborate on how they overcame challenges and the inspiring impact on you.
Paragraph 4: Conclude with a final comment on the topic and leave the reader with the most important ideas to think about.
Answer:
Article: Our Inspiring Elderly
Our Inspiring Elderly By Mohit, Class IX
In every family, there lives a treasure that money cannot buy — our elderly. They are our grandparents, great-uncles and aunts, neighbours, and teachers who have lived through decades of change, struggle and growth. They carry within them a wealth of wisdom, patience and love that the modern world is in danger of forgetting.

The elderly inspire us in countless ways. Grandpa in the story “Vitamin-M” remembered thousands of chess games in perfect detail and gave thoughtful, meaningful gifts to every member of his family on his own birthday — showing that true intelligence and love do not diminish with age. Many elderly people have built careers, raised families and survived hardships that today’s generation cannot imagine. Their stories of resilience, sacrifice and quiet courage are living lessons that no textbook can offer.

What makes the elderly truly inspiring is how they overcame the challenges of their time with very limited resources. They did not have smartphones or the internet, yet they solved complex problems, preserved relationships, and built communities with patience and hard work. In my own life, my grandfather’s stories of his struggles have taught me to be grateful, to persevere and never to give up when things get difficult. His calm strength in the face of adversity has shaped my character more than any formal lesson.

The elderly are not a burden – they are a blessing. In a world that is racing forward at breathtaking speed, they remind us to slow down, to value what truly matters, and to never lose sight of our roots. Let us honour them not just with care, but with genuine respect, time, and love. After all, we too will grow old one day – and how we treat our elderly today is the example we set for the generations that follow us.

Answer:

Kaveri Chapter 4 Poem Question Answers

See AnswerSome memorable childhood memories include:
• Playing in the rain with friends in the neighbourhood
• Listening to bedtime stories told by grandparents
• The smell of freshly cooked food when coming home from school
• Celebrating festivals with the whole family gathered together
• Flying kites on the terrace during summer holidays
• The excitement of the first day of a new school year.

See AnswerA mother’s presence leaves the deepest impressions on a child’s mind and heart. Her voice, her touch, her smell, and even the songs she hums become permanently embedded in a child’s memory. These sensory memories often resurface unexpectedly – triggered by a familiar scent, a tune, or a sight – even years later. A mother’s love provides a child with emotional security and warmth, and when she is absent, that emptiness shapes the child’s emotional world profoundly. The poem “I Cannot Remember My Mother” is a perfect example of how a mother’s presence, even when forgotten consciously, lives on through the senses.

Answer:

Stanza 1
1. The poet remembers his mother while the ____________.
2. The poet remembers the  ____________ but not the ____________.
Setting: ____________ (outdoor/indoor)
Stanza 2
1. The poet remembers his mother in the ____________ season.
2. The poet remembers his mother by the smell of ____________.
Setting: ____________(outdoor/indoor)
Stanza 3
1. The poet feels that his mother ____________ at him from the ____________.
Setting: ____________ (outdoor/indoor)
See AnswerStanza 1:
1. The poet remembers his mother while he 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗱𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆.
2. The poet remembers the 𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗲 but not the 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗴 / 𝗹𝘆𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘀.
Setting: 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿
Stanza 2:
1. The poet remembers his mother in the 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗺𝗻 season.
2. The poet remembers his mother by the smell of 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝘂𝗹𝗶 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀.
Setting: 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿
Stanza 3:
1. The poet feels that his mother 𝗴𝗮𝘇𝗲𝘀 at him from the 𝘀𝗸𝘆.
Setting: 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿

Answer:

1. Two examples of alliteration from the poem are (i) ___________ and (ii) ___________.
See AnswerTwo examples of alliteration from the poem are (𝗶) 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀… 𝘀𝗸𝘆 and (𝗶𝗶) 𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝘂𝗹𝗶.

2. An example of onomatopoeia is ___________.
See AnswerAn example of onomatopoeia is 𝗵𝘂𝗺.

3. The poem users imagery extensively. Explain.
See AnswerThe poem uses rich imagery to bring the mother’s memory to life through all three stanzas. In the first stanza, the image of a tune hovering over playthings creates a beautiful auditory picture of the mother humming while rocking the cradle. In the second stanza, the visual and olfactory image of shiuli flowers floating their fragrance in the early autumn morning air connects the scent of flowers to the scent of the mother during morning prayers. In the third stanza, the visual image of the vast, still blue sky spreading across the horizon is used to convey the gentle, limitless quality of the mother’s loving gaze. Each stanza paints a vivid picture using a different sense, making the reader feel the mother’s presence even in her absence.

4. Although the poem does not have a rhyme scheme, it is enjoyable because _____________.
See AnswerAlthough the poem does not have a rhyme scheme, it is enjoyable because it flows naturally and beautifully like spoken thought. The free verse form gives the poem an honest, gentle, and deeply personal quality. The emotions expressed are so universal and tender that the reader connects with them immediately. The use of sensory images – sound, smell and sight – makes the poem vivid and memorable, and the repetition of the refrain gives it a musical, meditative rhythm even without a formal rhyme scheme.

5. What is the tone of the poet? Why do you say so?
See AnswerThe tone of the poet is nostalgic, gentle, and melancholic. The poet speaks softly and wistfully about memories he cannot fully recall, yet deeply feels. The repeated refrain “I cannot remember my mother” carries a quiet sadness – not of grief, but of longing. The poet does not weep openly but expresses a deep, tender yearning for a presence he barely knew. This gentle, reflective tone makes the poem deeply moving.

6. What impact does the title of the poem have on the overall mood of the poem?
See AnswerThe title “I Cannot Remember My Mother” immediately sets a mood of quiet sadness and longing. It prepares the reader for a deeply personal and emotional poem. The word “cannot” is significant – it suggests not unwillingness but inability, which makes it more poignant. The title creates a sense of loss from the very beginning, and as the poem progresses, this loss is beautifully balanced by the subtle presence of the mother in every sense – her hum, her scent, her gaze. The title thus creates an emotional tension between forgetting and remembering that runs through the entire poem.

7. The poet uses ‘I cannot remember my mother’ as a refrain because _____________.
See AnswerThe poet uses ‘I cannot remember my mother’ as a refrain because he wants to emphasise the central emotion of the poem – the inability to consciously remember his mother, who must have passed away when he was very young. The repetition of this line at the beginning of each stanza creates a rhythmic, meditative quality, like a quiet prayer or a deeply felt sigh. It also serves as a contrast — each time the poet says he cannot remember, he goes on to describe a vivid sensory memory that proves her presence is still deeply felt. The refrain thus highlights the paradox of forgetting yet remembering.

8. The poet uses symbolism to indicate the memory of his mother’s presence. Identify the symbols used in the poem.
Answer:

1. I cannot remember my mother
only sometimes in the midst of my play
a tune seems to hover over my playthings,
(i) Complete the following sentences appropriately.
The port is reminded of his mother during his ___________.
See AnswerThe poet is reminded of his mother during his playtime.

(ii) What is the primary emotion conveyed by the line ‘ a tune seems to hover over my playthings?
A. It enhances the joy of play.
B. It disrupts the playtime atmosphere.
C. It activates memories of the mother.
D. It symbolises the carefree nature of childhood.
See AnswerC. It activates memories of the mother.

(iii) In the context of the poem, what role does the hovering tune play during the speaker’s playtime?
See AnswerThe hovering tune acts as a bridge between the present and the distant past. During the innocent activity of play, the tune suddenly drifts into the child’s consciousness like a ghost of memory. It connects the child to the mother he cannot consciously recall – her voice, her warmth, her presence while rocking his cradle. The tune does not interrupt his play but gently reminds him of a love he once knew.

(iv) State whether the following sentence is true or false. The poet experiences the tune lingering over playthings only occasionally during playtime.
See AnswerTrue

(v) How could the poet feel his mother’s presence, even though she isn’t there?
See AnswerThe poet feels his mother’s presence through sensory memories – the tune she used to hum, the fragrance of shiuli flowers that reminds him of her morning prayers and the stillness of the sky that reminds him of her gentle, loving gaze. Though she is physically absent, these sensory triggers – sound, smell and sight – keep her presence alive in his heart and mind. Memory works through the senses and the poet beautifully shows how a mother’s love leaves impressions that last a lifetime.

2. I feel that the stillness of
my mother’s gaze on my face
has spread all over the sky.
(i) What does the poet suggest about the stillness of his mother ‘s gaze spreading over the sky?
A. The mother’s gaze in physically present in the sky.
B. The sky is a symbolic extension of the mother’s presence.
C. The sky mirrors the mother’s emotions
D. The stillness is fleeting and unrelated to the mother.
See AnswerB. The sky is a symbolic extension of the mother’s presence.

(ii) What emotion does the poet associate with the ‘stillness’ of his mother’s gaze?
A. a sense of grief
B. a sense of anticipation
C. a sense of nostalgia
D. a sense of serenity
See AnswerD. a sense of serenity

(iii) State whether the following sentence is true or false.
The poet suggests that the mother’s graze has a tangible and visual effect on the sky.
See AnswerFalse

(iv) What is the purpose of likening the mother’s gaze to the sky?
See AnswerThe sky is vast, still, calm, and ever-present – it is everywhere and covers everything. By comparing his mother’s gaze to the sky, the poet suggests that her love was similarly boundless, gentle and all-encompassing. Just as the sky watches over everything silently, so did his mother’s gaze watch over him with quiet, infinite love. The comparison elevates the mother’s love to something universal and eternal.

(v) Complete the sentence appropriately.
The tone of the poet in the given extract is __________ because  __________
See AnswerThe tone of the poet in the given extract is 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹 because 𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗴𝗮𝘇𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗮𝘀𝘁, 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗺 𝘀𝗸𝘆, 𝘀𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗲𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗽 𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗳. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲, 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲.

See AnswerThe refrain creates a deep and lingering sense of sadness and longing in the reader. Each time it is repeated, it reminds us of the irreplaceable loss the poet has experienced – losing his mother at a very young age. Yet paradoxically, the refrain also becomes a doorway to memory, because after each repetition, the poet describes a beautiful, vivid sensory recollection of her. This contrast between stated forgetting and actual remembering makes the emotional impact even more powerful. The reader feels both the pain of loss and the beauty of love that survives even absence and time.

See Answer(i) Shiuli flowers: The shiuli flowers bloom at night and shed their petals in the early morning, filling the autumn air with a sweet, delicate fragrance. This scent mingles with the fragrance of incense and flowers from the morning temple service and together they bring back the memory of the mother’s devotion and her daily rituals. The mother is connected to purity, spirituality and the quiet beauty of dawn – just like the shiuli flower itself.
(ii) Humming tune: The humming tune represents the earliest and most intimate memory of the mother – her voice gently singing while rocking the cradle. It is the first sound a baby knows, and even though the poet cannot remember the words or consciously recall his mother’s face, this tune drifts back to him during play as a subconscious, deeply embedded memory of her love and comfort.

See AnswerNature plays a central and beautiful role in the poem. The poet uses three elements of nature – sound (the tune hovering like a breeze), fragrance (the scent of shiuli flowers in the autumn morning air) and sight (the vast, still blue sky) – to evoke his mother’s memory. Nature becomes a medium through which the mother’s presence is felt and remembered. The autumn flowers carry her scent, the sky holds her gaze and the air carries her tune. Nature, in this poem, is not just a backdrop but an active carrier of memory and love.

See AnswerThe poet perceives the mother-child relationship as the most fundamental, tender and enduring bond in human life. Even though he lost his mother when he was too young to form conscious memories, her presence has woven itself into his very senses – his hearing, his smell, his sight. This suggests that a mother’s love operates at a level deeper than conscious memory. It becomes a part of the child’s identity and sensory world. The poet also suggests that this bond is not broken by death or absence – it lives on in nature, in music, in fragrance and in the sky, eternal and boundless.

Answer:

Come and share my exquisite March morning with me: this sumptuous blaze of gold and sapphire sky; these
1. _____________ lilies that adorn the sunshine; the voluptuous 2. _____________ of neem and champak and serisha that beat upon the languid air with their implacable 3. _____________; the thousand little gold and blue and silver breasted birds bursting with the 4. _____________  ecstasy of life in nesting time. And do you know thatthe scarlet lilies are woven petal by petal from my heart’s blood these little quivering birds are my soul made incarnate music, these heavy 5. _____________  are my emotions dissolved into aerial 6. _____________ this 7. _____________  blue and gold sky in the ‘very me’…
See Answer1. 𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙚𝙩 lilies that adorn the sunshine; the voluptuous 2. 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗺𝗲𝘀 of neem and champak and serisha that beat upon the languid air with their implacable 3. 𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 the thousand little gold and blue and silver breasted birds bursting with the 4. 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 ecstasy of life in nesting time. And do you know thatthe scarlet lilies are woven petal by petal from my heart’s blood these little quivering birds are my soul made incarnate music, these heavy 5. 𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 are my emotions dissolved into aerial 6. 𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 this 7. 𝘀𝗺𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵 blue and gold sky in the ‘very me’…

1. beasts of music echos in air
2. melody of soothing scent, dancing in the air
3. fragrant breeze of blooming buds
4. gentle lullaby, a soft melody
5. colourful sky, painting a lively sight
6. attractive canvas painting the horizon

Answer:

Answer:

Content of the diary entry:

• begin with day, date, and time
• use only first person (I, my)
• capture sensory details
• express emotions
• focus on significant moments and expreriences
• conclude with reflection

Answer:
Diary Entry – A Memorable School Trip
Wednesday, 15th October 2025 8:30 PM
Dear Diary,
Today was one of the most beautiful days of my entire school life. Our class went on a trip to Coorg — a place I had only seen in photographs — and I cannot find words enough to describe what I experienced.
The moment our bus entered the hills, the air changed. It became cool, fresh and fragrant — carrying the rich earthy smell of wet soil and the sweet scent of coffee blossoms. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply, feeling as though the world had slowed down just for us.
When we reached the viewpoint, I stood at the edge and looked out at a sea of green – endless forests rolling over hills, with soft white mist curling between the trees like a gentle secret. The silence was so complete that I could hear the distant sound of a waterfall and birds calling to each other across the valley. I reached out and touched the cool, damp moss on a rock beside me and for one perfect moment I felt completely at peace.
We walked through a spice garden where our guide broke open a cardamom pod and held it under our noses — the sharp, sweet fragrance was overwhelming and wonderful. I tasted fresh pepper straight from the vine and its heat spread slowly across my tongue.
The most significant moment of the day was when we sat together on the grass at sunset, watching the sky turn from gold to deep orange to purple. In that quiet, I thought about how rare and precious such moments are -moments when you are completely present, your senses alive, your heart full.
I will carry this day with me for a long time. It taught me that the most beautiful classroom is the world itself.
Goodnight, [Yogesh]

Kaveri Chapter 4 English to Hindi Translation:

Part – I
“I wish,” said Ravi’s mother, hurriedly putting some green, red and orange tablets on a saucer, “that somebody would invent a memory — Vitamin-M, they could call it, and we could give it to old people to help them improve their memories.”
“Shh … Grandpa’ll hear you,” said Ravi, pointing to the frail old figure sitting in the rocking chair, holding the newspaper inches from his nose to read it.
Hindi Translationरवि की माँ ने एक तश्तरी पर जल्दी-जल्दी कुछ हरी, लाल और नारंगी गोलियाँ रखते हुए कहा, “काश, कोई एक याददाश्त बढ़ाने की दवा बना देता — विटामिन-M, उसे यह नाम दे सकते हैं, और हम उसे बुजुर्गों को उनकी याददाश्त सुधारने में मदद के लिए दे सकते थे।” “श्श… दादाजी सुन लेंगे,” रवि ने कहा, और रॉकिंग चेयर पर बैठे उस दुर्बल बुजुर्ग की ओर इशारा किया जो अखबार को नाक के बिल्कुल पास लाकर पढ़ रहे थे।

Word Meanings• Hurriedly: जल्दी में (In a quick or hasty manner)
• Saucer: तश्तरी (A small shallow dish for holding a cup)
• Frail: कमजोर/दुर्बल (Weak and delicate)
• Rocking chair: आरामकुर्सी (A chair mounted on rockers, which can move back and forth)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for narration and the Present Continuous for background actions, while Modal Verbs express a wish or hypothetical possibility.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Green / Red / Orange: Colors describing the different tablets.
• Old: Describes the people who would need the “Vitamin-M.”
• Frail / Old: Describes the delicate physical state of the Grandpa.
• Rocking: Describes the type of chair.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Said / Pointing: Simple Past and Present Participle used for narration.
• Putting: Present Participle showing the action of placing the tablets.
• Would invent / Could call / Could give: Modal verbs expressing a wish or a hypothetical possibility.
• To help / To improve: Infinitives showing the purpose of the medicine.
• Will hear: Future Simple expressing Ravi’s concern.
• Sitting / Holding: Present Participles describing Grandpa’s current actions.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Hurriedly: Describes the fast manner in which the mother is working.
• Inches from: Adverbial phrase of place showing how close the paper is to his face.

