GSEB Class 10 English Supplementary Solutions Chapter 21 Home Coming

Read the passage and answer the questions.

(1) Phatik Chakravarti was the ringleader among the boys of his village. One day he planned for a new mischief. There was a heavy log lying on the bank of the river. Phatik's plan was to roll it away with the help of his friends. The owner of the log would be angry but they would all enjoy the fun. Everyone liked the idea.

But Phatik's younger brother, Makhan, sat down on the log. Phatik was very angry. “Makhan”, he cried, “get up just now. If you don't, I'll thrash you!” Makhan didn't care. So, Phatik's friends pushed the log and Makhan fell down. The other boys began to laugh but Phatik was a little frightened. Makhan got up, attacked Phatik, beat him, kicked him and then went home crying. [Page 94]

Questions:

Question 1. What was Phatik?
Answer: Phatik was the leader of the village boys.
In simple words: Phatik was the head boy among the children in his village.

Exam Tip: State the character's role or main identity clearly, as given in the passage.

Question 2. What mischief did he plan?
Answer: He decided to move a heavy log into the river with the assistance of his friends.
In simple words: He planned to push a big log into the river with his friends.

Exam Tip: Describe the plan clearly, including the object involved and the action to be taken.

Question 3. Why did all the boys like Phatik's idea?
Answer: All the boys found Phatik's idea appealing because they understood the log's owner would become upset, but they would all have a good time.
In simple words: The boys liked the idea because they knew the owner would be annoyed, and they would enjoy the prank.

Exam Tip: Always provide both parts of the reason if a "why" question has a compound explanation.

Question 4. What did Makhan do?
Answer: Makhan sat upon the log.
In simple words: Makhan sat on the log.

Exam Tip: Keep answers concise and direct for simple "what" questions.

Question 5. What did Phatik tell Makhan?
Answer: Phatik asked Makhan to get up quickly or he would beat him.
In simple words: Phatik told Makhan to stand up now or he would hit him.

Exam Tip: When quoting a character's words, rephrase them into reported speech rather than direct quotes unless specifically instructed.

Question 6. Who was Makhan?
Answer: Makhan was Phatik's younger sibling.
In simple words: Makhan was Phatik's little brother.

Exam Tip: Identify relationships clearly when asked about a character's identity.

Question 7. What did Phatik's friends do?
Answer: Phatik's friends shoved the log, causing Makhan to fall.
In simple words: Phatik's friends pushed the log and Makhan fell off.

Exam Tip: Focus on the direct action and its immediate consequence when describing events.

Question 8. What happened when Makhan fell down?
Answer: When Makhan tumbled over, all the boys started to chuckle, but Phatik felt scared.
In simple words: When Makhan fell, the boys laughed, but Phatik was frightened.

Exam Tip: Include the reactions of all relevant characters to the event.

Question 9. What did Makhan do to Phatik?
Answer: Makhan attacked Phatik, hit him, and struck him with his foot.
In simple words: Makhan fought Phatik, hitting and kicking him.

Exam Tip: List all the actions performed by a character in response to a direct question.

(2) Phatik wiped his face. He sat down on the log and began to nibble a piece of grass. A boat stopped on the bank and a middle-aged man came to the boy. He asked the boy where the Chakravartis lived. “Go and find out,” said Phatik and continued nibbling. Then a servant came to call Phatik at home. His mother blamed him for beating Makhan.

Phatik refused. But Makhan complained again and again. Phatik couldn't bear this injustice and beat him for telling lies. Then Phatik cried. But the mother took Makhan's side. She pulled Phatik away and beat him. At this moment that middle-aged man arrived and asked what had happened. Phatik was ashamed. [Page 94]

Questions:

Question 1. What did a nervous Phatik do?
Answer: A worried Phatik sat on the log and started to chew a piece of grass.
In simple words: A nervous Phatik sat on the log and began to eat some grass.

Exam Tip: Describe the character's actions and emotional state as indicated in the passage.

Question 2. What did the man ask Phatik?
Answer: The man inquired from Phatik about the location of the Chakravartis' residence.
In simple words: The man asked Phatik where the Chakravarti family lived.

Exam Tip: Be precise when stating what someone asked, ensuring all key details are included.

Question 3. What did Phatik tell the man?
Answer: Phatik instructed the man to go and discover it himself.
In simple words: Phatik told the man to go find out the information by himself.

