NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 6 Twin Melodies & A Friend Found in Music

Kaveri Chapter 6 English to Hindi Translation:

Shruti Sharma : A young aspiring violinist
Guru Nabin Sharma : Shruti’s father, a violinist, and the Principal of Sangeetika Music School
Leela Devi : Shruti’s mother
Avinash : Tabla player of the fusion group
Iqbal : Flutist of the fusion group
Peter : Keyboard player of the fusion group
Hindi Translationश्रुति शर्मा : एक युवा महत्वाकांक्षी वायलिन वादक
गुरु नबिन शर्मा : श्रुति के पिता, एक वायलिन वादक, और संगीतिका म्यूजिक स्कूल के प्रधानाचार्य
लीला देवी : श्रुति की माँ
अविनाश : फ्यूज़न समूह के तबला वादक
इकबाल : फ्यूज़न समूह के बाँसुरी वादक
पीटर : फ्यूज़न समूह के कीबोर्ड वादक

ACT I
The scene opens to the notes of a beautiful Indo-Western fusion music piece in its crescendo. There are four children on stage playing in a room that has a small rack and a wooden table stacked with books. On the wall are posters of famous Indian flute players Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and Shashank Subramanyam. The room belongs to Iqbal, who is playing the flute. On the tabla is Avinash, Peter on the keyboard, and Shruti on the violin. Soon they wind up their performance and are packing up their musical instruments. Shruti wears a look of distress on her face.
Hindi Translationयह दृश्य इंडो-वेस्टर्न फ्यूजन संगीत के अपने चरम पर पहुंचने के साथ शुरू होता है। मंच पर चार बच्चे एक ऐसे कमरे में संगीत बजा रहे हैं जिसमें एक छोटा रैक और किताबों से भरी एक लकड़ी की मेज है। दीवार पर प्रसिद्ध भारतीय बाँसुरी वादकों पंडित हरिप्रसाद चौरसिया और शशांक सुब्रमण्यम के पोस्टर लगे हैं। यह कमरा इकबाल का है, जो बाँसुरी बजा रहा है। तबले पर अविनाश है, पीटर कीबोर्ड पर है, और श्रुति वायलिन पर। जल्द ही वे अपना प्रदर्शन समाप्त करते हैं और अपने वाद्ययंत्रों को समेटने लगते हैं। श्रुति के चेहरे पर परेशानी का भाव है।

Word Meanings• Crescendo: संगीत का चरम स्वर (A gradual increase in loudness in a piece of music)
• Stacked: ढेर लगा हुआ (A pile of objects, typically one that is neatly arranged)
• Wind up: समाप्त करना (To bring something to a conclusion or end)
• Distress: संकट/भारी दुख (Extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (“opens,” “are,” “belongs,” “wears”) to describe a scene as it happens in a play (often called “stage directions”). It also uses the Present Continuous (“playing,” “packing”) to show ongoing actions within that scene.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Beautiful: Describes the quality of the music.
• Small: Describes the size of the rack.
• Wooden: Describes the material of the table.
• Famous: Describes the reputation of the flute players on the posters.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Opens: Simple Present used to start the narrative of the scene.
• Playing: Present Participle showing the children’s activity.
• Packing up: Phrasal verb in the continuous form showing their current action.
• Wears: Simple Present describing Shruti’s current expression.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Soon: Adverb of time showing that the transition happens quickly.
• On stage / On the wall: Prepositional phrases showing location.

Peter: That was a good rehearsal. Well done guys! Let’s meet again tomorrow.
Iqbal: (picking up a newspaper from his desk) Wait wait, before anyone goes. Did any of you guys read what they wrote about Shruti’s performance with her father yesterday in the Parbatpuri Daily Clarion? Ahem ahem, “Melody runs in the veins of Miss Shruti Sharma, daughter of the master violinist Nabin Sharma!”
Hindi Translationपीटर: यह एक अच्छा रियाज़ था। शाबाश दोस्तों! कल फिर मिलते हैं।
इकबाल: (अपनी मेज से अखबार उठाते हुए) रुको रुको, किसी के जाने से पहले। क्या तुम में से किसी ने पढ़ा जो कल के पर्वतपुरी डेली क्लेरियन में श्रुति और उनके पिता के प्रदर्शन के बारे में छपा है? अहम अहम, “मास्टर वायलिन वादक नबिन शर्मा की बेटी मिस श्रुति शर्मा की रगों में सुर दौड़ते हैं!”

Word Meanings• Rehearsal: पूर्वाभ्यास (A practice session for a play, concert, or performance)
• Veins: नसें (Tubes forming part of the blood circulation system; here used metaphorically to mean it is in her nature)
• Master: उस्ताद/निपुण (A person who has complete control of something or is very skilled)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense for the dialogue (“is,” “goes,” “runs”) and the Simple Past (“was,” “wrote”) to refer to the rehearsal and the newspaper article. It also uses a Present Perfect structure (“Did… read”) to ask about a recent past event.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
Good: Describes the quality of the practice session.
Master: Describes the high level of skill Shruti’s father has.
Violinist: (Noun used as a modifier) describing the type of musician Nabin Sharma is.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
Picking up: Present Participle describing Iqbal’s physical action.
Meet: Simple Present used to suggest a future plan.
Read: Simple Past used to inquire about the newspaper.
Runs: Simple Present used to state a fact (metaphorical) about her talent.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
Again: Shows the action of meeting will be repeated.
Tomorrow: Adverb of time.
Yesterday: Adverb of time showing when the performance happened.

Avinash: Oh ho! Wow Shruti! You are a sensation now! The least you can do is throw a party!
Peter: Shruti Sharma for the win, sweating on the vi-o-lin!
(Shruti remains unaffected, lost in her thoughts. The boys surround her trying to distract her.)
Hindi Translationअविनाश: ओह हो! वाह श्रुति! तुम तो अब सनसनी बन गई हो! कम से कम तुम एक पार्टी तो दे सकती हो!
पीटर: श्रुति शर्मा जीत के लिए, वाय-ओ-लिन पर पसीना बहाते हुए!
(श्रुति अप्रभावित रहती है, अपने विचारों में खोई हुई। लड़के उसे घेर लेते हैं और उसका ध्यान भटकाने की कोशिश करते हैं।)

Word Meanings• Sensation: सनसनी (A widespread reaction of interest and excitement)
• Least: कम से कम (The smallest amount or part that is possible or required)
• Unaffected: अप्रभावित (Not changed or influenced by something)
• Distract: ध्यान भटकाना (To draw someone’s attention away from something)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense for the dialogue (“are,” “is,” “can do”) and the stage directions (“remains,” “surround”). It also uses the Present Participle (“sweating,” “trying”) to describe a rhythmic action or an ongoing effort.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Sensation: (Used as a noun here, but functions as a descriptor of her status).
• Least: Superlative adjective describing the minimum expectation.
• Unaffected: Describes Shruti’s lack of reaction to the boys’ teasing.
• Lost: Describes her mental state (daydreaming or worried).
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Throw: Simple Present (infinitive form) used to describe the action of hosting a party.
• Sweating: Present Participle showing the intense effort of playing.
• Remains: Simple Present showing a continued state of being.
• Surround: Simple Present action verb showing the boys moving around her.
• Distract: Infinitive showing the purpose of the boys’ actions.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Now: Adverb of time showing her current fame.
• Lost in: Phrasal description showing where her mind has gone.

Peter: Shruti!
Iqbal (a little loudly): Shruti!
Avinash (very loudly): SHRUTI!
(Shruti is startled. There is silence for a few seconds while Shruti finds the words)
Hindi Translationपीटर: श्रुति!
इकबाल (थोड़ा जोर से): श्रुति!
अविनाश (बहुत जोर से): श्रुति!
(श्रुति चौंक जाती है। कुछ सेकंड के लिए खामोशी छा जाती है जबकि श्रुति बोलने के लिए शब्द ढूंढती है।)

Avinash: Oh god, don’t tell me you still haven’t told Nabin sir about the concert!
Peter: Does that mean you have still not told your parents about these practises? Just tell them you come for the practice from 4 to 5!
Iqbal: Yes Shruti. Just tell them you practise with us. Tell them about the concert. There is no need to worry!
Hindi Translationअविनाश: हे भगवान, मुझे यह मत बताना कि तुमने अभी तक नबिन सर को कॉन्सर्ट के बारे में नहीं बताया है!
पीटर: क्या इसका मतलब है कि तुमने अभी भी अपने माता-पिता को इन अभ्यासों के बारे में नहीं बताया? बस उन्हें बता दो कि तुम 4 से 5 बजे तक अभ्यास के लिए आती हो!
इकबाल: हाँ श्रुति। बस उन्हें बता दो कि तुम हमारे साथ रियाज़ करती हो। उन्हें कॉन्सर्ट के बारे में बताओ। चिंता करने की कोई ज़रूरत नहीं है!