“Don’t worry, I doubt whether Grandpa can hear me. He doesn’t hear too well, or see too well, or even remember too well these days. I’m glad that your holidays have started from today. Now you can look after him. Last month was…” she stopped and shuddered at the memory.
It was only last month that Ravi’s Grandpa had come to live with them because he was getting too old to live on his own. It had been a difficult month with Grandpa having to be admitted to the hospital because he absent-mindedly took a double dose of his medicines, and then gave them several anxious moments when he got lost on one occasion he went for a walk and forgot the way back home.
Hindi Translation“चिंता मत करो, मुझे संदेह है कि दादाजी मुझे सुन भी सकते हैं। आजकल वे न ठीक से सुन पाते हैं, न ठीक से देख पाते हैं, और न ही ठीक से याद रख पाते हैं। मुझे खुशी है कि आज से तुम्हारी छुट्टियाँ शुरू हो गई हैं। अब तुम उनकी देखभाल कर सकते हो। पिछला महीना तो…” वह रुक गई और उस याद से काँप उठी।
पिछले महीने ही रवि के दादाजी उनके साथ रहने आए थे क्योंकि वे अकेले रहने के लिए बहुत बूढ़े हो गए थे। यह एक कठिन महीना था जिसमें दादाजी को अस्पताल में भर्ती करना पड़ा क्योंकि उन्होंने भूलवश अपनी दवाइयों की दोहरी खुराक ले ली थी, और फिर उन्होंने कई चिंताजनक क्षण दिए जब वे एक बार सैर के लिए गए और घर का रास्ता भूल गए।

Word Meanings• Shuddered: कांप उठी (Shivered or shook with fear, cold, or a strong unpleasant emotion)
• Absent-mindedly: अनजाने में / बेध्यानी से (Without paying attention to what one is doing)
• Anxious: चिंतित (Feeling or showing worry, nervousness, or unease)
• Occasion: अवसर/घटना (A particular event, or the time at which it takes place)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present to describe current conditions, the Present Perfect for a recent start, and the Simple Past along with the Past Perfect to recount specific past incidents.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Glad: Describes the mother’s feeling of happiness about the holidays.
• Old: Describes the reason Grandpa could no longer live alone.
• Difficult: Describes the nature of the past month.
• Double: Describes the amount of medicine taken (two doses instead of one).
• Anxious: Describes the type of moments/feelings the family experienced.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Doubt / Doesn’t hear / Doesn’t remember: Simple Present used to describe Grandpa’s current condition.
• Have started: Present Perfect showing an action that just happened.
• Stopped / Shuddered: Simple Past used for the mother’s physical reactions.
• Had come: Past Perfect showing an event that happened before the current timeline.
• Took / Got lost / Forgot: Simple Past describing the specific incidents of the previous month.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Too well: Describes the poor degree of Grandpa’s hearing and memory.
• Today: Adverb of time.
• Absent-mindedly: Describes the careless manner in which the medicine was taken.
• Back home: Adverbial phrase of direction.

Grandpa had got very upset when his daughter, Ravi’s mother, insisted that he shouldn’t go out alone again. “I’ll have you know, Vidya, my dear,” he had told his daughter with a trace of the firmness that had been a natural part of his job as a lawyer, “that I’ve been looking after myself for the better part of my seventy-five years. After your mother died ten years ago, I took over her duties as well and have been cooking, shopping and keeping house too. First you force me to come and live with you in this poky little flat, in this horrible, crowded city and then you think you have the right to forbid me to go out on my own!”
Hindi Translationदादाजी बहुत नाराज़ हो गए थे जब उनकी बेटी, रवि की माँ ने इस बात पर ज़ोर दिया कि वे फिर कभी अकेले बाहर नहीं जाएंगे। “मैं तुम्हें बता दूँ, विद्या बेटा,” उन्होंने अपनी बेटी से अपनी आवाज़ में उस दृढ़ता के साथ कहा जो एक वकील के तौर पर उनके स्वभाव का हिस्सा रही थी, “कि मैंने अपने पचहत्तर साल के जीवन के एक बड़े हिस्से में अपना ख्याल खुद ही रखा है। “दस साल पहले तुम्हारी माँ के गुज़रने के बाद, मैंने उनकी ज़िम्मेदारियाँ भी संभाल ली थीं और मैं खुद ही खाना बनाने, खरीदारी करने और घर के सारे काम भी करता रहा हूँ। पहले तो तुमने मुझे इस भयानक, भीड़भाड़ वाले शहर के इस छोटे से तंग फ्लैट में आकर रहने के लिए मजबूर किया और अब तुम्हें लगता है कि तुम्हें मुझे अकेले बाहर जाने से रोकने का हक है!”

Word Meanings• Trace: अंश/झलक (A very small amount of something)
• Firmness: दृढ़ता (The quality of being steady, stable, or determined)
• Poky: छोटा और तंग (Uncomfortably small and cramped)
• Forbid: रोकना/मना करना (To refuse to allow something)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Past Perfect to establish the background of the argument, the Simple Past for historical events like his wife’s passing, and the Simple Present for Grandpa’s current frustrations and perceived loss of rights.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Upset: Describes Grandpa’s emotional state.
• Natural: Describes the firmness that was typical of his personality.
• Better: Used to emphasize a large part of his life (75 years).
• Poky / Little: Describes the small size of the flat.
• Horrible / Crowded: Describes Grandpa’s negative view of the city.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Had got / Had told: Past Perfect used to narrate the background of the argument.
• Shouldn’t go: Modal verb (Negative) used for advice or a rule.
• Have been looking after: Present Perfect Continuous showing an action starting in the past and continuing.
• Took over / Died: Simple Past describing events from ten years ago.
• Force / Think: Simple Present used by Grandpa to describe current reality.
• To forbid / To go: Infinitives expressing the act of stopping someone from moving.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Again: Describes the repetition of going out.
• Alone: Describes the manner of going out.
• Too: Used for emphasis to show he did multiple chores.
• Then: Used to show the sequence of events (first moved, then forbidden).

Grandpa hated the noise and bustle of city life and when they were on their own, he often spoke, longingly, of his small brick house in town. “Such a wonderful place…! With that big mango tree in the garden! It is so quiet that at dusk you can even hear a leaf fall!”
But then Grandpa had slipped and fallen in the garden late one evening while he was pottering around and lain outside all night because there was no one at home to help him up. That was a month ago and it made Ravi’s mother lock up the tiny brick house and bring Grandpa to live with them.
Hindi Translationदादाजी को शहर की शोरगुल और हलचल से नफरत थी और जब वे अकेले होते थे, तो वे अक्सर अपने छोटे से ईंट के घर की लालसापूर्ण बातें करते थे। “कितनी अद्भुत जगह है…! बगीचे में वह बड़ा आम का पेड़! इतनी शांति है कि शाम के समय पत्ते के गिरने की आवाज़ भी सुनाई देती है!”
लेकिन फिर एक शाम को जब दादाजी बगीचे में इधर-उधर घूम रहे थे, तब वे फिसल कर गिर गए और पूरी रात बाहर पड़े रहे क्योंकि उन्हें उठाने के लिए घर पर कोई नहीं था। यह एक महीने पहले की बात थी और इसी वजह से रवि की माँ ने वह छोटा-सा ईंट का घर बंद करके दादाजी को अपने साथ रहने लाई थी।

Word Meanings• Bustle: हलचल (Excited activity and movement)
• Longingly: चाहत के साथ (With a yearning desire)
• Dusk: गोधूलि/साँझ (The period of partial darkness between day and night)
• Pottering: छोटे-मोटे काम करना (Moving about in a relaxed way, doing small tasks)
• Lain: लेटा रहा (The past participle of ‘lie’; to remain in a horizontal position)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past to describe Grandpa’s past habits and feelings, the Past Continuous to describe the action he was doing when he fell, and the Past Perfect to show the specific accident that led to his move.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Small / Brick: Describes the construction and size of the house.
• Wonderful: Expresses Grandpa’s positive opinion of his home.
• Big: Describes the size of the mango tree.
• Quiet: Describes the silent atmosphere of the town.
• Tiny: Describes the small size of the brick house.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Hated / Spoke: Simple Past used to describe Grandpa’s feelings and habits.
• Were: Simple Past describing their state when they were alone.
• Can hear: Modal verb showing ability.
• Had slipped / Had fallen: Past Perfect describing the accident that happened before he moved.
• Was pottering: Past Continuous showing the action Grandpa was doing when he fell.
• Made: Simple Past showing the cause and effect (the accident caused the move).
• To live: Infinitive showing the purpose of bringing Grandpa.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Longingly: Describes the emotional manner in which he spoke.
• Often: Describes the frequency of his talking about the house.
• Outside: Adverb of place showing where he remained all night.
• Late: Describes the timing of the evening.

“Whatever happens, Ravi, you’re not to let Grandpa go out on his own. It’s too dangerous,” she instructed, adding details of medicines to be given to Grandpa after lunch. Turning to her father she said, “I’m off to work, Papa, Ravi will be here to look after you. His holidays have begun from today.”
Ravi winced at the over-loud tone his mother used when speaking to Grandpa, as though she were speaking to a child who couldn’t hear or understand too well. Grandpa continued to rock gently and gave no sign that he had heard her at all.
Hindi Translation“चाहे कुछ भी हो जाए, रवि, दादाजी को अकेले बाहर मत जाने देना। यह बहुत खतरनाक है,” उन्होंने निर्देश दिया और दोपहर के भोजन के बाद दादाजी को दी जाने वाली दवाइयों का विवरण भी बताया। फिर अपने पिता की ओर मुड़कर बोली, “मैं काम पर जा रही हूँ, पापा, रवि आपकी देखभाल के लिए यहाँ रहेगा। आज से उसकी छुट्टियाँ शुरू हो गई हैं।” रवि को अपनी माँ की वह बहुत ऊँची आवाज़ देखकर तकलीफ हुई जो वह दादाजी से बात करते समय इस्तेमाल करती थी, मानो वह किसी ऐसे बच्चे से बात कर रही हो जो ठीक से सुन या समझ न सके। दादाजी धीरे-धीरे झूलते रहे और उन्होंने कोई संकेत नहीं दिया कि उन्होंने उसकी बात सुनी भी।

Word Meanings• Instructed: निर्देश दिया (Gave a formal order or information)
• Off to work: काम पर जाना (Leaving for one’s place of employment)
• Winced: झिझकना/सिकोड़ना (Made a slight involuntary grimace or shrinking movement out of pain or distress)
• Over-loud: बहुत तेज (Unnecessarily loud)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present for immediate conditions, the Simple Past for the narration of actions and reactions, and the Past Subjunctive (“as though she were”) to describe an unreal or hypothetical comparison.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Dangerous: Describes the risk of Grandpa going out alone.
• Over-loud: Describes the volume of the mother’s voice.
• Child: (Used as a noun for comparison) Suggests how the mother treated Grandpa.
• No: A negative adjective describing the lack of “sign.”
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Happens: Simple Present used in a conditional sense (no matter what occurs).
• Are not to let: A formal structure used to give a strict command.
• Instructed / Said / Winced / Used / Continued: Simple Past used for narration.
• Adding / Turning / Speaking: Present Participles showing simultaneous actions.
• Will be: Future Simple showing Ravi’s presence for the day.
• Were speaking: Past Subjunctive used for an imaginary or unreal comparison.
• Had heard: Past Perfect showing an action that might have happened before he sat still.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Too: Used for emphasis to show the high degree of danger.
• Today: Adverb of time.
• Gently: Describes how the chair was rocking.
• At all: Used for emphasis to show a complete lack of reaction.

“Don’t worry, Mamma,” Ravi promised, looking at his mother’s anxious face. He felt sorry for her. “You go to work. Grandpa’ll be fine at home with me.”
“Shall we play chess or watch the cricket match on TV, Grandpa?” Ravi asked after his mother left. Grandpa played a great game of chess, very cool and cunning, and Ravi found that his own game had improved greatly ever since Grandpa had come to live with them. “That’s the opening move Karpov made when he played against the computer,” he would tell Ravi as he moved a piece, or, “You’re making the same mistake that Bobby Fischer made in his historic match against Spassky.”
Hindi Translationचिंता मत करो, मम्मी,” रवि ने अपनी माँ के चिंतित चेहरे को देखते हुए वादा किया। उसे उनके लिए बुरा लग रहा था। “आप काम पर जाओ। दादाजी मेरे साथ घर पर ठीक रहेंगे।”
“दादाजी, क्या हम शतरंज खेलें या टीवी पर क्रिकेट मैच देखें?” रवि ने माँ के जाने के बाद पूछा। दादाजी शतरंज बहुत अच्छा खेलते थे, बिल्कुल शांत और चतुराई से, और रवि ने पाया कि जब से दादाजी उनके साथ रहने आए थे, उसकी अपनी खेल भी काफी सुधर गई थी। “यह वही शुरुआती चाल है जो कार्पोव ने कंप्यूटर के खिलाफ खेलते हुए चली थी,” वे मोहरा चलते हुए रवि को बताते थे, या फिर, “तुम वही गलती कर रहे हो जो बॉबी फिशर ने स्पास्की के खिलाफ अपने ऐतिहासिक मैच में की थी।”

Word Meanings• Promised: वादा किया (Assure someone that one will definitely do something)
• Anxious: चिंतित (Feeling or showing worry, nervousness, or unease)
• Cunning: चालाक/चतुर (Having or showing skill in achieving one’s ends by deceit or evasion)
• Historic: ऐतिहासिक (Famous or important in history)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for narration, the Future Simple for promises, and the Past Perfect to describe events that happened before the current scene, while “would” expresses a repeated habit in the past.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Anxious: Describes the expression on the mother’s face.
• Fine: Describes Grandpa’s expected state at home.
• Great / Cool / Cunning: Describes the quality of Grandpa’s chess playing.
• Opening: Describes the specific type of move in chess.
• Historic: Describes the importance of the match between Fischer and Spassky.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Promised / Felt / Asked / Left / Played / Found: Simple Past used to narrate the dialogue and Ravi’s observations.
• Looking / Making: Present Participles describing actions happening at the time.
• Shall we play / Watch: Modal verbs used to make a suggestion.
• Had improved / Had come: Past Perfect showing actions that happened before the current chess game.
• Would tell: Used to describe a habit or repeated action in the past.
• Played / Made: Simple Past referring to famous chess matches.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Greatly: Describes the significant extent of Ravi’s improvement.
• Ever since: Conjunction of time showing the starting point of the improvement.

“How can he remember all those thousands of chess games and still forget the names of people he meets often!” Ravi wondered.
“You set out the chessboard,” said Grandpa, putting his paper down, “I’ll just walk across to the corner shop to see if the Tamil newspaper has arrived.”
“Papa usually buys you the Tamil paper on his way home! But if you want it immediately, I’ll go now and buy it for you,” Ravi offered.
Hindi Translation“वे शतरंज के हज़ारों खेलों को याद रख सकते हैं और फिर भी उन लोगों के नाम भूल जाते हैं जिनसे वे अक्सर मिलते हैं!” रवि ने सोचा।
“तुम शतरंज की बिसात लगाओ,” दादाजी ने अखबार नीचे रखते हुए कहा, “मैं बस कोने की दुकान तक चलकर देखता हूँ कि तमिल अखबार आया है या नहीं।”
“पापा आमतौर पर घर आते समय आपके लिए तमिल अखबार खरीद लाते हैं! लेकिन अगर आप अभी चाहते हैं, तो मैं अभी जाकर आपके लिए ले आता हूँ,” रवि ने प्रस्ताव किया।

Word Meanings• Wondered: उत्सुक होना/सोचना (To feel curious or be in doubt)
• Set out: बिछाना/तैयार करना (To arrange or display something in an orderly way)
• Across: उस पार (From one side to the other of something)
• Immediately: तुरंत/फौरन (At once; instantly)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present to describe Grandpa’s paradoxical memory, the Simple Past for narration, and the Future Simple for immediate intentions and offers.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Those / Thousands: Describes the vast number of chess games Grandpa remembers.
• Tamil: Describes the language of the newspaper.
• Corner: Describes the location of the shop.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Wondered / Said / Offered: Simple Past used for narration.
• Can remember / Meets: Simple Present used to describe Grandpa’s current abilities and habits.
• Set out: Imperative verb used by Grandpa to give Ravi a task.
• Putting: Present Participle describing Grandpa’s action while speaking.
• ‘ll walk / ‘ll go: Future Simple used to state an intention or a promise.
• Has arrived: Present Perfect showing an action that might have just happened.
• Buys: Simple Present showing Papa’s regular habit.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• How: Interrogative adverb asking about the method or reason.
• Still: Used to show contrast between his strong memory for chess and poor memory for names.
• Often: Describes the frequency of meeting people.
• Across: Describes the direction of the walk.
• Immediately: Describes the timing of the action.