Exam Tip: Summarize Phatik's response, showing his lack of cooperation.

Question 4. Why did mother blame Phatik?
Answer: Mother criticized Phatik for hitting Makhan.
In simple words: Phatik's mother blamed him because he had beaten Makhan.

Exam Tip: Clearly state the reason for the mother's blame, focusing on the specific action.

Question 5. Why did Phatik beat Makhan?
Answer: Phatik hit Makhan because he was telling falsehoods.
In simple words: Phatik beat Makhan for lying.

Exam Tip: Identify the immediate cause of Phatik's violent reaction towards Makhan.

Question 6. What did mother do?
Answer: Mother supported Makhan and beat Phatik.
In simple words: The mother took Makhan's side and hit Phatik.

Exam Tip: Describe the mother's actions, highlighting her favoritism.

Question 7. Why was Phatik ashamed?
Answer: Phatik felt ashamed because the man appeared while his mother was beating him.
In simple words: Phatik was embarrassed because the man saw his mother beating him.

Exam Tip: Explain Phatik's emotion in context, focusing on the public nature of his punishment.

(3) Mother was surprised looking at the stranger. He was Bishamber, Phatik's maternal uncle. She welcomed him and touched his feet. Bishamber came to see his sister after many years. The brother asked about the studies of the two boys. The sister said that Phatik was a nuisance for her. He was disobedient and wild.

But Makhan was very good and gentle and very fond of reading. Bishamber kindly offered to take Phatik to Kolkata and educate him there with his own children. The widowed mother agreed readily. Phatik agreed to go to Kolkata joyfully. He was very eager for that. At night he lay awake most of the time. As a parting gift he gave Makhan his fishing-rod, his big kite and his marbles. [Pages 94 – 95]

Questions:

Question 1. Why was mother surprised to see the stranger?
Answer: Mother was surprised to witness the stranger because he was her sibling who had come to visit her after many years.
In simple words: The mother was surprised as the stranger was her brother, visiting her after many years.

Exam Tip: Provide both reasons for her surprise: his identity and the long time since their last meeting.

Question 2. What did mother say about Phatik?
Answer: Mother stated that Phatik was a problem for her because he was disobedient and unruly.
In simple words: The mother said Phatik was a nuisance, being disobedient and wild.

Exam Tip: List the specific complaints the mother had about Phatik.

Question 3. What did mother say about Makhan?
Answer: Mother mentioned that Makhan was very good and gentle, and he truly enjoyed reading.
In simple words: The mother said Makhan was very good, gentle, and liked to read a lot.

Exam Tip: Contrast Makhan's qualities with Phatik's as described by their mother.

Question 4. What did Bishamber offer?
Answer: Bishamber offered to take Phatik to Kolkata and educate him there alongside his own children.
In simple words: Bishamber offered to take Phatik to Kolkata to get an education with his kids.

Exam Tip: Be specific about the offer, mentioning both the destination and the purpose.

Question 5. What was Phatik's reaction?
Answer: Phatik was delighted and eager to travel to Kolkata with his uncle.
In simple words: Phatik was very happy and keen to go to Kolkata with his uncle.

Exam Tip: Describe Phatik's emotional response and his enthusiasm for the proposal.

Question 6. What did Phatik give Makhan as a parting-gift?
Answer: As a goodbye present, Phatik presented Makhan with his fishing-rod, his large kite, and his marbles.
In simple words: Phatik gave Makhan his fishing-rod, a big kite, and marbles when he left.

Exam Tip: List all items given as the parting gift, ensuring none are missed.

(4) Phatik reached Kolkata with his uncle. He met his aunt for the first time. She was not happy seeing Phatik. Her own three boys were difficult to manage. Phatik soon realized that he was an unwelcome guest at his aunt's house. His cousins mocked at him and his aunt always found fault with him. Even in his new school, Phatik was the most backward boy.

He stared and remained silent when the teacher asked him a question. He was caned almost daily. While the other boys were playing in the evening, he would think of his village home. He would stand sadly by the window, and gaze at the roofs of distant houses. His heart asked to go back to his villages, [Page 95]

Questions:

Question 1. Why was Phatik's aunt not happy to see him?
Answer: Phatik's aunt was not pleased to see him because she struggled to manage her own three children.
In simple words: Phatik's aunt was not happy because she already had three boys to look after.

Exam Tip: Focus on the aunt's existing burdens as the reason for her displeasure.