Word Meanings• Concert: संगीत कार्यक्रम (A musical performance given in public, typically by several performers)
• Practises: अभ्यास (The actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method; here, the rehearsal sessions)
• Worry: चिंता (Feel or cause to feel anxious or troubled about actual or potential problems)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Present Perfect tense (“haven’t told”) to show an action that was expected to happen by now but hasn’t. It also uses the Imperative Mood (“Just tell,” “Wait”) to give direct advice or commands.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Still: (Used here as an adverb, but describes the ongoing nature of the secret).
• These: Demonstrative adjective pointing to the specific practice sessions.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Tell: Simple Present (imperative) used to give advice.
• Mean: Simple Present used to ask for clarification.
• Come: Simple Present showing a routine action (4 to 5).
• Practise: Simple Present showing the activity they do together.
• To worry: Infinitive used after “no need.”
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Still: Emphasizes that the situation has not changed over time.
• Again: (Implied context) suggesting a repeated action.
• 4 to 5: Adverbial phrase of time specifying the duration.

Shruti: There is need to worry Iqbal! You don’t know papa. He is very strict about these things. He will think it a desecration of the violin to be played to Western tunes. Papa firmly believes that Classical Hindustani music, with its ragas and aalaaps, is the only kind of music that an artist of any worth should play. I don’t want papa to feel that I don’t care about his opinions, because I do. It’s just that I want to give this a try too. I just don’t know how to tell him in the right way!
Hindi Translationश्रुति: चिंता करने की ज़रूरत है इकबाल! तुम पापा को नहीं जानते। वह इन चीजों को लेकर बहुत सख्त हैं। उन्हें लगेगा कि पश्चिमी धुनों पर वायलिन बजाना वायलिन का अपमान है। पापा का दृढ़ विश्वास है कि शास्त्रीय हिंदुस्तानी संगीत, अपने रागों और आलापों के साथ, एकमात्र ऐसा संगीत है जिसे किसी भी योग्य कलाकार को बजाना चाहिए। मैं नहीं चाहती कि पापा को ऐसा लगे कि मुझे उनके विचारों की परवाह नहीं है, क्योंकि मैं उनकी परवाह करती हूँ। बात बस इतनी है कि मैं इसे भी एक बार आज़माना चाहती हूँ। मुझे बस यह समझ नहीं आ रहा कि उन्हें सही तरीके से कैसे बताऊं!

Word Meanings• Strict: कठोर/सख्त (Demanding that rules concerning behavior are obeyed and observed)
• Desecration: अपवित्रीकरण (The action of treating something sacred with a lack of respect; profanity)
• Firmly: दृढ़ता से (In a strong, steady, or determined manner)
• Ragas: राग (A melodic framework for improvisation in Indian classical music)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (“is,” “don’t know,” “believes”) to describe her father’s current personality and beliefs. It also uses the Simple Future tense (“will think”) to predict his reaction to a specific situation.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Strict: Describes the father’s personality regarding rules.
• Sacred: (Implied context) how her father views the violin.
• Western: Describes the type of music/tunes her father dislikes.
• Classical Hindustani: Describes the specific genre of music her father values.
• Right: Describes the specific manner in which she wants to speak to him.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Know: Simple Present showing her understanding of her father.
• Will think: Future tense predicting a judgment.
• To be played: Passive Infinitive describing the action happening to the violin.
• Believes: Simple Present showing a long-held conviction.
• Care: Simple Present showing her emotional state regarding his opinions.
• Give this a try: Phrasal expression meaning to attempt something new.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Very: Intensifier used with “strict.”
• Firmly: Describes the strength of his belief.
• Only: Used to exclude all other types of music except Classical.
• Just: Used to emphasize her simple desire to try something different.

Iqbal: All ways are right ways, Shruti. He is your father, he will understand.
Avinash: I agree. You are making matters worse for yourself by not talking to him. What’s the worst that can happen? He will scold you a little, maybe. But he will eventually come round.
Hindi Translationइकबाल: सभी तरीके सही तरीके हैं, श्रुति। वे तुम्हारे पिता हैं, वे समझेंगे।
अविनाश: मैं सहमत हूँ। तुम उनसे बात न करके अपने लिए मुश्किलें और बढ़ा रही हो। ज़्यादा से ज़्यादा क्या होगा? शायद वह तुम्हें थोड़ा डांटेंगे। लेकिन वे अंततः मान जाएंगे।

Word Meanings• Worse: बदतर/और खराब (Of poorer quality or lower standard; more serious or unpleasant)
• Scold: डाँटना (Rebuke someone angrily)
• Eventually: अंततः/आखिरकार (In the end, especially after a long delay, dispute, or series of problems)
• Come round: मान जाना (To change one’s opinion or decision, especially after being persuaded)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (“are,” “is,” “agree”) to state current opinions and facts. It also uses the Simple Future tense (“will understand,” “will scold,” “will come round”) to offer predictions and reassurance about the father’s future reaction.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Right: Describes the quality of the “ways” Iqbal is referring to.
• Worse: Comparative adjective describing the deteriorating situation.
• Worst: Superlative adjective used to imagine the most extreme negative outcome.
• Little: Describes the small degree or intensity of the potential scolding.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Will understand: Future tense predicting the father’s empathy.
• Agree: Simple Present showing Avinash’s alignment with Iqbal’s point.
• Making: Present Participle (gerundial use) describing the ongoing effect of her silence.
• Can happen: Modal verb phrase used to discuss possibility.
• Will scold: Future tense predicting a temporary negative reaction.
• Come round: Phrasal verb in the future tense meaning to eventually agree.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Eventually: Adverb of time showing that the change in heart might take a while.
• Maybe: Adverb of possibility.

Iqbal: Yes Shruti. And what is a little bit of scolding? I basically have a little bit of scolding for breakfast every day! (all laugh)
Shruti: You are right guys; I guess it is time to bite the bullet. Thanks for encouraging me again! Tonight, at dinner, I promise to bring this up.
Peter: That’s the spirit!
Hindi Translationइकबाल: हाँ श्रुति। और थोड़ी बहुत डाँट क्या होती है? मैं तो रोज़ नाश्ते में थोड़ी बहुत डांट खाता ही हूँ! (सब हंसते हैं)
श्रुति: तुम सही कह रहे हो दोस्तों; मुझे लगता है मुश्किल का सामना करने का समय आ गया है। मुझे फिर से प्रोत्साहित करने के लिए धन्यवाद! आज रात, रात के खाने पर, मैं वादा करती हूँ कि इस बारे में बात छेड़ूँगी।
पीटर: यह हुई न बात!

Word Meanings• Bite the bullet: मुश्किल परिस्थिति का सामना करना (To accept something difficult or unpleasant that is unavoidable)
• Encouraging: प्रोत्साहित करना (Giving someone support, confidence, or hope)
• Bring this up: चर्चा शुरू करना (To start talking about a particular subject)
• Spirit: जज्बा/उत्साह (The quality of courage, energy, and determination)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (“is,” “have,” “guess”) for general statements and current feelings. It also uses the Simple Future tense (“will laugh” – implied, “promise to bring”) to describe actions that will happen later that evening.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Little: Describes the small amount of scolding Iqbal jokingly mentions.
• Right: Describes Shruti’s agreement with her friends’ advice.
• Encouraging: (Used here as a participle) describing the supportive action of the friends.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Have: Simple Present used by Iqbal to describe his daily “routine” of being scolded.
• Laugh: Simple Present (stage direction) showing the group’s reaction.
• Bite the bullet: Idiomatic phrase used as an infinitive to show her decision to act.
• Encouraging: Present Participle showing the ongoing support from the boys.
• Promise: Simple Present showing a firm commitment made in the moment.
• Bring up: Phrasal verb used to describe the act of starting a conversation.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Basically: Used to simplify or emphasize his humorous statement.
• Every day: Adverbial phrase of frequency.
• Again: Shows that they have supported her multiple times.
• Tonight: Adverb of time specifying when she will act.