“I hope you’re not going to be as tiresome as your mother, Ravi. Treating me like a baby! Has she told you not to let me go out on my own? Told you to keep me a prisoner here, has she?” Grandpa looked suspicious at this thought.
Ravi felt guilty for a moment, then quickly recovered to say loyally, “Of course not, Grandpa. Mamma would never treat you like a baby … or a prisoner.”
“Good,” said Grandpa craftily, “then you’ll have no objection to my going out.”
Hindi Translation“मुझे उम्मीद है कि तुम अपनी माँ की तरह तंग नहीं करोगे, रवि। मेरे साथ बच्चे की तरह व्यवहार करना! क्या उसने तुम्हें कहा है कि मुझे अकेले बाहर न जाने दो? क्या उसने तुम्हें यहाँ मुझे कैदी बनाकर रखने को कहा है?” यह सोचकर दादाजी को संदेह हुआ। रवि को एक पल के लिए दोषी महसूस हुआ, फिर उसने जल्दी से संभलते हुए वफादारी से कहा, “बिल्कुल नहीं, दादाजी। मम्मा आपके साथ कभी बच्चे जैसा… या कैदी जैसा व्यवहार नहीं करेंगी।”
“अच्छा,” दादाजी ने चालाकी से कहा, “तो फिर तुम्हें मेरे बाहर जाने पर कोई आपत्ति नहीं होगी।”

Word Meanings• Tiresome: थका देने वाला/कष्टदायक (Causing one to feel bored or annoyed)
• Suspicious: शंकालु/संदिग्ध (Having a cautious distrust of someone or something)
• Guilty: दोषी/अपराधी महसूस करना (Culpable of or responsible for a specified wrongdoing)
• Craftily: चालाकी से (In a clever and deceitful way)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Present Continuous for immediate behavior, the Present Perfect to question past instructions, the Simple Past for narration, and the Future Simple for stating a consequence or lack of objection.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Tiresome: Describes Grandpa’s view of Ravi’s potential behavior.
• Suspicious: Describes Grandpa’s facial expression or feeling.
• Guilty: Describes Ravi’s internal emotion.
• Craftily: (Adverb used here to describe manner) Shows Grandpa’s cleverness.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Are going to be: “Going to” future used to express a prediction about Ravi’s behavior.
• Treating: Present Participle describing the manner of behavior.
• Has told: Present Perfect used by Grandpa to ask about previous events.
• Looked / Felt / Recovered / Said: Simple Past used for narrative actions.
• To say: Infinitive showing the purpose of Ravi recovering his composure.
• Would never treat: Modal verb used to express a hypothetical or conditional statement.
• ‘ll have: Future Simple used to state a logical conclusion.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Loyally: Describes how Ravi spoke to protect his mother’s image.
• Quickly: Describes the speed of Ravi’s recovery from guilt.
• Of course not: An adverbial phrase used for strong emphasis.

He picked up his beautiful shiny-black mahogany walking stick with a brass handle carved in the shape of an eagle’s head, put on his bright-yellow cap and declared, “I’ll be back home before you can set up the board, Ravi.”
Off he went, twirling his walking stick jauntily, leaving Ravi in a dilemma. His grandfather would feel hurt if he insisted on accompanying him and his mother would be furious if she knew Ravi had let him go out on his own.
Hindi Translationउन्होंने अपनी सुंदर चमकदार काली महोगनी लकड़ी की छड़ी उठाई जिसका पीतल का हत्था बाज़ के सिर के आकार में बना था, अपनी चमकदार पीली टोपी पहनी और घोषणा की, “रवि, तुम बिसात लगाओ उससे पहले ही मैं घर वापस आ जाऊँगा।”
वे खुशी और आत्मविश्वास से अपनी छड़ी घुमाते हुए चले गए, रवि को दुविधा में छोड़कर। उसके दादाजी को बुरा लगता अगर वह साथ चलने पर ज़ोर देता और उसकी माँ गुस्सा होती अगर उन्हें पता चलता कि रवि ने उन्हें अकेले जाने दिया।

Word Meanings• Twirling: गोल-गोल घुमाना (Spinning or rotating rapidly)
• Jauntily: उल्लासपूर्वक/ठाठ से (In a lighthearted, confident, and self-assured manner)
• Dilemma: दुविधा (A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made)
• Accompanying: साथ जाना (Going somewhere with someone as a companion)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for narration, the Future Simple for Grandpa’s confident declaration, and the Modal Verbs “would” and “could” to describe the hypothetical consequences of the dilemma.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Beautiful / Shiny-black / Mahogany: Multiple adjectives describing the walking stick.
• Brass: Describes the material of the handle.
• Bright-yellow: Describes the color of the cap.
• Hurt / Furious: Describes the potential emotional states of Grandpa and Mamma.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Picked up / Put on / Declared / Went: Simple Past used to narrate the sequence of actions.
• Carved: Past Participle used as an adjective for the handle.
• ‘ll be: Future Simple used for Grandpa’s promise.
• Can set up: Modal verb showing Ravi’s ability to prepare the game.
• Twirling / Leaving / Accompanying: Present Participles used to show actions happening alongside the main narrative.
• Would feel / Would be: Modal verbs expressing hypothetical results.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Back home: Adverbial phrase of place and direction.
• Before: Adverb of time showing the sequence of events.
• Jauntily: Describes the cheerful manner of walking.
• On his own: Describes the state of being alone.

He heard the elevator door shut as Grandpa went down. Ravi decided he would follow Grandpa secretly, at a safe distance, to make sure he came to no harm.
Hindi Translationउसने लिफ्ट का दरवाज़ा बंद होने की आवाज़ सुनी जब दादाजी नीचे गए। रवि ने तय किया कि वह दादाजी का पीछा चुपचाप, सुरक्षित दूरी से करेगा ताकि यह सुनिश्चित कर सके कि उन्हें कोई नुकसान न हो।”

Word Meanings• Elevator: लिफ्ट (A platform or compartment for raising and lowering people)
• Secretly: गुप्त रूप से/छिपकर (In a way that is intended to be kept hidden)
• Distance: दूरी (An amount of space between two things or people)
• Harm: नुकसान/चोट (Physical injury or damage)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for the sequence of events and decisions, and the Past Subjunctive “would” to show Ravi’s intention and future plan from a past perspective.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Elevator: (Used as a noun adjunct) Describes the type of door.
• Secretly: (Adverb used here to describe behavior) Shows Ravi’s hidden approach.
• Safe: Describes the type of distance Ravi intends to keep.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Heard / Shut / Went / Decided: Simple Past used to narrate the immediate actions.
• Would follow: Modal verb showing a future intention formed in the past.
• To make sure: Infinitive phrase expressing purpose.
• Came: Simple Past (within the “make sure” clause) used to discuss a potential outcome.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Down: Adverb of direction showing the movement of the elevator.
• Secretly: Describes the manner in which Ravi will follow.
• At a safe distance: Adverbial phrase describing the spatial relationship Ravi wants to maintain.

Part – II
Ravi ran out of the building just in time to see Grandpa’s yellow cap disappearing round the corner. Grandpa’s first stop was the children’s park where he bought himself a paper-cone of peanuts and settled on a bench, watching the children play.
Ravi, feeling very foolish, had to crouch behind a bush trimmed in the shape of an elephant to avoid being seen. He felt even more foolish when a small child came up to him and asked, “Are you playing hide and seek? I can show you a better place to hide.”
Hindi Translationरवि इमारत से बाहर भागा और ठीक उसी समय पर उसने दादाजी की पीली टोपी को कोने से ओझल होते देखा। दादाजी का पहला पड़ाव बच्चों का पार्क था जहाँ उन्होंने अपने लिए एक कागज़ की पुड़िया में मूँगफली खरीदी और एक बेंच पर बैठकर बच्चों को खेलते देखने लगे। रवि ने खुद को बहुत मूर्ख महसूस किया और उसे देखे जाने से बचने के लिए हाथी के आकार में तराशी गई एक झाड़ी के पीछे छिपना पड़ा। उसे और भी बेवकूफी लगी जब एक छोटा बच्चा उसके पास आया और पूछा, “क्या आप आँख-मिचौली खेल रहे हो? मैं आपको छिपने की बेहतर जगह दिखा सकता हूँ।”

Word Meanings• Disappearing: गायब होना (Ceasing to be visible)
• Paper-cone: कागज की पुड़िया (A container made by twisting paper into a cone shape)
• Foolish: मूर्ख (Lacking good sense or judgment; silly)
• Crouch: झुकना (Adopt a position where the knees are bent and the upper body is brought forward and down)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past to narrate the sequence of actions and the Past Perfect to describe Ravi’s feeling of silliness, while the Present Continuous describes the visual of the cap vanishing.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Yellow: Describes the color of Grandpa’s cap.
• Children’s: Describes the type of park.
• Paper-cone: Describes the shape of the peanut container.
• Foolish: Describes Ravi’s internal state.
• Small: Describes the size of the child who approached Ravi.
• Better: Comparative adjective describing a superior hiding spot.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Ran / Bought / Settled / Came / Asked: Simple Past used to narrate the main events.
• Disappearing / Watching / Feeling / Being seen: Present Participles used to show continuous or simultaneous actions.
• Had to crouch: Modal-like structure used to show necessity in the past.
• To avoid / To hide: Infinitives expressing purpose.
• Are playing: Present Continuous used in the child’s direct speech.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Just in time: Adverbial phrase showing the exactness of the moment.
• Round the corner: Adverbial phrase of place showing direction.
• Behind a bush: Prepositional phrase of place.

“Shhh, shhh,” was all Ravi could say before he felt a shadow fall over him and a loud voice boomed, “How dare you shoo my child? Who are you?” It was the little boy’s mother.
“Shhh, shhh,” Ravi repeated to the lady.
Hindi Translation“श्श, श्श,” रवि बस इतना ही कह पाया था कि उसे अपने ऊपर एक परछाईं पड़ती महसूस हुई और एक ज़ोरदार आवाज़ गूँजी, “मेरे बच्चे को चुप कराने की हिम्मत कैसे हुई तुम्हें? तुम कौन हो?” वह उस छोटे लड़के की माँ थी।
“श्श, श्श,” रवि ने उस महिला के सामने फिर वही दोहराया।

Word Meanings• Shadow: परछाई (A dark area or shape produced by an object coming between light rays and a surface)
• Boomed: गूँज (Made a loud, deep, resonant sound)
• Dare: हिम्मत करना (Have the courage to do something)
• Shoo: भगाना (Make a sound or gesture to drive someone or something away)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past to narrate the sudden encounter and the dialogue, and the Modal Verb “could” to show Ravi’s limited ability to speak in that moment.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Shadow: (Used as a noun) Indicates the dark shape over Ravi.
• Loud: Describes the volume of the mother’s voice.
• Little: Describes the size of the boy.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Was / Felt / Boomed / Was / Repeated: Simple Past used to narrate the events as they happened.
• Could say: Modal verb used to describe a past ability or possibility.
• Fall: Base form of the verb used after “felt… shadow.”
• How dare you: A phrase used to express indignation or shock at someone’s actions.
• Shoo: Verb used to describe the act of chasing someone away.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Before: Conjunction of time used to show the sequence of events.
• How: Interrogative adverb used to express strong emotion or questioning.

“I’ll shh you, you rude boy!” said the lady, picking up her umbrella threateningly. The ultimate humiliation was when Ravi had to crawl out of the park on all fours, ducking behind the benches, creeping behind the bushes, thanking his lucky stars that Grandpa hadn’t heard the noise and spotted him.
Grandpa’s next stop was the tea stall, and this time Ravi took position behind a big banyan tree to watch him, feeling most embarrassed when the vendors sitting under the tree gave him quizzical looks.
Hindi Translation“मैं तुम्हें चुप कराती हूँ, बदतमीज़ लड़के!” महिला ने धमकी भरे अंदाज़ में अपना छाता उठाते हुए कहा। सबसे बड़ी बेइज्जती तब हुई जब रवि को चारों हाथ-पैर के बल रेंगते हुए पार्क से बाहर निकलना पड़ा, बेंचों के पीछे झुकते हुए, झाड़ियों के पीछे सरकते हुए, और यह सोचकर खुश होते हुए कि दादाजी ने यह शोर नहीं सुना और उसे देख नहीं पाए।
दादाजी का अगला पड़ाव चाय की दुकान था, और इस बार रवि ने उन्हें देखने के लिए एक बड़े बरगद के पेड़ के पीछे जगह ले ली, उसे तब बहुत शर्मिंदगी हुई जब पेड़ के नीचे बैठे फेरीवालों ने उसे अजीब नज़रों से देखा।

Word Meanings• Humiliation: अपमान/तिरस्कार (The feeling of being ashamed or losing respect)
• Crawl: रेंगना/घुटनों के बल चलना (Move on one’s hands and knees)
• Creeping: धीरे-धीरे खिसकना (Moving slowly and quietly to avoid being noticed)
• Quizzical: व्यंग्यात्मक/प्रश्नसूचक (Indicating mild amusement or confusion)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for the main narration, the Past Perfect to highlight the peak of Ravi’s shame, and Present Participles to describe the continuous, sneaky movements Ravi made to stay hidden.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Rude: Describes the lady’s opinion of Ravi.
• Ultimate: Describes the high level of humiliation.
• Lucky: Describes the “stars” (fate) Ravi is thanking.
• Big / Banyan: Describes the size and species of the tree.
• Quizzical: Describes the confused looks from the vendors.
• Embarrassed: Describes Ravi’s internal state.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Said / Took / Gave: Simple Past used to narrate the sequence of events.
• Picking / Ducking / Creeping / Thanking / Sitting: Present Participles used to show actions happening at the same time as the main verb.
• Had to crawl: Modal-like structure expressing a forced necessity in the past.
• Hadn’t heard / Spotted: Past Perfect used to show actions that fortunately did not happen.
• To watch: Infinitive expressing Ravi’s purpose for hiding.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Threateningly: Describes the scary way the lady held her umbrella.
• On all fours: Adverbial phrase describing the manner of crawling.
• Under the tree: Prepositional phrase of place.

“This area is booked by us,” said one lady who was selling plastic combs, in the same tone she might use were she asked to address a gathering without being given a loudspeaker, “There’s no room for any new vendors.”
“Shhh, Don’t talk so loudly. Do I look as though I’m selling anything?” Ravi asked her.
Hindi Translation“यह जगह हमने बुक कर रखी है,” एक महिला जो प्लास्टिक की कंघियाँ बेच रही थी, उसी लहजे में बोली जैसे उसे बिना लाउडस्पीकर के किसी सभा को संबोधित करने के लिए कहा गया हो, “यहाँ किसी नए विक्रेता के लिए जगह नहीं है।”
“श्श, इतने ज़ोर से मत बोलिए। क्या मैं ऐसा लग रहा हूँ जैसे मैं कुछ बेच रहा हूँ?” रवि ने उससे पूछा।

Word Meanings• Booked: आरक्षित (Reserved for a specific person or purpose)
• Address: संबोधित करना (To speak to a person or a group of people)
• Gathering: सभा (A group of people assembled together)
• Loudspeaker: लाउडस्पीकर (An electronic device used to make a voice sound louder)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for the dialogue tags, the Present Continuous for immediate actions, and the Past Subjunctive (“might use” and “were she asked”) to describe a hypothetical or imagined situation.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Plastic: Describes the material of the combs.
• Same: Compares the lady’s tone to another situation.
• New: Describes the type of vendors the lady is excluding.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Said / Asked: Simple Past used to narrate the conversation.
• Was selling: Past Continuous describing the lady’s activity at the time.
• Might use / Were asked: Modal and Subjunctive forms used for a hypothetical comparison.
• To address: Infinitive expressing the purpose of speaking.
• Am selling: Present Continuous used in Ravi’s question about his current action.
• Do look: Simple Present used for an inquiry about his appearance.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Loudly: Describes the manner of the lady’s speech.
• So: An intensifier used to emphasize the loudness.

“Who’s talking loudly?” said the old lady, raising her voice just enough for Ravi to hear her, as though she was talking to him from across the city.
“Who are you accusing of talking loudly? … and that too from behind the tree. Who are you hiding from?” another vendor selling ribbons and clips asked. She too was one of those lucky ones who would never ever require a megaphone.
Hindi Translation“कौन ज़ोर से बोल रहा है?” बुजुर्ग महिला ने अपनी आवाज़ बस इतनी ऊँची की कि रवि उसे सुन सके, मानो वह शहर के दूसरे छोर से उससे बात कर रही हो।
तुम किस पर ज़ोर से बोलने का इल्ज़ाम लगा रहे हो?… और वह भी पेड़ के पीछे से। तुम किससे छिप रहे हो?” रिबन और क्लिप बेचने वाली एक और फेरीवाली ने पूछा। वह भी उन भाग्यशाली लोगों में से एक थी जिन्हें कभी मेगाफोन (भोंपू) की ज़रूरत नहीं पड़ती।

Word Meanings• Accusing: दोषारोपण करना (Claiming that someone has done something wrong)
• Ribbons: रिबन/फीता (Long, thin strips of fabric used for hair or gifts)
• Require: आवश्यकता होना (To need something)
• Megaphone: भोपू (A large funnel-shaped device for amplifying the voice)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for narration, the Present Continuous for immediate actions like accusing and selling, and the Future Simple (with “would”) to describe a permanent characteristic or tendency.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Old: Describes the lady selling combs.
• Loudly: (Adverb used as an adjective phrase) Describes the manner of talking.
• Lucky: Describes the vendors who naturally have loud voices.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Said / Heard / Asked / Was: Simple Past used to narrate the sequence of events.
• Raising / Talking / Hiding / Selling: Present Participles used to show continuous background actions.
• Are accusing: Present Continuous used in the vendor’s question.
• Would never require: Modal verb used to describe a certain quality of the vendors.
• To hear / To address: Infinitives expressing the purpose of an action.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Just enough: Adverbial phrase showing the precise degree of volume.
• Across the city: Adverbial phrase of place showing a great distance.
• Too: Used for emphasis regarding the location behind the tree.
• Never ever: Strong negative adverbial phrase for emphasis.

“Are you talking about one of us?” asked another vendor. A group of them surrounded Ravi.
“Oh, all right!” Ravi conceded defeat and moved to duck behind a shiny silver car, peering through the windows to keep an eye on his grandfather. Grandpa took his time sipping a sugary cup of tea (he was forbidden sugar at home), then ate two bananas (another banned item), then tucked into an ice cream bought from the cart. (Mother would faint if she saw this!)
Hindi Translation“क्या तुम हम में से किसी के बारे में बात कर रहे हो?” एक और फेरीवाले ने पूछा। उन लोगों ने मिलकर रवि को घेर लिया।
“ओह, ठीक है!” रवि ने हार मान ली और एक चमकदार चाँदी (सिल्वर) रंग की कार के पीछे छिपने के लिए चला गया, अपने दादाजी पर नज़र रखने के लिए खिड़कियों में से झाँकता रहा। दादाजी ने आराम से मीठी चाय की चुस्की ली (घर पर उन्हें चीनी खाने की मनाही थी), फिर दो केले खाए (यह भी एक मना की हुई चीज़ थी), फिर ठेले से खरीदी हुई आइसक्रीम खाई। (अगर माँ यह देख लेती तो बेहोश हो जाती!)