Question 2. What did Phatik realize?
Answer: Phatik understood that he was an unwanted visitor at his aunt's residence.
In simple words: Phatik realized he was not wanted at his aunt's house.

Exam Tip: Use terms that clearly convey Phatik's perception of his status in the household.

Question 3. How did his aunt and cousins treat him?
Answer: His cousins made fun of him, and his aunt consistently found things wrong with him.
In simple words: His cousins teased him, and his aunt always criticized him.

Exam Tip: Describe the behavior of both the aunt and cousins to show Phatik's poor treatment.

Question 4. Why was Phatik the most backward boy in school?
Answer: Phatik was the least advanced student in school because whenever the teacher posed a question, he would stare blankly and remain quiet.
In simple words: Phatik was the slowest boy in school because he just stared and said nothing when the teacher asked him a question.

Exam Tip: Link Phatik's lack of engagement and silence directly to his academic struggles.

Question 5. What would Phatik do when the boys were playing?
Answer: While the boys were playing, Phatik would stand sadly by the window and recall his village home.
In simple words: When other boys played, Phatik would stand sadly by the window, thinking about his home village.

Exam Tip: Highlight Phatik's isolation and homesickness during the other boys' play time.

Question 6. How was Phatik punished in school?
Answer: Phatik was beaten with a cane daily in school.
In simple words: Phatik was hit with a stick every day at school.

Exam Tip: State the specific form of punishment clearly.

(5) That day, on his way back from school, Phatik had a bad headache. At night he had a shivering fit. He felt that he was going to have fever. The next morning Phatik was nowhere to be seen. It rained all night. Those who looked for the boy were wet. At last Bishamber informed the police. At nightfall a police van stopped at the door of the house.

It was still raining and the streets were flooded. Two constables carried Phatik out in their arms and placed him before Bishamber. He was all wet covered with mud. He had fever and his limbs were trembling. Bishamber took him inside the house. His wife exclaimed: "What a heap of trouble this boy has given us! Better send him home! Phatik heard her words and sobbed aloud: “Uncle, I was just going home; but they dragged me back again." [Pages 95-96]

Questions:

Question 1. What happened to Phatik on his way back from school?
Answer: On his journey back from school, Phatik developed a severe head pain.
In simple words: Phatik got a bad headache while returning from school.

Exam Tip: State the specific ailment Phatik experienced clearly and concisely.

Question 2. What happened to him at night?
Answer: At night, he experienced a fit of shaking and believed he was developing a fever.
In simple words: That night, he shivered a lot and felt like he was getting a fever.

Exam Tip: Describe both the physical symptom and Phatik's self-diagnosis.

Question 3. Why did Bishamber inform the police?
Answer: Bishamber contacted the police because Phatik was nowhere to be found.
In simple words: Bishamber called the police because Phatik had gone missing.

Exam Tip: The answer should directly address the "why" by stating Phatik's absence.

Question 4. In what condition did the policemen bring Phatik home?
Answer: When the police officers brought Phatik home, he was completely wet, covered in mud, had a fever, and his body parts were shaking.
In simple words: The policemen brought Phatik home completely wet, muddy, feverish, and trembling.

Exam Tip: Enumerate all the physical signs of Phatik's distress and condition.

Question 5. What did Bishamber's wife say?
Answer: Bishamber's wife stated that Phatik had caused them much trouble and should be returned home.
In simple words: Bishamber's wife said Phatik had caused too much trouble and should be sent back.

Exam Tip: Rephrase her exclamation to capture her frustration and suggestion clearly.

Question 6. What did Phatik tell Bishamber?
Answer: Phatik informed Bishamber that he was heading home, but the police officers brought him back.
In simple words: Phatik told Bishamber he was going home, but the police forced him to come back.

Exam Tip: Focus on Phatik's intention and the external force that prevented it.

(6) Bishamber wiped the tears from his eyes. He took Phatik's thin burning hands in his own. He sat by his side whole night. “Mother! Don't beat me like that,” the boy kept muttering. "Mother! I am telling the truth.” The next day for a short time Phatik became unconscious. His eyes wandered round the room to search somebody.