ACT II
Shruti’s parents are cleaning the table after dinner, going to and fro from the kitchen to the dining room. Shruti is still stuck on the last bite and is seemingly lost in thoughts.
Nabin: Shruti, staring at the dosa is not going to make it disappear. I am afraid you will have to eat it.
Hindi Translationश्रुति के माता-पिता रात के खाने के बाद मेज साफ कर रहे हैं, रसोई से भोजन कक्ष तक आते-जाते हुए। श्रुति अभी भी आखिरी निवाले पर अटकी है और स्पष्ट रूप से विचारों में खोई हुई है।
नबिन: श्रुति, डोसे को घूरते रहने से वह गायब नहीं होगा। मुझे डर है कि तुम्हें इसे खाना ही होगा।

Word Meanings• To and fro: इधर-उधर (Moving backward and forward or from one place to another)
• Seemingly: प्रत्यक्ष रूप से/ऐसा लगता है (In a way that appears to be true, even though it may not be)
• Staring: एकटक देखना/घूरना (Looking fixedly or vacantly at someone or something)
• Disappear: गायब होना (Cease to be visible; vanish)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Present Continuous tense (“are cleaning,” “going,” “is staring”) to describe the actions taking place as the scene unfolds. It also uses the Future tense (“is not going to,” “will have to”) to express Nabin’s lighthearted prediction and requirement for his daughter.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Last: Describes the specific bite of food Shruti is stuck on.
• Lost: Describes Shruti’s mental state of being deep in thought.
• Afraid: (Used here as an adjective in a phrase) to soften the command about eating.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Cleaning: Present Participle showing the parents’ active chore.
• Going: Present Participle describing the movement between rooms.
• Stuck: (Past Participle used as an adjective) describing her lack of progress with the meal.
• Staring: Gerund acting as the subject of Nabin’s sentence.
• To make: Infinitive showing the purpose or result of staring.
• Will have to: Modal phrase showing a future necessity or obligation.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• To and fro: Describes the direction and manner of movement.
• Still: Emphasizes that her situation hasn’t changed.
• Seemingly: Describes how her behavior appears to others.

Leela: Shruti, why are you lost in thought, my dear child? If you are trying to find the right words to tell your dad that I make much better dosa than him, I suggest you abandon the mission. He doesn’t have the strength to face the truth.
Shruti: Yes, actually I … er … was finding the right words to say something to you … to you papa. But please promise to not get too angry with me.
Hindi Translationलीला: श्रुति, तुम सोच में क्यों डूबी हो, मेरी प्यारी बच्ची? अगर तुम अपने पापा को यह बताने के लिए सही शब्द ढूँढ रही हो कि मैं उनसे बेहतर डोसा बनाती हूँ, तो मेरा सुझाव है कि तुम यह इरादा छोड़ दो। उनमें सच्चाई का सामना करने की ताकत नहीं है।
श्रुति: हाँ, दरअसल मैं… एर… आपसे कुछ कहने के लिए सही शब्द ढूँढ रही थी… आपसे पापा। लेकिन कृपया वादा करें कि मुझ पर ज़्यादा गुस्सा नहीं होंगे।

Word Meanings• Lost in thought: ख्यालों में खोया होना (Deeply focused on one’s own ideas and unaware of the surroundings)
• Abandon the mission: इरादा छोड़ देना (To give up on a task or a plan before it is completed)
• Strength: शक्ति/सामर्थ्य (The emotional or mental power to deal with something)
• Face the truth: सच्चाई का सामना करना (To accept or deal with the reality of a situation)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (“are,” “is,” “suggest,” “doesn’t have”) for Leela’s lighthearted teasing. Shruti’s response uses the Past Continuous (“was finding”) to describe her struggle to speak, and the Imperative Mood (“please promise”) to make a request.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Dear: Describes the mother’s affectionate feeling toward her child.
• Right: Describes the specific type of words Shruti is looking for.
• Better: Comparative adjective used by Leela to compare her cooking to Nabin’s.
• Angry: Describes the emotional state Shruti hopes her father avoids.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Trying: Present Participle describing Shruti’s mental effort.
• Suggest: Simple Present used by Leela to give advice.
• Abandon: Simple Present (infinitive) showing the action Leela suggests.
• Face: Simple Present (infinitive) showing the action of accepting truth.
• Promise: Simple Present (imperative) used to ask for a commitment.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Actually: Used to confirm that Shruti really does have something to say.
• Much: Used as an intensifier with the comparative “better.”
• Too: Used with “angry” to describe an excessive degree of emotion.

Nabin: (suddenly serious. Sits down opposite to Shruti in an upright formal manner) No promises, child. But speak up.
Shruti: Papa, actually … there … there is a concert next week. I…
Hindi Translationनबिन: (अचानक गंभीर होते हुए। श्रुति के सामने एकदम सीधा और औपचारिक तरीके से बैठ जाते हैं) लेकिन जो कहना है कहो।
श्रुति: पापा, दरअसल… वहाँ… अगले हफ्ते एक कार्यक्रम है। मैं…

Word Meanings• Suddenly: अचानक (Happening or done quickly and unexpectedly)
• Opposite: सामने (Positioned on the other side of a specific area from someone)
• Upright: सीधा (Sitting or standing with the back straight)
• Speak up: साफ़-साफ़ बोलना (To speak more loudly or clearly, or to express one’s opinion freely)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense for stage directions (“sits”) and for a state of existence (“there is”). The father’s dialogue uses the Imperative Mood (“speak up”) to give a direct command.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Serious: Describes Nabin’s sudden change in mood.
• Opposite: Describes the physical position of Nabin relative to Shruti.
• Upright / Formal: Describes the stiff and serious manner in which Nabin is sitting.
• Next: Describes which week the concert will take place.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Sits: Simple Present stage direction showing Nabin’s movement.
• Speak up: Phrasal verb in the imperative form used to encourage Shruti to talk.
• Is: Simple Present showing the existence of the concert.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Suddenly: Describes the quickness of the change in atmosphere.
• Actually: Used as a filler word while Shruti tries to gather her courage.

Nabin: (calmly but firmly) No is the answer. You know my rule—one performance in every six months. More than that, familiarity breeds contempt. Work on your art and everything will follow. And which concert is this anyway, of which I haven’t heard?
Shruti: It is a group performance papa, next week.
Hindi Translationनबिन: (शांति से लेकिन दृढ़ता से) जवाब नहीं है। तुम मेरा नियम जानती हो — हर छह महीने में केवल एक प्रदर्शन। उससे ज़्यादा होने पर कला की कद्र कम हो जाती है। अपनी कला पर काम करो और बाकी सब अपने आप पीछे आएगा। और वैसे यह कॉन्सर्ट कौन सा है, जिसके बारे में मैंने नहीं सुना?
श्रुति: यह एक सामूहिक प्रदर्शन है पापा, अगले हफ्ते।

Word Meanings• Firmly: दृढ़ता से (In a strong and steady way that shows you will not change your mind)
• Familiarity breeds contempt: अति परिचय से अनादर बढ़ता है (A proverb meaning that if you know someone or something too well, you stop respecting them)
• Follow: पीछे आना/स्वतः प्राप्त होना (To happen as a natural result)
• Anyway: वैसे भी (Used to confirm or support a point or to change the subject)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (“is,” “know,” “breeds,” “haven’t heard”) to state rules and general truths. It also uses the Simple Future tense (“will follow”) to make a promise about the result of hard work.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Calm / Firm: Describes the controlled but unyielding way Nabin speaks.
• Every: Specifies the frequency of the performances allowed.
• Six: Describes the number of months in the rule’s duration.
• Group: Describes the nature of the performance Shruti is talking about.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Know: Simple Present showing Shruti’s awareness of the rules.
• Breeds: Simple Present used in a proverb to show a cause-and-effect relationship.
• Work: Imperative verb used to give a command.
• Will follow: Future tense showing the guaranteed outcome of dedication.
• Haven’t heard: Present Perfect showing an action that has not happened up to this point.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Calmly / Firmly: Describes the manner of Nabin’s speech.
• More than: Used to compare the frequency of performances.
• Anyway: Used to shift the focus to the specific details of the concert.
• Next: Adverb of time.