Word Meanings• Conceded defeat: हार मान ली (Admitted that one is defeated)
• Peering: झाँकना (Looking with difficulty or concentration at something)
• Tucked into: मजे से खाना (To eat something with great appetite)
• Faint: बेहोश होना (To lose consciousness for a short time)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for the main narrative actions and the background descriptions, while the Past Subjunctive (“if she saw”) and the Modal Verb (“would”) are used to describe an imagined reaction.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Shiny / Silver: Describes the appearance and color of the car.
• Sugary: Describes the tea, emphasizing the high sugar content.
• Forbidden / Banned: Describes the status of the food items in Grandpa’s diet.
• Another: Indicates an additional item on the prohibited list.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Asked / Surrounded / Conceded / Moved / Took / Ate: Simple Past used to narrate the sequence of events.
• Talking: Present Participle describing the subject of the vendor’s question.
• Peering / Sipping: Present Participles used to show continuous actions.
• To duck / To keep: Infinitives expressing Ravi’s purpose.
• Tucked into: Phrasal verb in the past tense meaning to eat heartily.
• Would faint / Saw: Modal and Past tense used for a hypothetical conditional situation.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• All right: Adverbial phrase used to show agreement or acceptance.
• Through: Preposition showing the medium Ravi looked through.
• Then: Adverb of sequence used to list Grandpa’s treats.

Ravi himself felt hot, bothered and close to fainting by the time Grandpa finished his snack. His heart thudded anxiously when he saw Grandpa zigzagging through the traffic as he crossed the road. He shut his eyes in panic when he heard the screech of brakes and opened them just in time to see Grandpa entering the barber shop.
Hindi Translationदादाजी के नाश्ता खत्म होने तक रवि खुद गर्मी और परेशानी से बेहोश होने के करीब था। जब उसने दादाजी को सड़क पार करते हुए ट्रैफिक में टेढ़े-मेढ़े निकलते देखा तो उसका दिल चिंता से धड़कने लगा। जब उसने ब्रेक की तीखी आवाज़ सुनी तो उसने घबराहट में आँखें बंद कर लीं और ठीक समय पर खोलीं जब दादाजी नाई की दुकान में प्रवेश कर रहे थे।

Word Meanings• Bothered: परेशान (Worried, annoyed, or upset)
• Thudded: धड़कना (To beat strongly and loudly)
• Anxiously: घबराहट के साथ (In a way that shows worry or nervousness)
• Screech: तीखी आवाज (A loud, harsh, piercing cry or sound)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past to narrate a series of high-tension events and the Present Participle to describe continuous, simultaneous movements and physical states.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Hot / Bothered: Describes Ravi’s physical and mental discomfort.
• Anxiously: (Adverb used as a modifier) Describes the manner of his heartbeat.
• Sharp / Loud: (Implied) Describes the nature of the screeching brakes.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Felt / Finished / Saw / Crossed / Shut / Heard / Opened / Entering: Simple Past used to narrate the rapid sequence of actions.
• Fainting / Zigzagging / Entering: Present Participles showing continuous movement or an approaching state.
• Thudded: Simple Past verb describing the sound and action of the heart.
• To see: Infinitive showing the outcome of opening his eyes.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• By the time: Adverbial phrase showing when Ravi’s state reached its limit.
• Through: Preposition showing the path Grandpa took through the cars.
• In panic: Adverbial phrase describing Ravi’s emotional state when closing his eyes.
• Just in time: Adverbial phrase showing the precision of the moment.

Now Grandpa was as bald as a table tennis ball, so Ravi decided that a closer look was in order. He crossed the road, first looking dramatically left and then right and then hurriedly ducked into the shop next to the barber shop … only to be evicted a moment later amidst a volley of feminine shrieks because it happened to be a Ladies’ Hairdressing Salon.
“Just as well I was thrown out,” thought Ravi because he spotted Grandpa making his way briskly towards the bus stop, and, oh no, boarding the first bus that stopped there.
Hindi Translationअब दादाजी टेबल टेनिस की गेंद की तरह गंजे थे, इसलिए रवि ने सोचा कि करीब से देखना उचित होगा। उसने सड़क पार की, पहले नाटकीय अंदाज़ से बाईं ओर और फिर दाईं ओर देखा और फिर जल्दी से नाई की दुकान के बगल वाली दुकान में घुस गया… लेकिन एक पल बाद ही महिलाओं की चीखों की बौछार के बीच बाहर निकाल दिया गया क्योंकि वह एक महिला हेयर ड्रेसिंग सैलून निकला। “अच्छा ही हुआ कि मुझे बाहर निकाल दिया,” रवि ने सोचा क्योंकि उसने दादाजी को तेज़ी से बस स्टॉप की ओर जाते और, अरे नहीं—वहाँ रुकने वाली पहली ही बस में चढ़ते देखा।

Word Meanings• In order: उचित / आवश्यक (Necessary or appropriate in a particular situation)
• Evicted: बेदखल करना / बाहर निकालना (Expelled from a property or place)
• Volley: बौछार (A large number of sounds or words directed at someone at once)
• Briskly: तेजी से (In an active, quick, or energetic way)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for the main sequence of events and the Past Perfect to explain the nature of the shop, while the Present Participle describes continuous actions like looking and boarding.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Bald: Describes Grandpa’s lack of hair.
• Table tennis: (Noun adjunct) Describes the type of ball used for comparison.
• Closer: Comparative adjective describing the type of look Ravi wanted.
• Feminine: Describes the nature of the shrieks.
• First: Ordinal adjective describing which bus Grandpa took.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Was / Decided / Crossed / Ducked / Spotted / Stopped: Simple Past used to narrate the action sequence.
• To be evicted: Passive infinitive showing what happened to Ravi.
• Happened to be: Phrasal verb in the past used to describe a coincidence.
• Looking / Making / Boarding: Present Participles used to show continuous movement.
• Was thrown out: Passive voice in the Simple Past.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Dramatically: Describes the exaggerated way Ravi looked for traffic.
• Hurriedly: Describes the speed of Ravi’s movement into the shop.
• Briskly: Describes the quick manner of Grandpa’s walking.
• There: Adverb of place.

Sprinting for the bus and jumping on to it seconds before it started would have deterred a lesser detective, but not Ravi, who was panting as he struggled for a place in the bus. He could see Grandpa’s yellow cap somewhere in the front. It was warm inside the bus so Grandpa took off his cap to reveal … a full head of grey hair! Ravi was startled. Surely Grandpa couldn’t have bought a wig at the barber shop, he thought, pushing his way to the front of the bus to confront the cap-wearer. It was a total stranger! He was wearing a white pyjama and shirt, which was Grandpa’s standard attire, and a yellow cap exactly like Grandpa’s. But wait, the cap had a coffee-stain on its rim just like Grandpa’s!
Hindi Translationबस की ओर तेज़ी से दौड़ना और उसके चलने से कुछ ही सेकंड पहले उस पर कूदकर चढ़ जाना किसी मामूली जासूस की हिम्मत तोड़ देता, लेकिन रवि को नहीं, जो हाँफते हुए बस में जगह पाने के लिए संघर्ष कर रहा था। वह आगे कहीं दादाजी की पीली टोपी देख सकता था। बस के अंदर गर्मी थी इसलिए दादाजी ने अपनी टोपी उतारी और… पूरे भूरे बालों का सिर दिखा! रवि चौंक गया। उसने सोचा कि दादाजी नाई की दुकान से विग तो नहीं खरीद सकते, और वह उस टोपी पहनने वाले का सामना करने के लिए धक्का-मुक्की करते हुए बस में आगे की ओर बढ़ा। वह तो कोई बिल्कुल अजनबी व्यक्ति निकला! वह सफेद पाजामा और कमीज़ पहने हुए था, जो दादाजी का सामान्य पहनावा था, और एकदम दादाजी जैसी पीली टोपी पहने था। लेकिन रुको, टोपी के किनारे पर कॉफी का दाग था बिल्कुल दादाजी की टोपी जैसा!

Word Meanings• Deterred: रोकना/हतोत्साहित करना (Discouraged someone from doing something)
• Startled: चौंका हुआ (Feeling sudden shock or alarm)
• Confront: सामना करना (To face someone in a hostile or argumentative way)
• Attire: पोशाक/कपड़े (Clothing, especially formal or specific clothes)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Past Perfect (“would have deterred”) to describe a hypothetical situation, the Simple Past for the main narrative, and the Past Continuous to describe the ongoing state of the characters.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Lesser: Comparative adjective used to describe a less determined person.
• Warm: Describes the temperature inside the bus.
• Full / Grey: Describes the hair of the stranger.
• Startled: Describes Ravi’s emotional reaction.
• Total: Emphasizes that the person was a complete stranger.
• Standard: Describes Grandpa’s usual choice of clothing.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Sprinting / Jumping / Panting / Pushing / Wearing: Present Participles showing continuous or simultaneous physical actions.
• Would have deterred: Modal perfect used for a hypothetical result in the past.
• Struggled / Took off / Was / Thought: Simple Past used to narrate the sequence of events.
• To reveal / To confront: Infinitives expressing the result or purpose of an action.
• Could have bought: Modal perfect expressing a past possibility.
• Had: Simple Past used to describe the features of the cap.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Seconds before: Adverbial phrase showing the timing of the bus starting.
• Somewhere: Adverb of place showing the indefinite location of the cap.
• Inside: Adverb of place.
• Exactly: Used for emphasis to show the perfect likeness of the cap.

“Grandpa’s cap!” Ravi couldn’t help exclaiming. The stranger grinned pleasantly and told Ravi that a kind old gentleman in the barber shop had insisted that he take his cap because it was such a hot day. That was typical of Grandpa, always generous. But where was Grandpa?
Hindi Translation“दादाजी की टोपी!” रवि के मुँह से अचानक निकल गया। अजनबी ने प्यार से मुस्कुराते हुए रवि को बताया कि नाई की दुकान में एक दयालु बुजुर्ग सज्जन ने ज़ोर देकर कहा था कि वह उनकी टोपी ले ले क्योंकि बहुत गर्मी थी। यह दादाजी के स्वभाव के अनुसार था, हमेशा उदार। लेकिन दादाजी कहाँ थे?

Word Meanings• Exclaiming: चिल्लाना/अचानक बोलना (Crying out suddenly in surprise or strong emotion)
• Grinned: मुस्कुराया (Smiled broadly, often showing teeth)
• Pleasantly: सुखद रूप से (In an enjoyable or friendly manner)
• Generous: उदार/दरियादिल (Showing a readiness to give more of something than is strictly necessary)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for narration and dialogue tags, the Past Perfect (“had insisted”) to describe the action that took place before Ravi arrived, and the Simple Present in the final question to show Ravi’s current confusion.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Kind / Old: Describes the character of the “gentleman” (Grandpa).
• Hot: Describes the weather conditions.
• Typical: Describes a characteristic behavior of Grandpa.
• Generous: Describes Grandpa’s personality.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Could not help: Modal phrase used to show an uncontrollable action.
• Grinned / Told / Was: Simple Past used to narrate the interaction on the bus.
• Had insisted: Past Perfect showing that the interaction in the barber shop happened earlier.
• Take: Base form used after the verb “insisted that he…” (Subjunctive mood).
• Was: Simple Present used at the end for an immediate, pressing question.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Pleasantly: Describes the manner in which the stranger smiled.
• Always: Adverb of frequency describing Grandpa’s consistent nature.
• Where: Interrogative adverb used to ask about a location.

Part – III
Ravi went back to the barber shop. Grandpa wasn’t there. He wasn’t at the park either. Ravi was frantic. After all, his mother had left him in charge of Grandpa. He tried calling first his mother and then his father from a telephone booth but both numbers were busy. Sick with worry, Ravi went home wondering whether Grandpa would be able to find his way back.
Hindi Translationरवि नाई की दुकान में वापस गया। दादाजी वहाँ नहीं थे। वे पार्क में भी नहीं थे। रवि बहुत घबरा गया था। आखिरकार, उसकी माँ ने उसे दादाजी की ज़िम्मेदारी सौंपी थी। उसने पहले एक टेलीफोन बूथ से माँ को और फिर पिता को फोन करने की कोशिश की लेकिन दोनों नंबर व्यस्त थे। चिंता के मारे रवि का बुरा हाल था, वह यह सोचते हुए घर की ओर चल दिया कि क्या दादाजी वापस आने का रास्ता ढूँढ पाएँगे।

Word Meanings• Frantic: अत्यधिक उत्तेजित/परेशान (Distraught with fear, anxiety, or other emotion)
• In charge: प्रभारी/ज़िम्मेदारी (In control or with the responsibility for something)
• Sick with worry: चिंता के मारे बुरा हाल (Extremely anxious or concerned)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for the majority of the narration, while the Past Perfect (“had left”) establishes the responsibility given earlier, and the Present Participle (“wondering”) shows the ongoing thought process.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Frantic: Describes Ravi’s intense state of panic.
• Busy: Describes the status of the telephone lines.
• Sick: Used metaphorically to describe the physical effect of Ravi’s worry.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Went / Wasn’t / Was / Tried / Were: Simple Past used to narrate the sequence of events and states.
• Had left: Past Perfect showing an action that happened before the current search.
• Calling: Present Participle used to describe the action Ravi was attempting.
• Wondering: Present Participle describing Ravi’s mental state as he walked home.
• Would be able / To find: Modal and Infinitive used to express the potential future ability of Grandpa to return.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Back: Adverb of direction showing Ravi’s return to the shop and home.
• Either: Used with a negative to show that Grandpa was missing from both places.
• First / Then: Adverbs of sequence describing the order of Ravi’s phone calls.

To his great delight and relief, the first thing he heard when he opened the front door was the gentle whirr of Grandpa snoring in his bedroom. He knelt down near the bed and put his cheek against the old man’s face. Grandpa’s wrinkled skin had more creases than lines on a map. Grandpa smelt of eucalyptus ointment and shaving cream. Ravi was suddenly overcome with affection for his grandfather and gave him a hug, but Grandpa only grunted in his sleep. He decided not to question Grandpa because then he would have to reveal that he had been following him.
Hindi Translationरवि को अत्यंत प्रसन्नता और राहत मिली जब उसने सामने का दरवाजा खोलते ही सबसे पहले दादाजी के खर्राटों की हल्की सी आवाज सुनी। वह बिस्तर के पास घुटने टेककर बैठ गया और बुजुर्ग के चेहरे पर अपना गाल रख दिया। दादाजी की झुर्रीदार त्वचा पर नक्शे की रेखाओं से भी ज़्यादा लकीरें थीं। दादाजी से नीलगिरी के मरहम और शेविंग क्रीम की महक आ रही थी। रवि अचानक अपने दादाजी के लिए स्नेह से भर गया और उन्हें गले लगा लिया, लेकिन दादाजी नींद में केवल एक गुनगुनाहट-सी आवाज़ निकाले। उसने दादाजी से कुछ न पूछने का फैसला किया क्योंकि तब उसे यह बताना पड़ता कि वह उनका पीछा कर रहा था।

Word Meanings• Delight: खुशी (Great pleasure or joy)
• Whirr: सरसराहट (A low, continuous, regular sounding noise)
• Creases: झुर्रियां/सिलवटें (Lines or folds on a surface, especially skin)
• Grunted: कराहना/घुरघुराना (Made a low, short guttural sound)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for the main narrative, while the Past Perfect (“had been following”) describes the action that was happening continuously before the current moment.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Great: Describes the high level of Ravi’s happiness.
• First: Describes the very first thing Ravi noticed.
• Front: Describes which door Ravi opened.
• Gentle: Describes the soft sound of the snoring.
• Old: Describes Grandpa’s age.
• Wrinkled: Describes the texture of Grandpa’s skin.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Heard: Simple Past action of noticing the sound.
• Opened: Simple Past showing the action of entering.
• Snoring: Present Participle describing the ongoing sound.
• Knelt: Simple Past showing Ravi’s physical position.
• Put: Simple Past showing the action of touching.
• Had: Simple Past describing the state of Grandpa’s skin.
• Smelt: Simple Past describing the scent.
• Gave: Simple Past showing the action of hugging.
• Grunted: Simple Past describing the sound Grandpa made.
• Decided: Simple Past showing Ravi’s choice.
• Had been following: Past Perfect Continuous showing a long-term action.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Down: Adverb of direction showing where Ravi knelt.
• Suddenly: Adverb of time showing a quick change in emotion.
• Then: Adverb used to show the logical result.