Bishamber read the boy's thoughts. He bent down his head and whispered. “Phatik, I have sent for your mother.” Late in the evening, Phatik's mother rushed into the room. She flung herself in Phatik's bed and cried, “Phatik, my darling, my darling!" Phatik's hands stopped beating up and down. Very slowly his eyes opened. He could no longer see the people round his bed. At last he murmured: “Mother, the holidays have come.” [Page 96]

Questions:

Question 1. How did Bishamber take care of Phatik?
Answer: Bishamber held Phatik's thin, hot hands in his own and stayed beside him throughout the entire night.
In simple words: Bishamber held Phatik's feverish hands and sat by him all night long.

Exam Tip: Describe Bishamber's actions showing his care and presence.

Question 2. What was Phatik muttering?
Answer: Phatik was whispering, "Mother! Don't beat me in that way. Mother! I am speaking the truth."
In simple words: Phatik mumbled, "Mother! Don't hit me like that. Mother! I'm telling the truth."

Exam Tip: Accurately reproduce the essence of Phatik's muttering, revealing his distress.

Question 3. Whom was Phatik looking for?
Answer: Phatik was seeking his mother.
In simple words: Phatik was searching for his mother.

Exam Tip: Provide a direct and clear answer to the "whom" question.

Question 4. What did Bishamber tell Phatik?
Answer: Bishamber informed Phatik that he had requested for his mother.
In simple words: Bishamber told Phatik he had sent for his mother.

Exam Tip: State the comforting news Bishamber gave to Phatik.

Question 5. 'Mother, the holidays have come.' What did Phatik want to tell his mother?
Answer: Phatik wished to convey to his mother that he was passing away.
In simple words: Phatik wanted to tell his mother that he was dying.

Exam Tip: Interpret the metaphorical meaning of Phatik's last words in the context of his condition.

Vocabulary Recognition

Select the word having the nearest meaning

Question 1. thrash
(a) fling
(b) throw
(c) tap
(d) beat
Answer: (d) beat
In simple words: To "thrash" means to hit someone repeatedly or severely. From the given choices, "beat" is the closest in meaning.

Exam Tip: Understand the context in which the word is used in the passage to choose the most appropriate synonym.

Question 2. nibble
(a) pick
(b) chew
(c) gulp
(d) drink
Answer: (b) chew
In simple words: To "nibble" means to take small bites or to chew gently. Among the given choices, "chew" is the closest meaning.

Exam Tip: Consider the intensity and manner of the action when selecting a synonym for words like 'nibble'.

Question 3. blame
(a) accuse
(b) guilt
(c) excuse
(d) arrest
Answer: (a) accuse
In simple words: To "blame" someone means to say that they are responsible for something wrong. "Accuse" is the closest synonym.

Exam Tip: Distinguish between the act of blaming (accuse) and the feeling of having done wrong (guilt).

Question 4. refuse
(a) say something
(b) say nothing
(c) say yes
(d) say no
Answer: (d) say no
In simple words: To "refuse" means to decline or say no to something. Thus, "say no" is the correct answer.

Exam Tip: For simple words, often a direct phrase acts as the best synonym.

Question 5. bear
(a) tolerate
(b) load
(c) risk
(d) endanger
Answer: (a) tolerate
In simple words: To "bear" something means to put up with it or endure it. "Tolerate" has a similar meaning of accepting or enduring something difficult.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to the specific nuance of the word 'bear', which implies enduring a difficult situation.

Question 6. disobedient
(a) well- behaved
(b) badly behaved
(c) faithful
(d) true
Answer: (b) badly behaved
In simple words: "Disobedient" describes someone who does not follow rules or instructions. "Badly behaved" means the same.

Exam Tip: Look for words or phrases that describe the opposite of obedience.

Question 7. boldly
(a) greatly
(b) fairly
(c) bravely
(d) nicely
Answer: (c) bravely
In simple words: To do something "boldly" means to do it with courage and confidence. "Bravely" is the closest synonym.

Exam Tip: Understand that adverbs describe how an action is performed; choose the adverb that best matches the meaning.

Question 8. cruelly
(a) harshly
(b) gently
(c) kindly
(d) unkindly
Answer: (d) unkindly
In simple words: "Cruelly" describes an action done in a way that causes pain or suffering, often without kindness. "Unkindly" is the best fit.

Exam Tip: Identify words that express a lack of compassion or harshness.

Question 9. sob
(a) cry
(b) laugh
(c) whisper
(d) utter
Answer: (a) cry
In simple words: To "sob" means to cry with sudden, loud gasps. "Cry" is the general term for expressing sadness with tears.

Exam Tip: Recognize that 'sob' is a specific type of crying, and 'cry' is the broader, encompassing term.