Nabin: And this is what you have judged best for yourself? To drown your individual style in the hubbub of an orchestra is hardly a wise choice, Shruti. Besides, what exactly is this concert? I don’t know of any scheduled next week.
Shruti: (timidly) Papa, it’s an … an … Indo-western fusion concert.
(silence)
Hindi Translationनबिन: और यही तुमने अपने लिए सबसे अच्छा समझा है? किसी ऑर्केस्ट्रा के शोरगुल में अपनी व्यक्तिगत शैली को डुबो देना बुद्धिमानी भरा फैसला नहीं है, श्रुति। इसके अलावा, यह कार्यक्रम वास्तव में क्या है? मुझे अगले हफ्ते होने वाले ऐसे किसी कार्यक्रम की जानकारी नहीं है।
श्रुति: (डरते हुए) पापा, यह एक… एक… इंडो-वेस्टर्न फ्यूज़न कार्यक्रम है।
(खामोशी)

Word Meanings• Drown: डुबो देना (To submerge; here used metaphorically to mean losing one’s identity)
• Individual style: व्यक्तिगत शैली (A person’s unique way of doing something, like playing an instrument)
• Orchestra: वाद्य-वृन्द (A large group of instrumentalists playing together)
• Timidly: डरते हुए/दबी आवाज़ में (In a manner that shows a lack of courage or confidence)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Present Perfect tense (“have judged”) to question a decision already made. It also uses the Simple Present (“is,” “don’t know”) to state Nabin’s current understanding and opinion. The stage direction (“timidly”) is an adverb describing the manner of Shruti’s speech.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Best: Superlative adjective describing the choice Nabin is questioning.
• Individual: Describes the unique style that belongs only to Shruti.
• Wise: Describes the quality of the choice (which Nabin thinks is lacking).
• Scheduled: Describes the status of the concerts Nabin is aware of.
• Indo-western fusion: Describes the specific genre of the concert.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Have judged: Present Perfect showing a completed mental action.
• To drown: Infinitive used to describe the result Nabin fears.
• Is: Simple Present used to define the nature of the choice.
• Don’t know: Simple Present showing Nabin’s lack of information.
• Is: (In Shruti’s dialogue) used to identify the concert type.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Exactly: Used to ask for specific and precise details.
• Hardly: Used to emphasize that the choice is not wise at all.
• Timidly: Describes the shy or fearful way Shruti speaks.

Nabin: (getting up) I never thought any of my students, let alone my own child, would lose their sense of musicality to such an extent. Since my views on fusion music have been iterated in this house on several occasions, I think there remains nothing for me to say now.
Shruti: Please papa! I request you to consider. Just attend the practice only once and then you can decide!
Hindi Translationनबिन: (खड़े होते हुए) मैंने कभी नहीं सोचा था कि मेरा कोई भी छात्र, मेरी अपनी संतान तो दूर की बात, संगीत की अपनी समझ को इस हद तक खो देगा। चूँकि इस घर में कई अवसरों पर फ्यूज़न संगीत पर मेरे विचार दोहराए गए हैं, मुझे लगता है कि अब मेरे पास कहने के लिए कुछ शेष नहीं रह गया है।
श्रुति: कृपया पापा! मैं आपसे अनुरोध करती हूँ कि एक बार विचार करें। स एक बार अभ्यास में शामिल होकर देखें और फिर आप फैसला कर सकते हैं!

Word Meanings• Let alone: तो दूर की बात (Used to indicate that something is far less likely than something else already mentioned)
• Musicality: संगीत की समझ (Musical talent or sensitivity)
• Extent: सीमा/हद (The area or distance covered by something; the degree to which something happens)
• Iterated: बार-बार दोहराया गया (To say or perform again and again)
• Occasions: अवसर (Particular events, or the time at which they happen)
• Consider: विचार करना (To think carefully about something, typically before making a decision)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Present Perfect tense (“have been iterated”) to describe actions that have happened repeatedly leading up to now. It also uses the Modal “would” to express disappointment regarding a predicted behavior, and the Imperative Mood (“Please,” “Just attend,” “Decide”) for Shruti’s urgent request.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Own: Emphasizes the personal relationship between Nabin and Shruti.
• Musical: Describes the type of sense Nabin feels is being lost.
• Several: Describes the many times the topic has been discussed.
• Once: Specifies the single time Shruti wants him to attend.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Getting up: Present Participle showing Nabin’s physical movement of leaving.
• Lose: Simple Present (infinitive) showing the loss of talent.
• Have been iterated: Passive Present Perfect showing the repetition of his views.
• Remains: Simple Present showing what is left after his statement.
• Request: Simple Present showing a formal appeal.
• Consider / Attend / Decide: Simple Present verbs used to describe the actions Shruti wants her father to take.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Never: Adverb of frequency showing Nabin’s absolute disbelief.
• Now: Shows the finality of Nabin’s current position.
• Only: Limits the request to just one visit to make it seem easier for him to agree.

Nabin: (with a slight mocking tone) Sure, there’ll be a practice, for ‘phoo’ music when making noise starts needing practice.
(Nabin gets up with a start and leaves. Shruti looks at her mom.)
Leela: Shruti! Why did you have to get yourself into this without your father’s knowledge in the first place!
Hindi Translationनबिन: (हल्के व्यंग्यात्मक स्वर में) बिल्कुल, अभ्यास तो होगा ही, इस ‘फूँ’ संगीत के लिए अभ्यास तो चाहिए ही होगा, जब शोर मचाने के लिए भी रियाज़ की ज़रूरत पड़ने लगे।
(नबिन एक झटके से उठते हैं और चले जाते हैं। श्रुति अपनी माँ की ओर देखती है।)
लीला:श्रुति! तुमने अपने पिता की जानकारी के बिना पहली बार में ही खुद को इस सब में क्यों फँसाया!

Word Meanings• Mocking: मजाक उड़ाना (Making fun of someone or something in a cruel way)
• Start: चौंक कर (A sudden movement of surprise or alarm)
• Knowledge: जानकारी/संज्ञान (Information, understanding, or skill that you get from experience or education)
• In the first place: शुरुआत में ही (At the beginning of a situation or series of events)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Future tense (“there’ll be”) to express a sarcastic prediction. The stage directions use the Simple Present (“gets up,” “leaves,” “looks”) to describe the immediate actions. Leela’s dialogue uses the Simple Past (“did,” “have to get”) to question a decision made in the past.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Slight: Describes the small degree of mockery in Nabin’s voice.
• Mocking: Describes the tone of Nabin’s speech.
• First: Used in the phrase “first place” to refer to the very beginning.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• There will be (there’ll be): Future tense used sarcastically.
• Starts: Simple Present showing the beginning of an action.
• Needing: Present Participle used here as a gerund related to “practice.”
• Leaves: Simple Present showing Nabin’s exit from the scene.
• Did… have to get: Past tense interrogative form showing necessity or obligation in the past.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• With a start: Describes the suddenness of Nabin’s movement.
• Sure: Used sarcastically to agree with a point while actually dismissing it.
• Why: Adverb used to ask for a reason.

Shruti: I know. I should have asked him. If he doesn’t let me participate, our group won’t be able to perform. All our practice will go down the drain.
Leela: Oh of course, practice! Or should I call it “practice classes”!
Shruti: Sorry mummy, won’t hide from you again. I promise!
Leela: You better not. Now you should go to sleep. Hurry up now, it’s too late already!
Hindi Translationश्रुति: मुझे पता है। मुझे उनसे पूछना चाहिए था। अगर उन्होंने मुझे हिस्सा नहीं लेने दिया, तो हमारा समूह प्रदर्शन नहीं कर पाएगा। हमारा सारा अभ्यास बेकार चला जाएगा।
लीला: ओह बिल्कुल, अभ्यास! या मुझे इसे “प्रैक्टिस क्लासेस” कहना चाहिए!
श्रुति: माफ करना मम्मी, अब तुमसे कभी नहीं छुपाऊँगी। मैं वादा करती हूँ!
लीला: बेहतर होगा कि तुम ऐसा न करो। अब तुम्हें सो जाना चाहिए। जल्दी करो, पहले से ही बहुत देर हो चुकी है!

Word Meanings• Participate: भाग लेना (To take part in an action or event)
• Go down the drain: बर्बाद हो जाना (To be completely wasted or lost)
• Hide: छिपाना (To keep something from being seen or known)
• Hurry up: जल्दी करना (To move or do something more quickly)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Modal “should have” to express regret about a past action that didn’t happen. It also uses the Simple Future (“won’t be able,” “will go,” “won’t hide”) to discuss the consequences of current events and to make promises for the future.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Our: Possessive adjective showing the group’s collective ownership of the performance.
• Better: Used in “you better not” to express a strong suggestion or warning.
• Late: Describes the time of night.
• Already: (Used here as an adverb) to emphasize that the time has passed.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Should have asked: Modal phrase expressing a missed obligation in the past.
• Let: Simple Present used to mean “allow.”
• Will go: Future tense predicting a negative outcome.
• Hide: Simple Present (infinitive) showing the action Shruti promises to avoid.
• Go to sleep: Phrasal verb used as an imperative/suggestion.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Down the drain: Idiomatic adverbial phrase describing how something is wasted.
• Again: Shows that the hiding happened before and should not repeat.
• Now: Adverb of time showing the urgency of going to bed.
• Too: Intensifier used with “late.”