“What did you both do today?” asked Ravi’s mother when she got back from office.
“I had a quiet morning, but I don’t know about Ravi. He just disappeared instead of staying at home to look after me like you told him to,” answered Grandpa coolly, while Ravi just looked confused and embarrassed.
Hindi Translation“आज तुम दोनों ने क्या किया?” रवि की माँ ने दफ्तर से वापस आने पर पूछा।
“मेरी सुबह तो शांत रही, लेकिन रवि के बारे में मुझे नहीं पता। वह घर पर रहने और मेरी देखभाल करने की बजाय, जैसा तुमने उसे कहा था, बस गायब हो गया,” दादाजी ने शांति से जवाब दिया, जबकि रवि बस उलझन और शर्मिंदगी के साथ उन्हें देखता रह गया।

Word Meanings• Disappeared: गायब हो गया (Ceased to be visible)
• Look after: देखभाल करना (To take care of someone)
• Coolly: शांति से (In a calm and unexcited manner)
• Embarrassed: शर्मिंदा (Feeling self-conscious, confused, or guilty)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for the dialogue tags and the narrative description, while the dialogue itself uses the Simple Present and the Past Participle to describe recent events.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Quiet: Describes the type of morning Grandpa claimed to have.
• Confused: Describes Ravi’s mental state.
• Embarrassed: Describes Ravi’s feeling of shame or awkwardness.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Asked: Simple Past used for the mother’s question.
• Got back: Phrasal verb in the Simple Past showing her arrival.
• Had: Simple Past describing Grandpa’s morning.
• Do not know: Negative Simple Present expressing a lack of information.
• Disappeared: Simple Past showing Ravi’s sudden absence.
• Staying: Gerund used after the preposition “instead of.”
• To look after: Infinitive phrase expressing purpose or responsibility.
• Told: Simple Past describing the mother’s previous instruction.
• Answered: Simple Past showing Grandpa’s response.
• Looked: Simple Past describing Ravi’s appearance.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Today: Adverb of time showing the period being discussed.
• Instead: Used to show a substitute for the expected action.
• Coolly: Describes the calm manner in which Grandpa spoke.
• Just: Adverb used to emphasize Ravi’s reaction.

Grandpa had another surprise for Ravi. A gift-wrapped parcel!
“But, Papa, Ravi’s birthday was three months ago. Have you forgotten?” exclaimed Ravi’s mother, impatiently.
Hindi Translationदादाजी के पास रवि के लिए एक और आश्चर्य था। तोहफे की तरह पैक किया हुआ एक पार्सल!
“लेकिन पापा, रवि का जन्मदिन तीन महीने पहले था। क्या आप भूल गए?” रवि की माँ ने अधीरता से कहा।

Word Meanings• Surprise: आश्चर्य / अचंभित करने वाली बात (An unexpected or astonishing event)
• Parcel: पार्सल / पुलिंदा (An object or collection of objects wrapped in paper)
• Exclaimed: चिल्लाया / आवेग में कहा (Cried out suddenly, especially in surprise or anger)
• Impatiently: अधीरता से (In a way that shows irritation or a lack of patience)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Past Perfect to describe the duration of time since the birthday and the Present Perfect in the dialogue to ask about Grandpa’s current state of memory.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Another: Describes that this was one more surprise in a series.
• Gift-wrapped: Describes the appearance of the parcel.
• Three: A number used as an adjective to describe the months.
• Impatiently: (Used here as an adverb, but describes the mother’s manner).
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Had: Simple Past showing possession.
• Was: Simple Past describing the time of the birthday.
• Have forgotten: Present Perfect used in a question about Grandpa’s memory.
• Exclaimed: Simple Past used to show the mother’s sudden speech.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Ago: Adverb of time used to show how far back the birthday was.
• Impatiently: Describes the manner in which the mother spoke.

“No. But you know I always give a gift to every child in the house on my birthday. Have you forgotten?” countered Grandpa, very seriously. Ravi’s mother flushed and darted a stricken look at the calendar on which she had, at the beginning of the year circled the date in red and written ‘Papa’s birthday’. There was a gift for her too, and for Ravi’s father as well, for Grandpa still considered them his ‘babies’.
Hindi Translation“नहीं। लेकिन तुम्हें तो पता है कि मैं अपने जन्मदिन पर घर के हर बच्चे को तोहफा देता हूँ। क्या तुम भूल गई?” दादाजी ने बड़ी गंभीरता से पलटकर पूछा। रवि की माँ का चेहरा लाल हो गया और उन्होंने सहमी हुई नज़रों से कैलेंडर की ओर देखा, जिस पर उन्होंने साल की शुरुआत में ही एक तारीख पर लाल गोला लगाकर ‘पापा का जन्मदिन’ लिखा था। उनके लिए भी एक उपहार था, और रवि के पिता के लिए भी, क्योंकि दादाजी अभी भी उन्हें अपने ‘बच्चे’ मानते थे।

Word Meanings• Flushed: चेहरा लाल हो गया (Became red in the face, typically from embarrassment)
• Darted: तेज़ी से देखा (Moved or directed a look suddenly and rapidly)
• Stricken: व्यथित/डरा हुआ (Seriously affected by an undesirable condition or unpleasant feeling)
• Considered: माना/समझा (Thought of someone or something in a particular way)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for the main narrative actions, while the Past Perfect (“had circled”) refers to an action she completed at the very start of the year.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Serious: (Used as an adverb here) Describes Grandpa’s tone.
• Stricken: Describes the mother’s pained or worried look.
• Red: Describes the color used on the calendar.
• Gift-wrapped: (Implied) Describes the presents for the family.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Know: Simple Present used to state a fact in dialogue.
• Give: Simple Present describing a habitual action.
• Have forgotten: Present Perfect used to question the mother’s memory.
• Countered: Simple Past showing Grandpa’s reply.
• Flushed: Simple Past describing the mother’s physical reaction.
• Darted: Simple Past describing her quick glance.
• Had circled: Past Perfect showing an action done earlier in the year.
• Written: Past Participle used with “had” to show the earlier action.
• Was: Simple Past describing the existence of the gifts.
• Considered: Simple Past describing Grandpa’s opinion.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Always: Adverb of frequency showing the gift-giving habit.
• Very: Describes the degree of Grandpa’s seriousness.
• Seriously: Describes the manner in which Grandpa spoke.
• Still: Adverb showing that Grandpa’s view of them has not changed.
• Too / As well: Adverbs used to show that others also received gifts.

Grandpa turned to Ravi’s father who had just walked into the room, “My daughter needs some Vitamin-M, I think—for her memory.” Ravi’s mother flushed a darker shade of red and Ravi’s father looked confused.
Ravi unwrapped his gift to find a thick, hardcover book, The Best Detective Stories. “Great stories, Ravi. You can pick up some really good tips on how to be a detective.
Hindi Translationदादाजी रवि के पिता की ओर मुड़े जो अभी-अभी कमरे में आए थे, “मुझे लगता है मेरी बेटी को कुछ विटामिन-M की ज़रूरत है — अपनी याददाश्त के लिए।” रवि की माँ का चेहरा शर्म से और भी गहरा लाल हो गया और रवि के पिता उलझन में दिखे।
रवि ने अपना उपहार खोला तो पाया कि वह एक मोटी, कड़े आवरण वाली किताब थी, द बेस्ट डिटेक्टिव स्टोरीज़। “बेहतरीन कहानियाँ हैं, रवि। “तुम जासूस बनने के लिए इसमें से कुछ वाकई बेहतरीन नुस्खे सीख सकते हो।”

Word Meanings• Darker shade: गहरा रंग (A more intense color)
• Unwrapped: खोला (Removed the wrapping from a package)
• Detective: जासूस (A person whose job is to solve crimes and uncover information)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for the main narration, while the Past Perfect (“had just walked”) describes an action that happened exactly at the moment of the dialogue.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Darker: Comparative adjective describing the mother’s embarrassment.
• Confused: Describes the father’s facial expression.
• Thick: Describes the physical size of the book.
• Hardcover: Describes the type of book binding.
• Best: Superlative adjective describing the quality of the stories.
• Great: Describes Ravi’s excitement about the gift.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Turned: Simple Past showing Grandpa’s movement.
• Had walked: Past Perfect showing the father’s arrival.
• Needs: Simple Present expressing a current requirement.
• Think: Simple Present expressing an opinion.
• Flushed: Simple Past showing the mother’s reaction.
• Looked: Simple Past showing the father’s appearance.
• Unwrapped: Simple Past showing Ravi’s action.
• To find: Infinitive showing the result of unwrapping.
• Can pick up: Modal verb showing ability or possibility.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Just: Adverb of time showing the father had only recently arrived.
• Really: Describes the degree of how good the tips are.

How to avoid getting fooled when one is trailing a suspect, for instance,” Grandpa said solemnly.
“I don’t think he wants to be a detective, do you, Ravi?” asked his father looking even more confused.
“I haven’t decided yet,” answered Ravi, because he was too busy trying to decide whether the twinkle in Grandpa’s eye was an innocent gleam or a mischievous one.
Hindi Translationउदाहरण के लिए, किसी संदिग्ध का पीछा करते समय बेवकूफ बनने से कैसे बचें,” दादाजी ने गंभीरता से कहा।
“मुझे नहीं लगता कि वह जासूस बनना चाहता है, है ना रवि?” उसके पिता ने और भी भ्रमित होकर पूछा।
“मैंने अभी तय नहीं किया,” रवि ने जवाब दिया, क्योंकि वह यह तय करने में बहुत व्यस्त था कि दादाजी की आँखों में जो चमक थी वह मासूमियत की थी या शरारत की।

Word Meanings• Solemnly: गंभीरता से (In a formal and dignified manner)
• Trailing: पीछा करना (Following someone or something, typically in order to catch them)
• Twinkle: चमक (A spark of light in the eyes, often showing amusement)
• Gleam: चमक / झलक (A faint or brief light)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for the narration and the Present Perfect (“haven’t decided”) in the dialogue to show an ongoing state of indecision.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Solemn: (Used as an adverb here) Describes Grandpa’s serious tone.
• Confused: Describes the father’s increased state of puzzlement.
• Busy: Describes Ravi’s intense focus on Grandpa’s eyes.
• Innocent: Describes one possible nature of the glint in the eye.
• Mischievous: Describes the other possible nature of the glint.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Avoid: Base form used to show the purpose of the lesson.
• Getting fooled: Gerund phrase describing a negative outcome.
• Trailing: Present Participle describing the act of following.
• Said: Simple Past used as a dialogue tag.
• Do think: Simple Present used in a question.
• Asked: Simple Past showing the father’s speech.
• Have not decided: Present Perfect showing an action not yet completed.
• Answered: Simple Past showing Ravi’s reply.
• Was: Simple Past describing Ravi’s state.
• Trying to decide: Present Participle phrase showing Ravi’s mental effort.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Solemnly: Describes the serious manner in which Grandpa spoke.
• Even more: Used to show the increase in the father’s confusion.
• Yet: Adverb of time used with a negative to show something hasn’t happened.
• Too: Adverb of degree describing how busy Ravi was.

The Lost Child
It was the festival of spring. From the wintry shades of narrow lanes and alleys emerged a gaily clad humanity. Some walked, some rode on horses, others sat, being carried in bamboo and bullock carts. One little boy ran between his father’s legs, brimming over with life and laughter.
“Come, child, come,” called his parents, as he lagged behind, fascinated by the toys in the shops that lined the way.
Hindi Translationयह वसंत का त्योहार था। संकरी गलियों और रास्तों की सर्दियों वाली छाया से रंग-बिरंगे कपड़े पहने लोग निकल रहे थे। कुछ चल रहे थे, कुछ घोड़ों पर सवार थे, और कुछ बाँस और बैलगाड़ियों में बैठकर जा रहे थे। एक छोटा लड़का अपने पिता के पैरों के बीच दौड़ रहा था, जो उमंग और हँसी से सराबोर था।
“आओ, बच्चे, आओ,” उसके माता-पिता ने पुकारा, जब वह रास्ते में लगी दुकानों के खिलौनों से मोहित होकर पीछे रह गया।

Word Meanings• Gaily clad: खुशी से सजे-धजे (Dressed in bright, cheerful, or festive clothes)
• Brimming over: पूरी तरह से भरा हुआ (To be full to the point of overflowing with an emotion or quality)
• Lagged: पीछे छूट जाना (Fall behind in movement, progress, or development)
• Fascinated: मंत्रमुग्ध (Strongly attracted and interested)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past to set the scene and narrate the movement of the crowd, while the Present Participle (“brimming,” “being carried”) describes the state of the people and the boy.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Wintry: Describes the cold feeling of the lanes.
• Narrow: Describes the width of the alleys.
• Gaily clad: Describes the brightly dressed people.
• Little: Describes the size of the boy.
• Fascinated: Describes the boy’s state of interest.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Was: Simple Past describing the time/festival.
• Emerged: Simple Past showing the people coming out.
• Walked / Rode / Sat: Simple Past describing the various ways people moved.
• Being carried: Passive Continuous form describing the people in carts.
• Ran: Simple Past showing the boy’s movement.
• Brimming over: Present Participle showing the boy’s high energy.
• Called: Simple Past showing the parents’ action.
• Lagged: Simple Past showing the boy falling behind.
• Lined: Simple Past describing the position of the shops.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Out: (Implied in emerged) Showing direction.
• Between: Prepositional adverb showing the boy’s path.
• Behind: Adverb of place showing the boy’s position.

He hurried towards his parents, his feet obedient to their call, his eyes still lingering on the receding toys. As he came to where they had stopped to wait for him, he could not suppress the desire of his heart, even though he well knew the old, cold stare of refusal in their eyes.
Hindi Translationवह अपने माता-पिता की ओर तेजी से बढ़ा, उसके पैर उनकी पुकार के प्रति आज्ञाकारी थे, लेकिन उसकी आँखें अभी भी पीछे छूटते खिलौनों पर टिकी थीं। जब वह उस जगह आया जहाँ वे उसका इंतज़ार करने के लिए रुके थे, तो वह अपने दिल की इच्छा को दबा न सका, भले ही वह उनकी आँखों में इनकार की उस पुरानी और रूखी नज़रों को अच्छी तरह जानता था।

Word Meanings• Obedient: आज्ञाकारी (Complying or willing to comply with an order or request)
• Lingering: टिका हुआ (Staying in a place longer than necessary)
• Receding: पीछे छूटता हुआ (Moving back or further away)
• Suppress: दबाना (Forcibly put an end to a feeling or desire)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for the main actions and the Past Perfect (“had stopped”) to show an action completed just before the boy reached his parents.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Obedient: Describes the boy’s feet following the parents’ call.
• Receding: Describes the toys as they became more distant.
• Old: Describes the familiar nature of the parents’ look.
• Cold: Describes the unfriendly or unemotional nature of the stare.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Hurried: Simple Past showing quick movement.
• Lingering: Present Participle describing the eyes staying on the toys.
• Came: Simple Past showing the boy’s arrival.
• Had stopped: Past Perfect showing the parents were already waiting.
• To wait: Infinitive expressing the purpose of stopping.
• Could not suppress: Modal verb in the negative showing inability.
• Knew: Simple Past showing the boy’s awareness.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Towards: Adverbial preposition showing direction.
• Still: Adverb showing the continuation of the action.
• Where: Relative adverb indicating the place.
• Even though: Conjunctional adverb used to show contrast.
• Well: Adverb of degree showing how clearly he knew the look.

“I want that toy,” he pleaded.
His father looked at him red-eyed, in his familiar tyrant‘s way. His mother, melted by the free spirit of the day was tender and, giving him her finger to hold, said, “Look, child, what is before you!” It was a flowering mustard-field, pale like melting gold as it swept across miles and miles of even land.
Hindi Translation“मुझे वह खिलौना चाहिए,” उसने विनती की।
उसके पिता ने उसे लाल आँखों से देखा, अपने परिचित तानाशाही तरीके से। उसकी माँ, दिन के उस खुशनुमा माहौल से भावुक होकर कोमल हो गई और उसे अपनी उँगली पकड़ाते हुए बोली, “देखो, बच्चे, तुम्हारे सामने क्या है!” वह सरसों का लहलहाता खेत था, जो पिघले हुए सोने की तरह पीला था और मीलों तक समतल भूमि पर फैला हुआ था।

Word Meanings• Pleaded: निवेदन किया (Made an emotional appeal; begged)
• Tyrant: तानाशाह (A cruel and oppressive ruler; here, a strict father)
• Tender: कोमल / दयालु (Showing gentleness, kindness, or affection)
• Swept: फैला हुआ (Extended over a wide area)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for the interaction between the family and the Present Participle (“giving,” “flowering,” “melting”) to describe the actions and the scenery.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Red-eyed: Describes the father’s angry or stern appearance.
• Familiar: Describes the well-known behavior of the father.
• Free: Describes the spirit of the festive day.
• Tender: Describes the mother’s gentle mood.
• Flowering: Describes the state of the mustard plants.
• Pale: Describes the light yellow color of the field.
• Even: Describes the flat and level nature of the land.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Pleaded: Simple Past showing the boy’s request.
• Looked: Simple Past showing the father’s reaction.
• Melted: Past Participle used as an adjective for the mother’s mood.
• Was: Simple Past describing the mother and the field.
• Giving: Present Participle showing the mother’s action.
• Said: Simple Past used as a dialogue tag.
• Look: Imperative verb used to give a command.
• Is: Simple Present describing what is in front of the boy.
• Swept: Simple Past showing how the field extended.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• In his familiar tyrant’s way: Adverbial phrase of manner.
• Before: Adverb of place showing location.
• Across: Adverbial preposition showing the extent of the field.

A group of dragon-flies were bustling about on their gaudy purple wings, intercepting the flight of a lone black bee or butterfly in search of sweetness from the flowers. The child followed them in the air with his gaze, till one of them would still its wings and rest, and he would try to catch it. But it would go fluttering, flapping, up into the air, when he had almost caught it in his hands. Then his mother gave a cautionary call: “Come, child, come, come on to the footpath.”
Hindi Translationड्रैगनफ्लाइज़ का एक समूह अपने भड़कीले बैंगनी पंखों के साथ इधर-उधर मंडरा रहा था, जो फूलों से मिठास की तलाश में निकली किसी अकेली काली मधुमक्खी या तितली की उड़ान में बाधा डाल रहे थे। बच्चा अपनी नज़रों से हवा में उनका पीछा करता रहा, जब तक कि उनमें से कोई एक अपने पंख स्थिर नहीं कर लेता और विश्राम नहीं कर लेता, और वह उसे पकड़ने की कोशिश करता। लेकिन जब वह उसे लगभग अपने हाथों में पकड़ ही लेता, तो वह फड़फड़ाते हुए, हवा में ऊपर उड़ जाता। फिर उसकी माँ ने सतर्क करने वाली आवाज़ लगाई: “आओ, बच्चे, आओ, पगडंडी पर आ जाओ।”

Word MeaningsBustling: हलचल/भाग-दौड़ (Moving in an energetic and busy manner)
Gaudy: भड़कीला (Extravagantly bright or showy)
Intercepting: बीच में रोकना (Obstructing someone or something so as to prevent them from continuing to a destination)
Gaze: टकटकी (A steady intent look)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Past Continuous (“were bustling”) to describe the background action and the Modal “would” to describe habitual actions in the past.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Gaudy: Describes the bright, showy color of the wings.
• Purple: Describes the specific color of the dragon-flies.
• Lone: Describes the single black bee.
• Black: Describes the color of the bee.
• Cautionary: Describes the warning nature of the mother’s call.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Were bustling: Past Continuous showing the ongoing movement of the insects.
• Intercepting: Present Participle showing the action of the dragon-flies.
• Followed: Simple Past showing the child’s action.
• Would still: Modal used to show a past habit or repeated action.
• Rest: Base form used with “would.”
• Try: Base form used with “would.”
• Go: Base form used with “would.”
• Fluttering / Flapping: Present Participles describing the movement of the wings.
• Had caught: Past Perfect showing an action almost completed in the past.
• Gave: Simple Past showing the mother’s action.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• About: Adverb of direction showing movement in various ways.
• Till: Adverbial conjunction of time.
• Almost: Adverb of degree showing how close he was to catching it.
• Up: Adverb of direction showing the flight of the insect.
• Then: Adverb of time showing the sequence of events.

He ran towards his parents gaily and walked abreast of them for a while, being, however, soon left behind, attracted by the little insects and worms along the footpath that were teeming out from their hiding places to enjoy the sunshine.
“Come, child, come!” his parents called from the shade of a grove where they had seated themselves on the edge of a well. He ran towards them.
Hindi Translationवह खुशी से अपने माता-पिता की ओर दौड़ा और कुछ देर उनके साथ-साथ चला, लेकिन जल्द ही पगडंडी के साथ छोटे कीट-पतंगों और कीड़ों से आकर्षित होकर पीछे रह गया जो धूप का आनंद लेने के लिए अपनी छिपने की जगहों से झुंड में निकल रहे थे।
“आओ, बच्चे, आओ!” उसके माता-पिता ने एक बाग की छाया से पुकारा जहाँ वे एक कुएँ के किनारे बैठे थे। वह उनकी ओर दौड़ा।

Word Meanings• Gaily: खुशी-खुशी (In a cheerful or lighthearted way)
• Abreast: साथ-साथ (Side by side and facing the same way)
• Teeming out: झुंड में बाहर निकलना (To pour out or emerge in large numbers)
• Grove: कुंज/पेड़ों का झुरमुट (A small group of trees)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for the main actions and the Past Perfect (“had seated”) to describe an action the parents completed before the boy arrived.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Left: Describes the state of the boy being behind his parents.
• Little: Describes the size of the insects and worms.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Ran: Simple Past showing the boy’s quick movement.
• Walked: Simple Past showing him moving alongside his parents.
• Being: Present Participle used to show the state of being left behind.
• Attracted: Past Participle used to describe why he stopped.
• Were teeming: Past Continuous showing the ongoing movement of insects.
• To enjoy: Infinitive expressing the purpose of the insects’ movement.
• Called: Simple Past showing the parents’ action.
• Had seated: Past Perfect showing they were already sitting.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Towards: Adverbial preposition showing direction.
• Gaily: Describes the happy manner of the boy’s running.
• Abreast: Describes the position of walking side by side.
• However: Adverb used to show a contrast in the situation.
• Soon: Adverb of time showing how quickly he was left behind.
• Behind: Adverb of place showing the boy’s position.
• Along: Prepositional adverb showing the location of the insects.
• Out: Adverb of direction for the insects’ movement.

A shower of young flowers fell upon the child as he entered the grove, and, forgetting his parents, he began to gather the raining petals in his hands. But lo! he heard the cooing of doves and ran towards his parents, shouting, “The dove! The dove!” The raining petals dropped from his forgotten hands.
“Come, child, come!” they called to the child, who had now gone running in wild capers round the banyan tree, and gathering him up they took the narrow, winding footpath which led to the fair through the mustard fields.
Hindi Translationजब बच्चा बाग में घुसा तो युवा फूलों की बौछार उस पर पड़ी, और माता-पिता को भूलकर वह बरसती पंखुड़ियों को अपने हाथों में इकट्ठा करने लगा। लेकिन अरे! उसने कबूतरों की गुटर-गूँ सुनी और अपने माता-पिता की ओर चिल्लाते हुए दौड़ा, “कबूतर! कबूतर!” उसके भूले हुए हाथों से गिरती हुई पंखुड़ियां बिखर गईं।
“आओ, बच्चे, आओ!” उन्होंने बच्चे को पुकारा, जो अब बरगद के पेड़ के चारों ओर उछल-कूद करते हुए दौड़ रहा था, और उसे उठाकर वे सरसों के खेतों के बीच से मेले की ओर जाने वाली संकरी, घुमावदार पगडंडी पर चल पड़े।

Word Meanings• Grove: कुंज/पेड़ों का झुरमुट (A small group of trees)
• Cooing: कुहुकना (The soft murmuring sound made by a dove or pigeon)
• Capers: उछल-कूद (A playful skipping movement)
• Winding: घुमावदार (Following a twisting or spiral course)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for the sequence of events and the Present Participle (“forgetting,” “shouting,” “running”) to describe simultaneous actions.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Young: Describes the fresh status of the flowers.
• Raining: Describes the falling state of the petals.
• Forgotten: Describes the state of the boy’s hands and the petals he let go.
• Wild: Describes the nature of the boy’s jumps and movements.
• Narrow: Describes the width of the path.
• Winding: Describes the twisting shape of the path.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Fell: Simple Past showing the action of the flowers dropping.
• Entered: Simple Past showing the boy’s arrival at the grove.
• Forgetting: Present Participle showing the boy’s state of mind.
• Began: Simple Past showing the start of an action.
• To gather: Infinitive expressing the action started.
• Heard: Simple Past action of noticing the sound.
• Ran: Simple Past showing movement toward the parents.
• Shouting: Present Participle describing the boy’s voice.
• Dropped: Simple Past showing the petals falling.
• Had gone: Past Perfect showing he had already started running.
• Gathering: Present Participle showing how the parents picked him up.
• Led: Simple Past describing the destination of the path.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Upon: Adverbial preposition showing the location of the falling flowers.
• Towards: Adverbial preposition showing direction.
• Now: Adverb of time showing the current moment.
• Round: Adverbial preposition showing the path around the tree.
• Up: Adverb of direction showing the parents picking him up.
• Through: Adverbial preposition showing the path through the fields.

As they neared the village the child could see many other footpaths full of throngs, converging to the whirlpool of the fair, and felt at once repelled and fascinated by the confusion of the world he was entering.
Hindi Translationजैसे ही वे गाँव के करीब पहुँचे, बच्चे को भीड़ से भरी कई अन्य पगडंडियाँ दिखीं जो मेले के भँवर में समा रही थीं।, और उसने उस दुनिया की अव्यवस्था से एक साथ अरुचि और आकर्षण महसूस किया जिसमें वह प्रवेश कर रहा था।

Word Meanings• Throngs: भीड़ (A large, densely packed crowd of people)
• Whirlpool: भंवर (Here used to describe the spinning, busy center of the fair)
• Repelled: पीछे हटना/अरुचि (Feeling a sense of dislike or desire to move away)
• Fascinated: आकर्षित (Strongly attracted and interested)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for the main narration, while the Present Participle (“converging,” “entering”) describes the ongoing movements as the child observes the scene.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Many: Describes the large number of footpaths.
• Full: Describes the state of the paths being crowded.
• Repelled: Describes the child’s feeling of being pushed away.
• Fascinated: Describes the child’s feeling of being pulled in.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Neared: Simple Past showing the movement toward the village.
• Could see: Modal verb showing the child’s ability to observe.
• Converging: Present Participle showing the paths meeting at one point.
• Felt: Simple Past describing the child’s internal emotion.
• Was entering: Past Continuous describing the action of moving into the fair.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• At once: Adverbial phrase meaning immediately or at the same time.

A sweetmeat seller hawked, “gulab-jamun, rasagulla, burfi, jalebi,” at the corner of the entrance and a crowd pressed round his counter at the foot of an architecture of many coloured sweets, decorated with leaves of silver and gold. The child stared open-eyed and his mouth watered for the burfi that was his favourite sweet. “I want that burfi,” he slowly murmured. But he half knew as he begged that his plea would not be heeded because his parents would say he was greedy. So without waiting for an answer he moved on.
Hindi Translationप्रवेश द्वार के कोने पर एक मिठाई वाला आवाज़ लगा रहा था, “गुलाब-जामुन, रसगुल्ला, बर्फी, जलेबी,” और उसके काउंटर के चारों ओर सोने-चाँदी के पत्तों से सजी रंग-बिरंगी मिठाइयों के ढेर के पास भीड़ जमा थी। बच्चे ने खुली आँखों से देखा और उसके मुँह में बर्फी के लिए पानी आ गया जो उसकी पसंदीदा मिठाई थी। “मुझे वह बर्फी चाहिए,” उसने धीरे से बुदबुदाया। लेकिन जब वह माँग रहा था तो उसे मन ही मन पता था कि उसकी विनती नहीं मानी जाएगी क्योंकि उसके माता-पिता कहेंगे कि वह लालची है। इसलिए जवाब का इंतज़ार किए बिना वह आगे बढ़ गया।

Word Meanings• Architecture: वास्तुकला (Here, it refers to the artistic way the sweets were stacked or arranged)
• Open-eyed: फटी आँखों से देखना (With eyes wide open in amazement or wonder)
• Plea: दलील/निवेदन (An emotional request or prayer)
• Heeded: ध्यान देना (To pay attention to someone’s advice or request)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for the main actions, while the Modal “would” is used to express “Future in the Past”—describing what the boy expected to happen next.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Sweetmeat: Describes the type of seller (one who sells sweets).
• Coloured: Describes the appearance of the sweets.
• Silver / Gold: Describes the decorative foils used on the food.
• Open-eyed: Describes the child’s expression of awe.
• Favourite: Describes the child’s preference for the specific sweet.
• Greedy: Describes the character trait the parents might assign to the boy.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Hawked: Simple Past showing the seller calling out.
• Pressed: Simple Past describing the crowd moving close.
• Stared: Simple Past showing the child looking intently.
• Watered: Simple Past describing the mouth’s physical reaction.
• Murmured: Simple Past describing a low, soft voice.
• Begged: Simple Past showing the child’s request.
• Would not be heeded: Future in the past (Passive) showing the expected rejection.
• Moved on: Phrasal verb in Simple Past showing the action of leaving.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Round: Describes the location of the crowd around the counter.
• Slowly: Describes the manner in which he spoke.
• Half: Describes the extent to which he knew the outcome.

A flower-seller hawked, “A garland of gulmohur, a garland of gulmohur!” The child seemed irresistibly drawn. He went towards the basket where the flowers lay heaped and half murmured, “I want that garland.” But he well knew his parents would refuse to buy him those flowers because they would say that they were cheap. So, without waiting for an answer, he moved on.
Hindi Translationएक फूलवाला “गुलमोहर की माला, गुलमोहर की माला!” पुकार रहा था। बच्चा अनजाने में खिंचा चला गया। वह उस टोकरी की ओर गया जहाँ फूल ढेर लगे थे और आधे स्वर में बोला, “मुझे वह माला चाहिए।” लेकिन उसे अच्छी तरह पता था कि उसके माता-पिता उसके लिए वे फूल खरीदने से मना करेंगे क्योंकि वे कहेंगे कि वे सस्ते हैं। इसलिए, जवाब का इंतज़ार किए बिना वह आगे बढ़ गया।

Word Meanings• Garland: माला/हार (A wreath of flowers and leaves, worn on the head or hung around the neck)
• Irresistibly: जिसे रोका न जा सके (In a way that is too attractive to be resisted)
• Drawn: आकर्षित (Pulled toward someone or something)
• Heaped: ढेर लगा हुआ (A large quantity of items put on top of each other)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for the narrative flow and “Future in the Past” (would) to describe the child’s internal prediction of his parents’ reaction.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Flower: Describes the type of seller.
• Gulmohur: Describes the specific type of orange-red flower.
• Irresistibly: (Used here as an adverb, but describes the child’s state of attraction).
• Drawn: Describes the child’s feeling of being pulled towards the cart.
• Heaped: Describes the state of the flowers in the basket.
• Cheap: Describes the low quality or value the parents would assign to the flowers.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Hawked: Simple Past showing the seller calling out his goods.
• Seemed: Simple Past describing the child’s appearance/state.
• Went: Simple Past showing movement toward the basket.
• Lay: Simple Past describing the position of the flowers.
• Murmured: Simple Past showing the low volume of his voice.
• Knew: Simple Past showing the child’s awareness.
• Would refuse: Future in the past showing an expected action.
• To buy: Infinitive showing the action of the parents.
• Were: Simple Past used to describe the parents’ opinion of the flowers.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Towards: Adverbial preposition showing the direction of the child’s movement.
• Half: Adverb of degree showing he only partially spoke out loud.
• Well: Adverb of degree showing he knew the outcome very clearly.
• Without: Prepositional adverb showing the lack of an answer.

A man stood holding a pole with yellow, red, green and purple balloons flying from it. The child was simply carried away by the rainbow glory of their silken colours and he was filled with an overwhelming desire to possess them all. But he well knew his parents would never buy him the balloons because they would say he was too old to play with such toys. So he walked on farther.
Hindi Translationएक आदमी एक खंभे को थामे खड़ा था जिससे पीले, लाल, हरे और बैंगनी गुब्बारे उड़ रहे थे। बच्चा उनके रेशमी रंगों की इंद्रधनुषी शोभा से बस मुग्ध हो गया और उन सभी को पाने की प्रबल इच्छा से भर गया। लेकिन उसे अच्छी तरह पता था कि उसके माता-पिता उसे गुब्बारे कभी नहीं खरीदेंगे क्योंकि वे कहेंगे कि वह ऐसे खिलौनों से खेलने के लिए बहुत बड़ा हो गया है। इसलिए वह और आगे चला गया।

Word Meanings• Glory: महिमा / शान (Magnificence or great beauty)
• Overwhelming: बहुत अधिक (Very great in amount; overpowering)
• Possess: अधिकार में लेना / पाना (To own or have something)
• Farther: और आगे (At or to a greater distance)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Passive Voice (“was carried away,” “was filled”) to show how strongly the child was affected by what he saw, and the Simple Past for the main narrative.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Yellow, red, green, purple: Describe the various colors of the balloons.
• Rainbow: Describes the multi-colored beauty of the scene.
• Silken: Describes the texture and shine of the balloon material.
• Overwhelming: Describes the intensity of the child’s desire.
• Old: Describes the reason the parents would give for refusing.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Stood: Simple Past showing the man’s position.
• Holding: Present Participle describing the man’s action.
• Flying: Present Participle describing the movement of the balloons.
• Was carried away: Passive Voice showing the child was captivated.
• Was filled: Passive Voice showing the child’s emotion.
• To possess: Infinitive showing the goal of his desire.
• Knew: Simple Past showing awareness.
• Would never buy: Future in the past showing a certain rejection.
• To play: Infinitive showing the purpose of the toys.
• Walked on: Phrasal verb in Simple Past showing continued movement.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Simply: Adverb of degree used for emphasis.
• Well: Adverb of degree showing he knew the situation clearly.
• Never: Adverb of frequency showing the parents’ strictness.
• Too: Adverb of degree modifying the adjective “old.”
• Farther: Adverb of place showing the distance moved.

A snake-charmer stood playing a flute to a snake which coiled itself in a basket, its head raised in a graceful bend like the neck of a swan, while the music stole into its invisible ears like the gentle rippling of an invisible waterfall. The child went towards the snake-charmer. But, knowing his parents had forbidden him to hear such coarse music as the snake-charmer played, he proceeded farther.
Hindi Translationएक सँपेरा एक टोकरी में कुंडली मारकर बैठे साँप के सामने बीन बजा रहा था, उसका सिर हंस की गर्दन की तरह एक सुंदर मोड़ में उठा हुआ था, जबकि संगीत उसके अदृश्य कानों में एक अदृश्य झरने की हल्की कलकल की तरह घुस रहा था। बच्चा सपेरे की ओर गया। लेकिन, यह जानते हुए कि उसके माता-पिता ने उसे सँपेरे द्वारा बजाए जाने वाले ऐसे भद्दे संगीत को सुनने से मना किया था, वह आगे बढ़ गया।

Word Meanings• Snake-charmer: सपेरा (A person who entertains by seemingly charming or controlling snakes)
• Coiled: कुंडली मारना (Arranged in joins or rings)
• Graceful: सुरुचिपूर्ण (Having or showing elegance)
• Coarse: भद्दा/कर्कश (Rough or harsh in texture or sound)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses vivid Similes (“like the neck of a swan,” “like the gentle rippling”) to create a poetic description, alongside the Past Perfect (“had forbidden”) to show a rule established before the current moment.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Coiled: Describes the shape of the snake in the basket.
• Raised: Describes the position of the snake’s head.
• Graceful: Describes the elegant bend of the snake.
• Invisible: Describes the ears and the metaphorical waterfall.
• Gentle / Rippling: Describe the nature of the music.
• Forbidden: Describes the state of the action not being allowed.
• Coarse: Describes the rough quality of the music.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Stood: Simple Past showing the man’s position.
• Playing: Present Participle describing the ongoing action.
• Coiled: Simple Past describing the snake’s position.
• Raised: Past Participle used as an adjective.
• Stole: Simple Past showing how the music moved into the ears.
• Went: Simple Past showing the child’s movement.
• Knowing: Present Participle showing the child’s awareness.
• Had forbidden: Past Perfect showing a previous command.
• Played: Simple Past referring to the music performed.
• Proceeded: Simple Past showing the continuation of his walk.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Towards: Adverbial preposition showing direction.
• Farther: Adverb of place showing the distance moved.