ACT III
At Iqbal’s house. Avinash and Peter are there too. Shruti entering.
Iqbal: Look, Shruti is here too. Did you tell your parents finally?
Peter: Tell us later. Let’s start practice first.
Avinash: Yes, we’d better start right away. I have to leave early today.
Shruti: (Aside) Oh, how much I enjoy performing this piece. Perhaps I can practise one last time and soon after that I will tell them that I can’t join them for the performance.
Hindi Translationइकबाल के घर पर। अविनाश और पीटर भी वहीं हैं। श्रुति प्रवेश करती है।
इकबाल: देखो, आ गई। क्या तुमने आखिरकार अपने माता-पिता को बताया?
पीटर: हमें बाद में बताना। पहले अभ्यास शुरू करते हैं।
अविनाश: हाँ, हमें तुरंत शुरू करना चाहिए। मुझे आज जल्दी जाना है।
श्रुति: (एकांत में) ओह, मुझे इस धुन को बजाने में कितना आनंद आता है। शायद मैं एक आखिरी बार अभ्यास कर सकती हूँ और उसके तुरंत बाद मैं उन्हें बता दूँगी कि मैं प्रदर्शन के लिए उनके साथ शामिल नहीं हो पाऊँगी।

Word Meanings• Right away: तुरंत/अभी (Immediately; without any delay)
• Aside: अलग से (In a play, a remark spoken by a character that is intended to be heard by the audience but not by the other characters)
• Perhaps: शायद (Used to express uncertainty or possibility)
• Soon after: उसके तुरंत बाद (Shortly after a specific event or time)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (“is,” “have to”) for immediate facts and requirements. The “Aside” section uses the Simple Future tense (“will tell”) to express Shruti’s secret plan for the near future. It also uses the Modal “can” to show ability and possibility.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Early: Describes the time Avinash needs to leave.
• Last: Describes the final time Shruti plans to practice the piece.
• Much: Used as an intensifier for how much she enjoys the performance.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Start: Simple Present (imperative) used to begin the rehearsal.
• Leave: Infinitive showing the action Avinash needs to take.
• Enjoy: Simple Present describing Shruti’s emotional state.
• Practise: Simple Present (modal) showing a possible action.
• Will tell: Future tense showing a firm intention to inform the group later.
• Can’t join: Negative modal showing her inability to participate in the final show.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Right away: Adverbial phrase of time meaning immediately.
• Today: Adverb of time.
• Perhaps: Adverb of possibility.
• Soon after: Adverbial phrase indicating a sequence of events.

(They begin practice. In the middle of the performance, Shruti’s parents enter the room and stand in a corner. Slowly, her parents become engrossed and Shruti’s father taps his feet and is seen evidently enjoying. As soon as the performance comes to an end, her parents move towards the centre of the stage in the room as they clap. Nabin claps furiously. He wears an expression of pride on his face. Shruti is startled at once with the clapping.)
Hindi Translation(वे अभ्यास शुरू करते हैं। प्रदर्शन के बीच में, श्रुति के माता-पिता कमरे में प्रवेश करते हैं और एक कोने में खड़े हो जाते हैं। धीरे-धीरे, उसके माता-पिता पूरी तरह मग्न हो जाते हैं और श्रुति के पिता अपने पैर थपथपाते हैं और स्पष्ट रूप से आनंद लेते हुए दिखते हैं। जैसे ही प्रदर्शन समाप्त होता है, उसके माता-पिता तालियाँ बजाते हुए कमरे के मंच के केंद्र की ओर बढ़ते हैं। नबिन जोर-जोर से तालियाँ बजाता है। उनके चेहरे पर गर्व का भाव है। तालियों की गूँज से श्रुति अचानक चौंक जाती है।)

Word Meanings• Engrossed: पूरी तरह मग्न (Having all one’s attention or interest absorbed by something)
• Evidently: प्रत्यक्ष रूप से/साफ़ तौर पर (In a way that is clearly seen or understood; obviously)
• Furiously: तेज़ी से/जोश के साथ (With great energy, intensity, or speed; here, it means clapping very hard)
• Startled: चौंक जाना (Feeling or showing sudden shock or alarm)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (“begin,” “enter,” “stand,” “claps”) to describe the unfolding action of the play. It also uses the Passive Voice (“is seen,” “is startled”) to describe how a character is perceived or affected by an outside action.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Engrossed: Describes the parents’ state of deep interest.
• Evidently: (Used as an adverb here) describing the visible nature of his enjoyment.
• Furious: (Used as an adverb here) describing the intensity of the clapping.
• Startled: Describes Shruti’s sudden reaction to the noise.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Begin: Simple Present showing the start of the practice.
• Enter / Stand: Simple Present stage directions for the parents’ movement.
• Taps: Simple Present showing Nabin’s rhythmic physical reaction.
• Is seen: Passive form of “see” describing Nabin’s outward appearance.
• Clap: Simple Present action showing the parents’ approval.
• Wears: Simple Present describing the expression on Nabin’s face.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Slowly: Describes the gradual change in the parents’ focus.
• As soon as: Conjunction used to show that one action happened immediately after another.
• At once: Adverbial phrase meaning immediately.

Nabin: Wah, how soulful! You all have done a wonderful job! You too Shruti! You did not lose sight of the notes of the raga even once and performed it to excellence.
Leela: Oh yes children. You all were amazing! If this is the result, then we can say you have run your practice sessions very successfully! (Children giggle)
Nabin: Yes, Leela. In fact, I was planning to offer the children the music room. (To the children) You’ll have more equipment there and will be able to practise regularly.
Hindi Translationनबिन: वाह, कितना भावपूर्ण! आप सभी ने बेहतरीन काम किया है! तुम भी श्रुति! तुमने एक बार भी राग के सुरों से नज़र नहीं हटाई और इसे बेहतरीन तरीके से प्रस्तुत किया।
लीला: अरे हाँ बच्चों। तुम सभी अद्भुत थे! अगर यह परिणाम है, तो हम कह सकते हैं कि तुमने अपने अभ्यास सत्र बहुत सफलतापूर्वक चलाए हैं! (बच्चे खिलखिलाते हैं।)
नबिन: हाँ, लीला। वास्तव में, मैं बच्चों को संगीत कक्ष देने की योजना बना रहा था। (बच्चों से) वहाँ तुम्हारे पास अधिक उपकरण होंगे और तुम नियमित रूप से अभ्यास कर सकोगे।

Word Meanings• Soulful: भावपूर्ण (Expressing or appearing to express deep and often sorrowful feelings)
• Wonderful: अद्भुत/शानदार (Inspiring delight, pleasure, or admiration; extremely good)
• Lose sight of: ध्यान भटकना/भूल जाना (To forget about or stop considering something)
• Excellence: श्रेष्ठता (The quality of being outstanding or extremely good)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Present Perfect tense (“have done,” “have run”) to describe actions that were completed successfully. It also uses the Simple Past (“did not lose,” “were”) to talk about the specific performance they just witnessed, and the Simple Future (“will have,” “will be able”) to describe the upcoming benefits of using the music room.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Soulful: Describes the emotional quality of the music.
• Wonderful: Describes the quality of the “job” or performance done by the group.
• Amazing: Describes the children’s talent as perceived by Leela.
• More: Comparative adjective describing the increased amount of equipment.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Have done: Present Perfect showing the successful completion of their work.
• Did not lose: Simple Past (negative) showing Shruti’s technical accuracy.
• Performed: Simple Past describing the completed action of the show.
• Planning: (Used as a participle) describing Nabin’s recent thoughts.
• Offer: Simple Present (infinitive) showing Nabin’s generous gesture.
• Will be able: Future tense showing a new capability the children will have.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Too: Used to specifically include Shruti in the praise.
• Even once: Used for emphasis to show her perfect consistency.
• Successfully: Describes the manner in which the practice sessions were conducted.
• In fact: Used to introduce a further, more surprising piece of information.
• Regularly: Adverb of frequency describing how they can now practice.