There was a roundabout in full swing. Men, women and children, carried away in a whirling motion, shrieked and cried with dizzy laughter. The child watched them intently and then he made a bold request: “I want to go on the roundabout, please, Father, Mother.”
There was no reply. He turned to look at his parents. They were not there, ahead of him. He turned to look on either side. They were not there. He looked behind. There was no sign of them.
Hindi Translationवहाँ एक गोल झूला अपनी पूरी रफ़्तार में था। पुरुष, महिलाएँ और बच्चे, एक घूमती हुई गति में बह जाते हुए, चक्कर आती हँसी से चिल्लाते और रोते थे। बच्चे ने उन्हें ध्यान से देखा और फिर उसने एक साहसी अनुरोध किया: “मुझे झूले पर जाना है, कृपया पिताजी, माँ।”
कोई जवाब नहीं मिला। उसने अपने माता-पिता को देखने के लिए मुड़ा। वे आगे नहीं थे। उसने दोनों तरफ देखा। वे वहाँ नहीं थे। उसने पीछे देखा। उनका कोई निशान नहीं था।

Word Meanings• Roundabout: झूला (A large revolving device in a playground or fair for children to ride on)
• Whirling: घूमता हुआ (Moving or causing to move rapidly round and round)
• Shrieked: चिल्लाए (Uttered a high-pitched piercing sound or words)
• Dizzy: चक्कर आना (Feeling unsteady or lightheaded)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for the main actions and the Past Participle (“carried away”) to describe the state of the people on the ride.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Full: Describes the state of the roundabout (in motion).
• Whirling: Describes the circular motion of the ride.
• Dizzy: Describes the type of laughter caused by the spinning.
• Bold: Describes the child’s courageous request.
• Either: Describes the two sides the child checked.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Was: Simple Past describing the presence of the roundabout.
• Carried away: Past Participle showing how the people were moved.
• Shrieked / Cried: Simple Past showing the sounds made by people.
• Watched: Simple Past showing the child’s observation.
• Made: Simple Past showing the act of requesting.
• Turned: Simple Past showing the child’s physical movement.
• Were: Simple Past describing the absence of the parents.
• Looked: Simple Past showing the search action.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Intently: Describes how the child watched the ride.
• Then: Adverb of time showing the sequence of events.
• Ahead: Adverb of place showing the direction in front.
• Behind: Adverb of place showing the direction in the back.

A full, deep cry rose within his dry throat and with a sudden jerk of his body he ran from where he stood, crying in real fear, “Mother, Father.” Tears rolled down from his eyes, hot and fierce; his flushed face was convulsed with fear. Panic-stricken, he ran to one side first, then to the other, hither and thither in all directions, knowing not where to go. “Mother, Father,” he wailed. His yellow turban came untied and his clothes became muddy.
Hindi Translationउसके सूखे गले से एक भरपूर, गहरी चीख निकली और शरीर में अचानक झटके के साथ वह जहाँ खड़ा था ववहाँ से वास्तविक डर में चिल्लाते हुए दौड़ा, “माँ, पिताजी।” उसकी आँखों से गर्म और तेज़ आँसू बह रहे थे; उसका लाल चेहरा डर से काँप गया था। घबराहट में वह पहले एक तरफ, फिर दूसरी तरफ, इधर-उधर सभी दिशाओं में दौड़ा, नहीं जानता था कहाँ जाए। “माँ, पिताजी,” वह रोया। उसकी पीला पगड़ी खुल गई और उसके कपड़े मिट्टी से सन गए।

Word Meanings• Flushed: लाल/तमतमाया हुआ (Red and hot, typically as the result of illness or strong emotion)
• Convulsed: ऐंठन/कांपना (Suffer violent involuntary muscular contractions)
• Panic-stricken: आतंकित (Struck with a sudden overpowering fear)
• Hither and thither: यहाँ-वहाँ (In various quarters or directions)
• Wailed: विलाप करना/रोना (Utter a high-pitched cry of pain, grief, or anger)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses vivid Adjectives and the Past Participle (“flushed,” “convulsed,” “panic-stricken”) to show the child’s extreme emotional and physical state.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Full / Deep: Describes the intensity of the child’s cry.
• Dry: Describes the state of his throat.
• Sudden: Describes the movement of his body.
• Real: Describes the nature of his fear.
• Hot / Fierce: Describe the intensity of the tears.
• Flushed: Describes his red, heated face.
• Panic-stricken: Describes his mental state of terror.
• Yellow: Describes the color of his turban.
• Muddy: Describes the dirty state of his clothes.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Rose: Simple Past showing the cry coming up.
• Ran: Simple Past showing his panicked movement.
• Crying / Knowing: Present Participles showing simultaneous actions.
• Rolled: Simple Past showing the movement of tears.
• Was convulsed: Passive voice showing his face was overtaken by fear.
• Wailed: Simple Past showing his crying sound.
• Came untied: Phrasal verb in Simple Past.
• Became: Simple Past showing the change in his clothes’ condition.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• First: Adverb of order.
• Then: Adverb of time/sequence.
• Hither and thither: Adverbial phrase of place meaning here and there.

Having run to and fro in a rage of running for a while, he stood defeated, his cries suppressed into sobs. At little distances on the green grass he could see, through his filmy eyes, men and women talking. He tried to look intently among the patches of bright yellow clothes, but there was no sign of his father and mother among these people, who seemed to laugh and talk just for the sake of laughing and talking.
Hindi Translationकुछ देर गुस्से में इधर-उधर दौड़ने के बाद, वह हार मानकर खड़ा हो गया, उसकी चीखें दब कर सिसकियों में बदल गईं। हरी घास पर थोड़ी-थोड़ी दूरी पर वह अपनी धुंधली आँखों से पुरुषों और महिलाओं को बातें करते देख सकता था। उसने चमकीले पीले कपड़ों के बीच ध्यान से देखने की कोशिश की, लेकिन इन लोगों में उसके पिता और माँ का कोई निशान नहीं था, जो लोग मानो केवल हँसने और बातें करने के लिए ही हँस-बोल रहे थे।

Word Meanings• To and fro: यहाँ-वहाँ (In a backward and forward motion)
• Rage: आवेश / तेज़ी (A period of extreme intensity or speed)
• Sobs: सिसकियाँ (Noisy crying with short, sudden breaths)
• Filmy: धुंधली (Thin and translucent; here, blurred due to tears)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Past Participle (“defeated,” “suppressed”) to describe the child’s exhausted state and the Present Participle (“laughing,” “talking”) to describe the background actions of the crowd.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Defeated: Describes the child’s state of giving up.
• Suppressed: Describes the change from loud cries to quiet sobs.
• Little: Describes the distance between the child and the people.
• Green: Describes the color of the grass.
• Filmy: Describes the state of the child’s eyes filled with tears.
• Bright / Yellow: Describe the color and appearance of the clothes.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Having run: Perfect Participle showing an action completed before the next one.
• Stood: Simple Past showing the child’s position.
• Could see: Modal verb showing ability in the past.
• Talking / Laughing: Present Participles used to describe the crowd’s actions.
• Tried: Simple Past showing the boy’s effort to find his parents.
• To look: Infinitive expressing the purpose of his effort.
• Seemed: Simple Past showing how the people appeared to him.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• To and fro: Adverbial phrase of place.
• Intently: Describes how he tried to look through the crowd.
• Just: Adverb of degree emphasizing the reason for the talk.

He ran quickly again, this time to a shrine to which people seemed to be crowding. Every little inch of space here was congested with men, but he ran through people’s legs, his little sob lingering: “Mother, Father!” Near the entrance to the temple, however, the crowd became very thick: men jostled each other, heavy men, with flashing, murderous eyes and hefty shoulders. The poor child struggled to thrust a way between their feet but, knocked to and fro by their brutal movements, he might have been trampled underfoot, had he not shrieked at the highest pitch of his voice, “Father, Mother!”
Hindi Translationवह फिर से जल्दी से दौड़ा, इस बार एक मंदिर की ओर जहाँ लोगों की भीड़ उमड़ती दिख रही थी। यहाँ हर छोटी-सी जगह लोगों से भरी हुई थी, लेकिन वह लोगों के पैरों के बीच से दौड़ा, उसकी छोटी सिसकी जारी रही: “माँ, पिताजी!” हालाँकि मंदिर के प्रवेश द्वार के पास भीड़ बहुत घनी हो गई: पुरुष एक-दूसरे से धक्का-मुक्की कर रहे थे, भारी-भरकम पुरुष, चमकती हिंसक आँखों और मज़बूत कंधों वाले। बेचारा बच्चा उनके पैरों के बीच रास्ता बनाने के लिए संघर्ष करता रहा था, लेकिन उनकी क्रूर हलचल से इधर-उधर टकराते हुए, वह पैरों तले कुचल गया होता, यदि उसने अपनी पूरी ताकत लगाकर चीख न मारी होती, “पिताजी, माँ!”

Word Meanings• Lingering: सुस्त/टिका हुआ (Lasting for a long time or slow to end)
• Jostled: धक्का-मुक्की (Push, elbow, or bump against someone roughly, typically in a crowd)
• Hefty: हट्टा-कट्टा (Large, heavy, and powerful)
• Trampled: पैरों तले कुचलना (Tread on and crush)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Past Perfect Conditional (might have been… had he not) to describe a dangerous possibility that was narrowly avoided.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Quickly: (Used here as an adverb, describing his run).
• Little: Describes the small space and the child’s sob.
• Congested: Describes the packed state of the shrine area.
• Thick: Describes the density of the crowd.
• Heavy: Describes the physical size of the men.
• Flashing / Murderous: Describe the intense and scary look in the men’s eyes.
• Hefty: Describes the strong shoulders of the men.
• Poor: Describes the child’s pitiable condition.
• Brutal: Describes the rough and violent movements of the crowd.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Ran: Simple Past showing the child’s movement.
• Crowding: Present Participle describing the people’s action.
• Lingering: Present Participle showing the sound of the sob continuing.
• Became: Simple Past showing the change in the crowd’s density.
• Jostled: Simple Past showing the men pushing each other.
• Struggled: Simple Past showing the boy’s difficult effort.
• To thrust: Infinitive showing the purpose of his struggle.
• Knocked: Past Participle showing the child being pushed around.
• Might have been trampled: Modal Passive showing a past possibility.
• Shrieked: Simple Past showing the loud cry for help.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Quickly: Describes how he ran.
• Again: Adverb of frequency.
• However: Adverbial conjunction showing a contrast in the situation.
• Underfoot: Adverb of place showing the location of potential danger

A man in the surging crowd heard his cry and, stooping with great difficulty, lifted him up in his arms.
“How did you get here, child? Whose baby are you?” the man asked as he steered clear of the mass. The child wept more bitterly than ever now and only cried, “I want my mother, I want my father!”
Hindi Translationउमड़ती भीड़ में एक आदमी ने उसकी चीख सुनी और बड़ी मुश्किल से झुककर उसे अपनी गोद में उठा लिया।
“तुम यहाँ कैसे आ गए, बच्चे? तुम किसके बच्चे हो?” उस व्यक्ति ने भीड़ से बचकर निकलते हुए पूछा। बच्चा अब पहले से भी ज़्यादा बुरी तरह रोने लगा और बस चिल्लाया, “मुझे मेरी माँ चाहिए, मुझे मेरे पिताजी चाहिए!”

Word Meanings• Surging: उमड़ती हुई (Moving suddenly and powerfully forward or upward)
• Stooping: झुकना (Bending one’s head or body forwards and downwards)
• Steered clear: बचकर निकलना (To avoid someone or something)
• Bitterly: फूट-फूट कर (In a way that shows strong negative emotion such as grief)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for the sequence of actions and the Comparative Adverb (“more bitterly than ever”) to show the increasing intensity of the child’s sorrow.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Surging: Describes the powerful, moving nature of the crowd.
• Great: Describes the high level of difficulty the man faced.
• Clear: Describes the state of being away from the dangerous mass of people.
• Bitterly: (Used here as an adverb, but describes the child’s state of crying).
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Heard: Simple Past showing the man noticing the cry.
• Stooping: Present Participle showing the man bending down.
• Lifted: Simple Past showing the action of picking up the child.
• Did get: Simple Past (interrogative) asking how the child arrived.
• Asked: Simple Past showing the man speaking.
• Steered: Simple Past showing the man navigating away from the crowd.
• Wept: Simple Past describing the child’s intense crying.
• Cried: Simple Past showing the child’s repeated plea.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Up: Adverb of direction showing where the child was lifted.
• How: Interrogative adverb asking about the manner of arrival.
• More bitterly: Comparative adverb showing the increased intensity of crying.
• Now: Adverb of time showing the current moment.
• Only: Adverb of degree showing that crying was his only action

The man tried to soothe him by taking him to the roundabout. “Will you have a ride on the horse?” he gently asked as he approached the ring. The child’s throat tore into a thousand shrill sobs and he only shouted, “I want my mother, I want my father!”
Hindi Translationउस आदमी ने उसे झूले पर ले जाकर शांत करने की कोशिश की। “क्या तुम घोड़े पर सवारी करोगे?” उसने धीरे से पूछा जब वह झूले के पास आया। बच्चे का गला हज़ारों तीखी सिसकियों से भर आया और वह बस चिल्लाया, “मुझे मेरी माँ चाहिए, मुझे मेरे पिताजी चाहिए!”

Word Meanings• Soothe: शांत करना (Gently calm a person or their feelings)
• Shrill: तीखी/पैनी (A high-pitched and piercing sound)
• Sobs: सिसकियाँ (Noisy crying with short, sudden breaths)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for the main narrative and the Future Tense (“Will you have”) within the dialogue to show the man’s offer. The metaphor “throat tore” is used to show the intensity of the child’s pain.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Gently: (Used here as an adverb, but describes the man’s kind nature).
• Thousand: Describes the overwhelming number/intensity of the sobs.
• Shrill: Describes the piercing, high-pitched sound of the crying.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Tried: Simple Past showing the man’s attempt to help.
• To soothe: Infinitive expressing the purpose of the man’s action.
• Taking: (Present Participle used in a phrase showing the method).
• Will have: Future tense used in the man’s question.
• Asked: Simple Past showing the act of questioning.
• Approached: Simple Past showing the movement toward the ride.
• Tore: Simple Past describing the sudden, violent break in his voice.
• Shouted: Simple Past showing the child’s loud cry.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Gently: Describes the soft manner in which the man spoke.
• Only: Adverb of degree emphasizing that he did nothing else but shout.

The man headed towards the place where the snake-charmer still played on the flute to the swaying cobra. “Listen to that nice music, child!” he pleaded. But the child shut his ears with his fingers and shouted his double-pitched strain: “I want my mother, I want my father!”
Hindi Translationवह आदमी उस ओर बढ़ा जहाँ सपेरा अब भी झूमते हुए कोबरे के सामने बीन बजा रहा था। “बच्चे, इस मधुर संगीत को तो सुनो!” उसने निवेदन की। लेकिन बच्चे ने अपनी उँगलियों से कान बंद कर लिए और और अपनी पूरी ताकत लगाकर चीखा: “मुझे मेरी माँ चाहिए, मुझे मेरे पिताजी चाहिए!”

Word Meanings• Headed: आगे बढ़ना (Moved in a specific direction)
• Swaying: झूमना (Moving slowly or rhythmically backwards and forwards or from side to side)
• Pleaded: निवेदन किया (Made an emotional or earnest appeal)
• Strain: स्वर/ध्वनि (A particular sound or sequence of notes in music or a cry)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for the sequence of actions and the Present Participle (“swaying”) to describe the snake’s continuous movement.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Swaying: Describes the rhythmic movement of the cobra.
• Nice: Describes the man’s positive opinion of the music.
• Double-pitched: Describes the increased intensity and high tone of the child’s cry.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Headed: Simple Past showing the man’s movement.
• Played: Simple Past showing the snake-charmer’s action.
• Listen: Imperative verb used by the man to give a suggestion.
• Pleaded: Simple Past describing the man’s earnest request.
• Shut: Simple Past showing the child’s action of blocking his ears.
• Shouted: Simple Past showing the child’s loud voice.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Towards: Adverbial preposition showing the direction of movement.
• Still: Adverb of time showing the action was continuing from before.