Avinash: Thank you so much! Means a lot to us!
Shruti: Guys, if you don’t mind, why don’t you start the practice in a while. Just need to have a word. (pointing towards her parents)
Peter: Of course! No issues.
Hindi Translationअविनाश: बहुत-बहुत धन्यवाद! यह हमारे लिए बहुत मायने रखता है!
श्रुति: दोस्तों, अगर तुम्हें बुरा न लगे, तो क्या आप थोड़ी देर में अभ्यास शुरू कर सकते हैं? मुझे बस कुछ बात करनी है। (अपने माता-पिता की ओर इशारा करते हुए।)
पीटर: बिल्कुल! कोई बात नहीं।

Word Meanings• Means a lot: बहुत मायने रखना (To be very important or significant to someone)
• In a while: थोड़ी देर में (After a short period of time)
• Have a word: बात करना (To speak briefly to someone, usually in private)
• Pointing: इशारा करना (Indicating a particular person, place, or thing with a finger or gesture)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (“means,” “don’t mind,” “is”) for immediate reactions and requests. It also uses the Imperative Mood (“start,” “need to have”) for making suggestions or stating necessary actions.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Much: Used as an intensifier with “so” to show the depth of gratitude.
• Sure: (Implied in “Of course”) describing the certainty of the agreement.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Means: Simple Present describing the value of Nabin’s offer.
• Don’t mind: Simple Present used to politely introduce a request.
• Start: Simple Present (imperative) used to suggest an action to her friends.
• Pointing: Present Participle describing Shruti’s physical gesture toward her parents.
• Need: Simple Present showing a requirement.
• Have a word: Idiomatic verb phrase meaning to talk.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• So: Intensifier used with “much.”
• In a while: Adverbial phrase of time.
• Just: Used to minimize the request and make it seem less demanding.

(Shruti and her parents move to one side of the stage in the room and the other children move to another. They practise in mime, that is, only their actions are seen without sound)
Shruti: Thank you for coming papa and mama! And papa I want to tell you that I will always take my art seriously no matter what I do. And I am glad that you support my decision to play in a fusion group.
Nabin: (warmly placing his hand on her shoulder) There is no need to thank me child. I must admit it was Leela who opened my eyes. I had forgotten my own past. It is your mother you should thank.
Hindi Translation(श्रुति और उसके माता-पिता कमरे में मंच के एक तरफ चले जाते हैं और बाकी बच्चे दूसरी तरफ। वे मूकाभिनय में अभ्यास करते हैं, यानी केवल उनके कार्य दिखाई देते हैं, कोई आवाज़ नहीं आती)
श्रुति: यहाँ आने के लिए धन्यवाद पापा और मम्मा! और पापा मैं आपको बताना चाहती हूँ कि मैं जो भी करूँगी, अपनी कला को हमेशा गंभीरता से लूँगी। और मुझे खुशी है कि आप फ्यूज़न समूह में बजाने के मेरे फैसले का समर्थन करते हैं।
नबिन: (गर्मजोशी से उसके कंधे पर हाथ रखते हुए) मुझे धन्यवाद करने की ज़रूरत नहीं है बेटा। झे स्वीकार करना चाहिए कि वह लीला ही थी जिसने मेरी आँखें खोलीं। मैं अपना अतीत भूल गया था। तुम्हें अपनी माँ को धन्यवाद करना चाहिए।

Word Meanings• Mime: मूक अभिनय (The use of only gestures and facial expressions to tell a story or describe an action without using words)
• No matter what: चाहे कुछ भी हो जाए (Used to emphasize that something will happen regardless of any obstacles)
• Glad: प्रसन्न/खुश (Feeling pleasure or happiness)
• Admit: स्वीकार करना (To confess to be true or to be the case)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (“move,” “practise,” “want,” “is”) to describe current movements and firm intentions. It also uses the Simple Past (“was,” “opened,” “had forgotten”) to explain how the father’s perspective changed before this moment.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Other: Distinguishes the group of friends from Shruti’s family.
• Mime: (Used here as a noun/adverbial phrase) describing the silent type of acting.
• Serious: Describes the depth of Shruti’s dedication to her art.
• Glad: Describes Shruti’s emotional state of relief.
• Warmly: (Used as an adverb here) describing the father’s affectionate tone.
• Own: Emphasizes that Nabin is reflecting on his personal history.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Move / Practise: Simple Present stage directions showing the characters’ current physical actions.
• Want: Simple Present used by Shruti to express her desire to speak.
• Will take: Future tense showing her long-term commitment.
• Support: Simple Present describing the father’s new stance.
• Placing: Present Participle showing Nabin’s physical gesture while speaking.
• Must admit: Modal phrase used to express a necessary confession.
• Should thank: Modal phrase used to give advice or direction.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Always: Adverb of frequency showing the permanence of her commitment.
• Seriously: Describes the manner in which she treats her music.
• Warmly: Describes how Nabin places his hand on her shoulder.

Leela: Your own father, Shruti, had to go against his family’s wishes to play the violin. His was a family of vocalists. Your grandfather, his father, and your uncles were all vocalists belonging to a highly traditional school. They painstakingly nurtured the flame of musical heritage and kept it alive through thick and thin. Nabin’s desire to take up a Western instrument rather than cultivating his voice was painful to his father. You see, at that time the violin had not yet been incorporated into classical Indian music. Your grandfather saw this choice as a kind of betrayal of family values and tradition. But your father worked his fingers to the bone and see where the violin got him.
Hindi Translationलीला: श्रुति, तुम्हारे पिता को खुद वॉयलिन बजाने के लिए अपने परिवार की इच्छाओं के खिलाफ जाना पड़ा था। उनका परिवार गायकों का परिवार था। तुम्हारे दादा, उनके पिता, और तुम्हारे चाचा-ताऊ सभी अत्यधिक पारंपरिक घराने से ताल्लुक रखने वाले गायक थे। उन्होंने बड़े परिश्रम से संगीत विरासत की लौ को जलाए रखा और सुख-दुख में इसे जीवित रखा। अपनी आवाज़ को साधने के बजाय एक पश्चिमी वाद्ययंत्र को अपनाने की नबिन की इच्छा उनके पिता के लिए कष्टदायक थी। देखो, उस समय वॉयलिन को भारतीय शास्त्रीय संगीत में शामिल नहीं किया गया था। तुम्हारे दादा ने इस विकल्प को पारिवारिक मूल्यों और परंपरा के साथ एक तरह के विश्वासघात के रूप में देखा। लेकिन तुम्हारे पिता ने दिन-रात एक कर दिया और देखो वायलिन ने उन्हें कहाँ पहुँचाया।

Word Meanings• Painstakingly: बहुत मेहनत से/परिश्रमपूर्वक (With great care and thoroughness)
• Nurtured: पोषित करना (Care for and encourage the growth or development of something)
• Heritage: विरासत (Something that is handed down from the past, as a tradition)
• Thick and thin: सुख-दुःख में/हर परिस्थिति में (Under all circumstances, no matter how difficult)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past tense (“had to,” “were,” “nurtured,” “saw”) to recount Nabin’s family history. It also uses the Past Perfect tense (“had not yet been incorporated”) to describe a condition that existed before a specific point in the past.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Own: Used to emphasize the personal nature of the father’s story.
• Traditional: Describes the strict values of the grandfather’s school of music.
• Alive: Describes the status of the musical heritage they preserved.
• Painful: Describes the emotional impact Nabin’s choice had on his father.
• Western: Describes the origin of the violin at that time.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Go against: Phrasal verb in the past tense meaning to oppose or defy.
• Nurtured / Kept: Past tense showing the continuous effort of previous generations.
• Cultivating: Present Participle used as a gerund to describe the act of training the voice.
• Incorporated: Past Participle used in a passive structure.
• Worked: Simple Past describing Nabin’s intense physical and mental effort.
• Got: Simple Past used here to mean “brought” or “achieved a result.”
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Painstakingly: Describes the careful manner in which they handled their heritage.
• Yet: Used with “not” to show that something hadn’t happened up to that time.
• Highly: Intensifier for the adjective “traditional.”

Nabin: I underestimated the power of our own music. I was afraid you would be lost to us. I realise that my fears were baseless. After all each bay, its own wind. I trust you Shruti and I will root for your group at the concert!
(Shruti hugs both of her parents)
CURTAIN DOWN
Hindi Translationनबिन: मैंने अपने संगीत की शक्ति को कम आँका। मुझे डर था कि तुम हमसे दूर हो जाओगी। मुझे एहसास हो गया है कि मेरा डर निराधार था। आखिरकार हर खाड़ी की अपनी हवा होती है। मुझे तुम पर भरोसा है श्रुति और मैं कॉन्सर्ट में तुम्हारे समूह का समर्थन करूँगा!
(श्रुति अपने दोनों माता-पिता को गले लगाती है।)
पर्दा गिरता है।

Word Meanings• Underestimated: कम आँकना (To think that someone or something is less important, powerful, or capable than it actually is)
• Baseless: निराधार (Without a foundation in fact; groundless)
• Each bay, its own wind: (यहाँ एक मुहावरा) (A metaphor suggesting that every situation or generation has its own direction or style)
• Root for: समर्थन करना (To support or hope for the success of a person or group)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Past tense (“underestimated,” “was,” “were”) to reflect on Nabin’s previous mistakes. It also uses the Simple Present (“realise,” “trust”) for his current state of mind, and the Simple Future (“will root”) to show his commitment to supporting Shruti’s upcoming performance.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Own: Emphasizes that the music belongs to their culture and heritage.
• Afraid: Describes Nabin’s previous emotional state of worry.
• Lost: Describes the specific fear Nabin had regarding Shruti’s identity.
• Baseless: Describes the nature of Nabin’s fears (that they had no real reason).
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Underestimated: Simple Past showing a prior error in judgment.
• Realise: Simple Present showing a new understanding.
• Trust: Simple Present showing a firm belief in Shruti’s character.
• Will root: Future tense expressing a promise of support.
• Hugs: Simple Present stage direction showing an affectionate physical action.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• After all: An introductory phrase used to highlight a significant point or summary.
• Down: Describes the direction of the curtain, signaling the end.

Kaveri Chapter 6 Poem – Hindi Translation

Music is the ocean
That pulls me to the shore.
Music is the rhythm
That moves me to the core.
Hindi Translationसंगीत एक सागर है
जो मुझे किनारे की ओर खींचता है।
संगीत वह लय है
जो मुझे गहराई तक हिला देती है।

Word Meanings• Pulls: खींचता है (To exert force on someone or something so as to cause movement toward oneself)
• Shore: किनारा (The land along the edge of a sea, lake, or other large body of water)
• Rhythm: लय (A strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound)
• Core: अंतर्मन/केंद्र (The central or most important part of something; the deepest part of one’s being)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (is, pulls, moves) to state a universal truth. It employs metaphors to compare music to the ocean and the core of a person.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• The: Definite article used to specify the particular ocean, shore, rhythm, and core being discussed.
• Music: (Used as a noun here) acting as the subject that defines the experience.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Is: Simple Present (linking verb) used to equate music with powerful natural forces.
• Pulls: Simple Present showing the magnetic or attractive force of music.
• Moves: Simple Present showing how music affects the speaker’s emotions and body.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• To the shore: Prepositional phrase acting as an adverb of direction, showing where the music pulls the speaker.
• To the core: Prepositional phrase acting as an adverb of degree/place, showing the depth of the music’s impact.

Music is the therapy
I need when I feel blue.
Music lifts my spirits
To make sure I pull through.
Hindi Translationसंगीत वह उपचार है
जिसकी मुझे उदासी में ज़रूरत होती है।
संगीत मेरा हौसला बढ़ाता है
ताकि मैं मुश्किलों से पार पा सकूँ।

Word Meanings• Therapy: चिकित्सा/उपचार (Treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder)
• Feel blue: दुखी महसूस करना (An idiom meaning to feel sad or depressed)
• Lifts my spirits: उत्साह बढ़ाना (To make someone feel happier or more hopeful)
• Pull through: कठिन परिस्थिति से उबरना (To survive or get through a difficult situation)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (is, need, lifts) to describe a habitual state. It also contains the Simple Present in a dependent clause (“when I feel blue”) to establish a condition for needing music.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Blue: Describes the emotional state of sadness.
• Sure: Describes the certainty of the outcome (pulling through).
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Is: Simple Present used to define music as a form of healing.
• Need: Simple Present showing a requirement.
• Lifts: Simple Present showing the positive action music takes on the speaker’s mood.
• Make: Used in the infinitive “to make” to show purpose.
• Pull through: Phrasal verb used to describe overcoming a struggle.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• When: Adverb of time used to introduce the condition of sadness.
• To make sure: Adverbial phrase showing the goal of the action.

The times when I’m most cheerful,
It’s clear, music was there.
Music is the needed friend
When no one seems to care.
Hindi Translationजब मैं सबसे अधिक प्रसन्न होती हूँ,
यह स्पष्ट है, संगीत वहाँ था।
संगीत वह ज़रूरी मित्र है
जब कोई परवाह नहीं करता।

Word Meanings• Cheerful: हंसमुख/खुश (Feeling or showing happiness and optimism)
• Clear: साफ़/स्पष्ट (Easy to perceive, understand, or interpret)
• Needed: आवश्यक (Required or necessary for a particular purpose)
• Care: परवाह करना (To feel concern or interest; to provide for the well-being of someone)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (is, seems) to describe the ongoing importance of music. It also uses the Simple Past (was) to link previous happy moments to the presence of music.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Cheerful: Describes the speaker’s positive emotional state.
• Clear: Describes the obvious nature of the realization.
• Needed: Describes the essential quality of music as a friend.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Am: Simple Present used to describe a current or frequent state of being.
• Was: Simple Past indicating that music was present in past events.
• Is: Simple Present used to identify music as a friend.
• Seems: Simple Present used to describe an impression or appearance of neglect from others.
• Care: Simple Present (infinitive) showing the action others are not doing.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Most: Adverb of degree used to intensify “cheerful.”
• There: Adverb of place indicating music’s presence.
• When: Adverb of time used to introduce the situation of being alone.

Music
When music sounds, gone is the earth I know,
And all her lovely things even lovelier grow;
Her flowers in vision flame, her forest trees
Lift burdened branches, stilled with ecstasies.
Hindi Translationजब संगीत गूंजता है, तो वह धरती जिसे मैं जानता हूँ, ओझल हो जाती है,
और उसकी सभी सुंदर चीज़ें और भी सुंदर हो जाती हैं;
उसके फूल दृष्टि में जगमगाते हैं, उसके जंगल के पेड़
बोझिल शाखाओं को उठाते हैं, आनंद से शांत होकर

Word Meanings• Flame: चमकना/दमकना (In this context, to glow or shine with intense color like a fire)
• Burdened: लदी हुई/बोझिल (Heavily loaded or weighed down)
• Stilled: शांत (Made quiet or motionless)
• Ecstasies: परमानंद/अत्यधिक खुशी (Feelings of overwhelming happiness or joyful excitement)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (sounds, grow, flame, lift) to describe the immediate and magical transformation of the world when music plays. It also uses inverted sentence structure (“gone is the earth”) to create a poetic and dramatic emphasis on the change.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Lovely: Describes the inherent beauty of the world’s things.
• Lovelier: Comparative adjective showing the enhancement caused by music.
• Burdened: Describes the branches as being heavy, likely with leaves or fruit.
• Stilled: Describes the state of the trees caught in a moment of peace.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Sounds: Simple Present showing the starting trigger of the experience.
• Grow: Simple Present describing the process of becoming more beautiful.
• Flame: Used as a verb to describe the vivid, glowing appearance of flowers.
• Lift: Simple Present describing the physical reaching of the branches.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Even: Used as an intensifier to emphasize the increase in beauty.
• When: Adverb of time indicating the moment the transformation begins.

When music sounds, out of the water rise
Naiads whose beauty dims my waking eyes,
Rapt in strange dreams burns each enchanted face,
With solemn echoing stirs their dwelling-place.
Hindi Translationजब संगीत गूंजता है, तो जल की गहराइयों से
नदी-अप्सराएँ जिनकी सुंदरता मेरी जागती आँखों को मंद कर देती है,
अजीब सपनों में खोया हुआ प्रत्येक मंत्रमुग्ध चेहरा दमकता है,
गंभीर गूँज के साथ उनके निवास स्थान मे हलचल पैदा करती है।

Word Meanings• Naiads: जलपरी/जलदेवी (In Greek mythology, water nymphs who live in springs, fountains, and rivers)
• Dims: धुंधला करना (To make less bright or clear; here, it means to overwhelm the sight)
• Rapt: पूरी तरह तल्लीन (Completely fascinated or absorbed by what one is seeing or hearing)
• Enchanted: जादुई/मंत्रमुग्ध (Placed under a spell; bewitched)
• Solemn: गंभीर / औपचारिक (Formal and dignified; serious)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (rise, dims, burns, stirs) to depict a mythical scene that comes to life. It employs inverted word order (“out of the water rise Naiads”) to create a rhythmic, classical feel typical of older English poetry.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
Waking: Describes the eyes as being open and conscious, though overwhelmed by the vision.
Strange: Describes the nature of the dreams as being mysterious or otherworldly.
Enchanted: Describes the magical state of the Naiads’ faces.
Solemn: Describes the dignified and serious atmosphere of their home.
Echoing: Describes the sound quality of the place where they live.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
Rise: Simple Present showing the upward movement of the nymphs.
Dims: Simple Present showing how the beauty affects the observer’s vision.
Burns: Simple Present used metaphorically to show the intensity of their expressions.
Stirs: Simple Present describing the movement in the dwelling-place.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
When: Adverb of time showing that the music is the cause of the vision.
Out of: Prepositional phrase showing the direction of movement.