The man took him near the balloons, thinking the bright colours of the balloons would distract the child’s attention and quieten him. “Would you like a rainbow-coloured balloon?” he persuasively asked. The child turned his eyes from the flying balloons and just sobbed, “I want my mother, I want my father!”
Hindi Translationउस आदमी ने उसे गुब्बारों के पास ले गया, यह सोचते हुए कि गुब्बारों के चमकीले रंग बच्चे का ध्यान भटकाएंगे और उसे शांत करेंगे। “क्या तुम्हें इंद्रधनुष रंग का गुब्बारा चाहिए?” उसने मनाते हुए पूछा। बच्चे ने उड़ते गुब्बारों से आँखें हटाईं और बस रोया, “मुझे मेरी माँ चाहिए, मुझे मेरे पिताजी चाहिए!”

Word Meanings• Distract: ध्यान भटकाना (To draw someone’s attention away from something)
• Quieten: शांत करना (To make someone or something calm or silent)
• Persuasively: समझाने-बुझाने के अंदाज़ में (In a way that is good at convincing someone to do or believe something)
• Sobbed: सिसकियाँ लीं (Cried with noisy, short breaths)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for the narrative and the Modal “would” to describe the man’s intention and his polite offer to the child.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Bright: Describes the vividness of the colors.
• Rainbow-coloured: Describes the multi-colored appearance of the balloon.
• Flying: Describes the state of the balloons in the air.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Took: Simple Past showing the man’s movement.
• Thinking: Present Participle showing the man’s internal thought process.
• Would distract / Would quieten: Future in the past showing the man’s hope.
• Would like: Modal verb used for a polite offer.
• Asked: Simple Past showing the man speaking.
• Turned: Simple Past showing the child’s physical reaction.
• Sobbed: Simple Past showing the child’s manner of crying.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Near: Adverb of place showing the location.
• Persuasively: Describes how the man asked the question.
• Just: Adverb of degree emphasizing that the child only sobbed and did nothing else.

The man, still trying to make the child happy, bore him to the gate where the flower-seller sat. “Look! Can you smell those nice flowers, child! Would you like a garland to put round your neck?”
The child turned his nose away from the basket and reiterated his sob, “I want my mother, I want my father!”
Hindi Translationवह आदमी, अभी भी बच्चे को खुश करने की कोशिश करते हुए, उसे उस द्वार की ओर ले गया जहाँ फूलवाला बैठा था। “देखो! क्या तुम उन अच्छे फूलों की खुशबू सूँघ सकते हो, बच्चे! क्या तुम गले में पहनने के लिए एक माला चाहते हो?”
बच्चे ने टोकरी से अपनी नाक फेर ली और अपनी सिसकी दोहराई, “मुझे मेरी माँ चाहिए, मुझे मेरे पिताजी चाहिए!”

Word Meanings• Reiterated: बार-बार दोहराना (To say or do something several times, typically for emphasis or clarity)
• Sob: सिसकी (The sound of crying)
• Garland: माला (A wreath of flowers worn around the neck)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past for the sequence of actions. It also features an Imperative (“Look!”) and a Modal question (“Would you like”) as the man attempts to comfort the boy.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Still: (Used here as an adverb, but describes the man’s persistent state of trying).
• Happy: Describes the intended state of the child.
• Nice: Describes the pleasant quality of the flowers.
• Round: Describes the position of the garland relative to the neck.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Trying: Present Participle showing the man’s ongoing effort.
• Bore: Simple Past showing the man carrying the child.
• Sat: Simple Past showing the flower-seller’s position.
• Look / Smell: Imperative verbs used to draw the child’s attention.
• Can: Modal verb asking about the child’s ability to sense the flowers.
• Would like: Modal verb used to make a kind offer.
• Put: Infinitive showing the action of wearing the garland.
• Turned: Simple Past showing the child’s physical rejection.
• Reiterated: Simple Past showing the repetition of the child’s request.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Still: Describes the continuous nature of the man’s effort.
• Away: Describes the direction in which the child turned his nose.

Thinking to humour his disconsolate charge by a gift of sweets, the man took him to the counter of the sweet shop. “What sweets would you like, child?” he asked. The child turned his face from the sweet shop and only sobbed, “I want my mother, I want my father!”
Hindi Translationअपने उदास बच्चे को मिठाइयों के उपहार से खुश करने की सोचते हुए, वह आदमी उसे मिठाई की दुकान के काउंटर पर ले गया। “कौन-सी मिठाई चाहिए तुम्हें, बच्चे?” उसने पूछा। बच्चे ने मिठाई की दुकान से मुँह फेर लिया और बस रोया, “मुझे मेरी माँ चाहिए, मुझे मेरे पिताजी चाहिए!”

Word Meanings• Humour: खुश करना (To comply with the wishes of someone in order to keep them content)
• Disconsolate: निराश/शोकग्रस्त (Very unhappy and unable to be comforted)
• Charge: जिम्मेदारी (A person or thing entrusted to the care of someone)
• Sobbed: सिसकियाँ लीं (Cried with short, sudden breaths)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Present Participle (“Thinking”) to explain the man’s motivation, while the Simple Past (“took,” “asked,” “turned”) moves the story to its emotional conclusion.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Disconsolate: Describes the child’s deep, inconsolable sadness.
• Sweets: (Used here as a noun, but refers to the type of gift).
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Thinking: Present Participle showing the man’s thought process.
• To humour: Infinitive expressing the purpose of the man’s plan.
• Took: Simple Past showing the man leading the child to the shop.
• Would like: Modal verb used to ask about the child’s preference.
• Asked: Simple Past showing the act of questioning.
• Turned: Simple Past showing the child’s physical rejection.
• Sobbed: Simple Past showing the child’s response.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• From: Prepositional adverb showing the direction away from the shop.
• Only: Adverb of degree emphasizing that the child had no interest in anything but his parents.

Kaveri Chapter 4 Poem – Hindi Translation

I cannot remember my mother
only sometimes in the midst of my play
a tune seems to hover over my playthings,
the tune of some song that she used to
hum while rocking my cradle.
Hindi Translationमुझे अपनी माँ याद नहीं आती
बस कभी-कभी खेल के बीच में
एक धुन मेरे खिलौनों पर मँडराती-सी लगती है,
किसी गीत की वह धुन जिसे वह
मेरा पालना झुलाते हुए गुनगुनाया करती थीं।

Word Meanings• Midst: बीच में (In the middle of)
• Hover: मंडराना (To remain in one place in the air; here, it refers to a lingering sound)
• Hum: गुनगुनाना (Sing with closed lips)
• Cradle: पालना (A small bed for a baby, often on rockers)

Grammar AnalysisThe stanza uses the Simple Present tense for the current feeling (“cannot remember,” “seems”) and the phrase “used to” to describe a repeated action from the past.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• My: Possessive adjective showing the child’s toys and mother.
• Some: Describes an indefinite or specific song from memory.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Cannot remember: Negative present tense showing the current state of memory.
• Play: (Used as a noun/activity here).
• Seems: Simple Present showing how the tune appears to the child now.
• To hover: Infinitive showing the action of the tune.
• Used to hum: Phrase used for a past habit or repeated action.
• Rocking: Present Participle describing the continuous action of the cradle moving.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Only: Adverb of degree/limitation.
• Sometimes: Adverb of frequency.

I cannot remember my mother
but when in the early autumn morning
the smell of the shiuli flowers floats in the air
the scent of the morning service in the temple
comes to me as the scent of my mother.
Hindi Translationमुझे अपनी माँ याद नहीं आती
लेकिन जब शरद ऋतु की सुबह
शिउली के फूलों की महक हवा में तैरती है
मंदिर की प्रातःकालीन पूजा की सुगंध
मुझ तक मेरी माँ की महक बनकर आती है।

Word Meanings• Autumn: शरद ऋतु (The season between summer and winter)
• Shiuli: हरसिंगार (A small, white flower with an orange stem that blooms in autumn, often used in worship)
• Floats: हवा में तैरना (Moves slowly through the air)
• Scent: सुगंध (A distinctive, typically pleasant, smell)

Grammar AnalysisThe stanza uses the Simple Present tense to show how a specific smell in the present moment triggers a memory of the past. It connects nature and spirituality to the image of the mother.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Early: Describes the time of the morning.
• Autumn: Describes the season of the morning.
• Shiuli: Describes the specific type of flower.
• Morning: Describes the time of the temple service.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Cannot remember: Negative present tense showing the speaker’s state of mind.
• Floats: Simple Present showing the continuous movement of the smell.
• Comes: Simple Present showing the arrival of the memory or scent.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• When: Conjunction used to indicate the timing of the memory.

I cannot remember my mother
only when from my bedroom window I send
my eyes into the blue of the distant sky,
I feel that the stillness of
my mother’s gaze on my face
has spread all over the sky.
Hindi Translationमुझे अपनी माँ याद नहीं आती
बस जब अपने शयनकक्ष की खिड़की से
मैं अपनी नज़रें दूर नीले आसमान की ओर ले जाता हूँ,
मुझे लगता है कि
मेरे चेहरे पर माँ की नज़र की वह स्थिरता
पूरे आकाश में फैल गई है।

Word Meanings• Distant: दूर (Far away in space or time)
• Stillness: शांति / स्थिरता (The state of being still and quiet)
• Gaze: टकटकी लगाकर देखना (A steady, intent look)
• Spread: फैलना (Extend over a large area)

Grammar AnalysisThis stanza uses the Simple Present tense and metaphors to connect the vastness of the sky to the mother’s watchful presence.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Bedroom: Describes the specific window.
• Blue: Describes the color of the sky.
• Distant: Describes the far-off location of the sky.
• Mother’s: Possessive adjective showing the gaze belongs to the mother.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Cannot remember: Negative present tense.
• Send: Simple Present describing the action of looking out.
• Feel: Simple Present describing the internal emotion.
• Has spread: Present Perfect showing an action that has been completed and still has an effect now.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Only: Adverb of degree/limitation.
• All over: Adverbial phrase of place showing the extent of the feeling.

Kaveri Chapter 4 Summary in English and Hindi:

“Vitamin-M” is a humorous and touching story about an old grandfather who comes to live with his daughter Vidya, son-in-law, and grandson Ravi in a busy city.
Grandpa, a 75-year-old retired lawyer, is sharp-minded but has some age-related problems — he once took a double dose of medicine and, on another occasion, got lost on a walk. These incidents worried his daughter deeply. When Ravi’s school holidays begin, his mother puts him in charge of looking after Grandpa and strictly instructs him not to let Grandpa go out alone.
One morning, Grandpa cleverly tricks Ravi into letting him go out — he says he just wants to walk to the corner shop to check for the Tamil newspaper. Ravi is caught in a dilemma but decides to secretly follow his grandfather at a safe distance to keep him safe.
What follows is a series of funny and embarrassing incidents. Ravi hides behind an elephant-shaped bush in the park, gets scolded by a woman, is surrounded by noisy vendors near a banyan tree and is even thrown out of a Ladies’ Hairdressing Salon by mistake. Meanwhile, Grandpa enjoys forbidden treats — sugary tea, two bananas and ice cream — before calmly walking to the barber shop and then boarding a bus.
Ravi panics and boards the same bus, only to discover that the person wearing Grandpa’s yellow cap is a total stranger. Grandpa had generously given away his cap at the barber shop. Ravi rushes back to search for Grandpa but cannot find him anywhere. He returns home — exhausted and worried – and is greatly relieved to find Grandpa sleeping peacefully in his room.
When Ravi’s mother returns from work and asks what they did, Grandpa coolly remarks that he had a quiet morning but that Ravi had “just disappeared.” This embarrasses Ravi completely. Then, on his own birthday, Grandpa surprises everyone with gifts — including a book of The Best Detective Stories for Ravi, with a meaningful hint: tips on how to avoid being fooled while trailing a suspect. This makes it clear that Grandpa was fully aware of Ravi following him throughout the day.
The story ends on a warm and witty note, with Ravi wondering whether the twinkle in Grandpa’s eye was innocent or mischievous — leaving the reader smiling.
Theme: The story beautifully conveys that the elderly deserve dignity, independence and love. It also shows that old age does not mean loss of wit or wisdom.
Summary in Hindiहिंदी में सारांश
“विटामिन-M” एक हास्यपूर्ण और भावनात्मक कहानी है जो आशा नेहेमिया द्वारा लिखी गई है। इसमें दादाजी और उनके पोते रवि के बीच के मधुर रिश्ते को दर्शाया गया है।
दादाजी एक 75 वर्षीय सेवानिवृत्त वकील हैं जो अपनी बेटी विद्या के पास शहर में रहने आते हैं। उनकी याददाश्त और स्वास्थ्य में कुछ कमज़ोरी आ गई है — एक बार उन्होंने दोहरी खुराक ले ली और एक बार सैर पर जाकर रास्ता भूल गए। इससे विद्या बहुत चिंतित हो जाती हैं।
रवि की छुट्टियाँ शुरू होते ही उसकी माँ उसे दादाजी की देखभाल का जिम्मा देती हैं और कहती हैं कि उन्हें अकेले बाहर न जाने दें। लेकिन दादाजी चालाकी से रवि को चकमा देकर अकेले निकल जाते हैं। रवि उन्हें चुपचाप पीछे से फॉलो करता है।
पीछे-पीछे जाते हुए रवि को कई हास्यास्पद स्थितियों का सामना करना पड़ता है — झाड़ी में छुपना, एक महिला द्वारा डाँटा जाना, दुकानदारों से घिर जाना और एक महिला सैलून से बाहर निकाला जाना। दादाजी इस बीच चाय, केले और आइसक्रीम का लुत्फ उठाते हैं — ये सब घर में उनके लिए “मना” हैं।
बाद में रवि यह सोचकर बस में चढ़ जाता है कि दादाजी उसमें हैं, लेकिन वह एक अनजान व्यक्ति निकलता है जिसे दादाजी ने नाई की दुकान पर अपनी पीली टोपी दे दी थी। रवि घबरा जाता है लेकिन घर लौटने पर दादाजी को चैन से सोते हुए पाता है।
माँ के आने पर दादाजी शांति से कहते हैं कि उन्होंने शांत सुबह बिताई, पर रवि कहाँ चला गया था, उन्हें नहीं पता। यह सुनकर रवि शर्मिंदा हो जाता है। सबसे बड़ा आश्चर्य तब होता है जब दादाजी अपने जन्मदिन पर सभी को उपहार देते हैं और रवि को “The Best Detective Stories” किताब देते हैं — यह इशारा करते हुए कि संदिग्ध का पीछा करते समय धोखा न खाएँ। इससे स्पष्ट होता है कि दादाजी पूरे दिन जानते थे कि रवि उनका पीछा कर रहा है।
मुख्य संदेश: बुजुर्गों का सम्मान करें और उन्हें गरिमा के साथ जीने दें। उम्र बढ़ने के साथ याददाश्त कमज़ोर हो सकती है, लेकिन बुद्धि और अनुभव कभी कमज़ोर नहीं होते।

By Rabindranath Tagore — In English
This is a short but deeply moving poem by Rabindranath Tagore. The poet lost his mother when he was very young and therefore has no clear memories of her. Yet, her presence lingers in his life through his senses — sound, smell, and sight.
Stanza 1: While playing, the poet sometimes hears a faint tune hovering over his toys. It is the tune of a lullaby his mother used to hum while rocking his cradle. He cannot see her, but he can feel her through music.
Stanza 2: In the early autumn mornings, when the fragrance of shiuli flowers floats in the air, it blends with the scent of a temple’s morning prayers. This combined smell reminds the poet of his mother — as if her very essence was the fragrance of flowers and devotion.
Stanza 3: When the poet looks out of his bedroom window at the vast, still, blue sky, he feels that his mother’s calm and loving gaze has spread all over the sky — watching over him silently.
The poem uses the refrain “I cannot remember my mother” in each stanza to emphasize absence, yet paradoxically, the poet feels her presence everywhere — in music, in nature, in the sky. The poem is rich in imagery, symbolism, and sensory language.
Theme: The poem explores the eternal bond between a mother and child, the power of sensory memory, and the way love transcends death and time.
Summary in Hindiहिंदी में सारांश
“I Cannot Remember My Mother” रवींद्रनाथ टैगोर द्वारा लिखी गई एक मार्मिक कविता है। कवि की माँ का निधन तब हो गया था जब वे बहुत छोटे थे, इसलिए उन्हें माँ की कोई स्पष्ट याद नहीं है। फिर भी, माँ की उपस्थिति उन्हें अपनी इंद्रियों के माध्यम से महसूस होती है।
पहले पद में: जब कवि खेलते हैं, तो उनके खिलौनों के ऊपर एक धुन तैरती-सी प्रतीत होती है — वही लोरी जो माँ झूला झुलाते समय गुनगुनाती थीं।
दूसरे पद में: शरद ऋतु की सुबह जब हवा में शिउली के फूलों की महक फैलती है, वह खुशबू मंदिर की सुबह की पूजा की सुगंध से मिलती है — और कवि को माँ की याद दिलाती है।
तीसरे पद में: जब कवि खिड़की से नीले आकाश की ओर देखते हैं, तो उन्हें लगता है कि माँ की शांत और प्रेमपूर्ण दृष्टि पूरे आकाश में फैली हुई है।
कविता में “I cannot remember my mother” पंक्ति को बार-बार दोहराया गया है (refrain), जो माँ की अनुपस्थिति को दर्शाती है — फिर भी माँ की उपस्थिति हर जगह महसूस होती है।
मुख्य संदेश: माँ और बच्चे का रिश्ता अमर होता है। यादें भले ही धुंधली हो जाएँ, लेकिन माँ का प्यार प्रकृति, संगीत और आकाश में हमेशा जीवित रहता है।