When music sounds, all that I was I am
Ere to this haunt of brooding dust I came;
And from Time’s woods break into distant song
The swift-winged hours, as I hasten along.
Hindi Translationजब संगीत बजता है, तो मैं वही बन जाता हूँ जो मैं था
इस चिंतनशील धूल भरे ठिकाने में आने से पहले;
और समय के जंगलों से एक दूरस्थ गीत फूट पड़ता है
तेज़ पंखों वाले घंटे, जैसे-जैसे मैं आगे बढ़ता हूँ।

Word Meanings• Ere: पहले (A poetic or old English word for “before”)
• Haunt: ठिकाना (A place frequented by a specified person or group; here refers to the physical world)
• Brooding dust: उदास मिट्टी / नश्वर संसार (A metaphor for the physical body or the mortal world that feels heavy or gloomy)
• Hasten: जल्दी करना (To move or travel hurriedly)
• Swift-winged: तेज़ पंखों वाला (Moving very fast; flying quickly)

Grammar AnalysisThe paragraph uses the Simple Present tense (sounds, am, break, hasten) to describe a state of timelessness. It also uses the Simple Past (was, came) to contrast the speaker’s current spiritual state with their arrival in the physical world. The structure “all that I was I am” creates a powerful statement of eternal identity.
► Adjectives (Describing Words)
• Brooding: Describes the “dust” or world as being dark, heavy, or full of deep thought.
• Distant: Describes the song as coming from a far-off place or time.
• Swift-winged: Describes the “hours” to show how quickly time passes when influenced by music.
► Verbs (Action/State Words)
• Sounds: Simple Present indicating the trigger for the transformation.
• Am: Simple Present showing a state of being that transcends time.
• Came: Simple Past referring to the birth or arrival into the mortal world.
• Break: Simple Present showing how the hours burst into song.
• Hasten: Simple Present showing the speaker’s hurried movement through life.
► Adverbs (How/When/Where)
• Ere: Poetic adverb of time meaning before.
• Along: Describes the direction of the speaker’s movement.

Kaveri Chapter 6 Summary in English and Hindi:

“Twin Melodies” is a three-act play that revolves around Shruti Sharma, a young violinist who secretly practises Indo-Western fusion music with her friends — Iqbal (flute), Avinash (tabla), and Peter (keyboard) — at Iqbal’s house. Shruti is anxious because she has not told her father, Guru Nabin Sharma, about her involvement in a fusion concert.
Act I is set in Iqbal’s room after a rehearsal. The group reads a newspaper review praising Shruti’s talent. While her friends celebrate and encourage her to speak to her father, Shruti is deeply worried. She knows her father believes that Classical Hindustani music is the only worthy form of music and he would consider playing the violin to Western tunes as a desecration of the art. After much encouragement from her friends, Shruti finally decides to “bite the bullet” and speak to her father at dinner.
Act II takes place at Shruti’s home during dinner. Shruti gathers her courage and informs her father about the fusion concert. Nabin reacts sharply, dismissing fusion music as meaningless noise and calling it “phoo music.” He is firm in his disapproval and leaves the table. Shruti’s mother, Leela Devi, also scolds her for hiding the practices, but urges her to sleep and let things settle.
Act III opens back at Iqbal’s house. Shruti arrives, thinking it will be her last rehearsal, as she has almost decided to quit. However, in the middle of the performance, Shruti’s parents unexpectedly walk in. As they listen, they are moved by the music. Nabin begins tapping his feet and is visibly filled with pride. After the performance, he praises Shruti warmly, noting that she never lost sight of the raga even in the fusion piece. He then offers the children the school’s music room for their practice.
Leela Devi reveals to Shruti that Nabin himself had once gone against his own family’s wishes to take up the violin — which was considered a Western instrument — at a time when the violin had not yet been incorporated into classical Indian music. His father, a vocalist, saw it as a betrayal of tradition. But Nabin worked hard and proved himself. Now, having remembered his own past, Nabin tells Shruti that his fears were baseless: “After all, each bay, its own wind.” He expresses full trust in Shruti and promises to cheer for her group at the concert. The play ends on a heartwarming note as Shruti hugs both her parents.
Theme: The play beautifully explores how tradition and modernity can coexist, and how understanding between generations can bridge the gap between the old and the new.
Summary in Hindi“ट्विन मेलोडीज़” (दोहरी धुनें) मित्रा फुकन द्वारा लिखित एक तीन-अंकीय नाटक है जो श्रुति शर्मा नामक एक युवा वायलिन वादक की कहानी है।
श्रुति अपने दोस्तों — इकबाल (बाँसुरी), अविनाश (तबला) और पीटर (कीबोर्ड) — के साथ मिलकर इंडो-वेस्टर्न फ्यूज़न संगीत का अभ्यास करती है, लेकिन उसने यह बात अपने पिता गुरु नबीन शर्मा से छुपाई हुई है। उसके पिता एक कट्टर हिंदुस्तानी शास्त्रीय संगीतकार हैं जो मानते हैं कि वायलिन को पश्चिमी धुनों पर बजाना संगीत का अपमान है।
पहले अंक में दोस्त श्रुति को प्रोत्साहित करते हैं कि वह अपने पिता को सच बताए। दूसरे अंक में रात के खाने पर श्रुति हिम्मत जुटाकर पिता को फ्यूज़न कॉन्सर्ट के बारे में बताती है। नबीन इसे तुरंत नकार देते हैं और “फू म्यूज़िक” कहकर बात खत्म कर देते हैं। तीसरे अंक में श्रुति के माता-पिता अचानक रिहर्सल में आ जाते हैं। संगीत सुनकर नबीन का मन बदल जाता है और वे श्रुति की प्रशंसा करते हैं। लीला देवी उन्हें याद दिलाती हैं कि नबीन ने भी एक समय अपने परिवार की इच्छा के विरुद्ध वायलिन अपनाया था।
अंत में नबीन कहते हैं — “हर खाड़ी की अपनी हवा होती है” — और श्रुति पर भरोसा जताते हुए उसे पूरा समर्थन देते हैं। नाटक एक सुखद अंत के साथ समाप्त होता है जब श्रुति अपने माता-पिता को गले लगाती है।

The poem “A Friend Found in Music” is written by Bryanna T. Perkins. It is a short yet deeply expressive poem in which the poet describes music as her closest and most reliable companion.
In the first stanza, the poet compares music to the ocean that pulls her toward the shore, and to a rhythm that touches her very soul. In the second stanza, she says that music works like therapy whenever she feels sad or low — it lifts her spirits and gives her the strength to overcome difficult times. In the third and final stanza, the poet observes that whenever she has been happy, music was always present. And when she feels lonely or uncared for, music becomes the one true friend she can count on.
The poem uses beautiful metaphors — music as an ocean, a rhythm, therapy, and a friend. The rhyme scheme (ABCB) gives the poem a musical, flowing quality. The repetition of the word “music” at the start of each idea reinforces how central music is to the poet’s life. The overall mood of the poem is thoughtful and deeply personal, with a universal message — that music connects with every human heart.
Summary in Hindi“ए फ्रेंड फाउंड इन म्यूज़िक” (संगीत में मिला एक दोस्त) ब्रायना टी. पर्किंस की एक भावपूर्ण कविता है।
पहले पद में कवयित्री संगीत की तुलना उस समुद्र से करती है जो उसे किनारे की ओर खींचता है, और उस लय से जो उसे भीतर तक छू जाती है। दूसरे पद में वह कहती है कि जब वह दुखी या उदास होती है, तो संगीत उसकी थेरेपी बन जाता है — वह उसका मनोबल बढ़ाता है और मुश्किल समय से उबरने की शक्ति देता है। तीसरे पद में कवयित्री कहती है कि जब वह सबसे अधिक खुश होती है, तब भी संगीत उसके साथ होता है। और जब कोई परवाह नहीं करता, तब संगीत ही उसका सच्चा और ज़रूरी दोस्त होता है।
कविता में रूपकों (metaphors) का सुंदर प्रयोग है — संगीत को समुद्र, लय, थेरेपी और दोस्त के रूप में दर्शाया गया है। कविता का भाव सार्वभौमिक है — संगीत हर इंसान के दिल की आवाज़ है।