Question 10. mutter
(a) shout
(b) scream
(c) speak softly
(d) speak loudly
Answer: (c) speak softly
In simple words: To "mutter" means to speak in a low, unclear voice. "Speak softly" is the closest meaning.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to words describing speech volume and clarity.

Question 11. fling
(a) raise
(b) fly
(c) catch
(d) throw
Answer: (d) throw
In simple words: To "fling" means to throw or hurl something with force. "Throw" is the most appropriate synonym.

Exam Tip: Focus on words that describe forceful or rapid movements for accurate synonym selection.

Home Coming Summary in Gujarati

ફટિક ચક્રવર્તી તેના ગામના છોકરાઓનો નેતા હતા. એક દિવસ તેને એક નવું અડપલું કરવાનું સૂઝયું. નદીકિનારે લાકડાનું એક વજનદાર ઢીમચું પડેલું હતું. મિત્રોની મદદથી તેણે તેને દેડવી જવાની યોજના કરી. લાકડાનો માલિક ગુસે તો થશે પણ તેમને છોકરાઓને) ગમ્મત થશે. સૌને વિચાર ગમી ગયો. પણ, ફટિકનો નાનો ભાઈ માખન લાકડા પર બેસી ગયો. ફટિક ખૂબ ગુસ્સે થઈ ગયો. “માખન,” તેણે બૂમ પાડી, “હમણાં જ ઊભો થઈ જા. તું જો (ઊભો) નહિ થાય તો હું તને મારીશ !" માખને આંખ આડા કાન કર્યા. તેથી ફટિકના મિત્રોએ લાકડાને ઠેલ્યું અને માખન પડી ગયો. બીજા છોકરાઓ તો હસવા લાગ્યા, પણ ફટિક થોડો ગભરાઈ ગયો. માખન ઊભો થયો, ફટિક પર તે ત્રાટક્યો, તેને માર્યો, લાતો મારી અને રડતો રડતો ઘરે ગયો.

ઘરે શું થશે? રડતો માખન તેની માને શું કહેશે? ફટિકે પોતાનો ચહેરો લૂછવો. તે લાકડા પર બેસી ગયો અને ઘાસના ટુકડાને ચાવવા લાગ્યો. કિનારે એક હોડી આવીને ઊભી રહી અને એક આધેડ વયનો માણસ છોકરા પાસે આવ્યો. ચક્રવર્તી(નું કુટુંબ) ક્યાં રહે છે તે અંગે તેણે તેને પૂછ્યું. જાઓ અને શોધી કાઢો,” એમ કહીને ફટિકે ઘાસ ચાવવાનું ચાલુ રાખ્યું. પછી એક નોકર ફટિકને ઘરે બોલાવી જવા આવ્યો. માખનને મારવા માટે તેની માએ તેને (ફટિકને) દોષી ઠેરવ્યો. ફટિકે ના કહી. પણ માખન વારંવાર ફરિયાદ કરતો રહ્યો. ફટિક આ અન્યાય સહન કરી શક્યો નહિ અને ખોટું બોલવા માટે તેને માર્યો. પછી ફટિક રડી પડ્યો.

પણ માએ તો માખનનો પક્ષ લીધો. તે ફટિકને ઢસડી ગઈ અને તેને માર્યો. બરાબર આ જ વખતે પેલો આધેડ વયનો માણસ ત્યાં આવી પહોંચ્યો અને શું થયું હતું તે વિશે પૂછ્યું. ફટિક તો શરમાઈ ગયો. અજાણ્યા માણસને જોઈને મને આશ્ચર્ય થયું. તેઓ ફટિકના મામા બિશમ્બર હતા. તેણે તેમને આવકારી

તેમનો ચરણસ્પર્શ કર્યો. ઘણાં વર્ષો પછી બિશમ્બર પોતાની બહેનને મળવા આવ્યો હતો. ભાઈએ બંને છોકરાઓના અભ્યાસ વિશે પૂછવું. બહેને કહ્યું કે ફટિક તેના માટે ત્રાસદાયક હતો.

તે ઉદ્ધૃત અને જંગલી હતો. પણ માખન ભલો અને વિનમ્ર હતો અને વાંચવાનો ખૂબ શોખીન હતો. બિશમ્બરે ફટિકને કોલકાતા લઈ જઈ ત્યાં તેમના છોકરાઓની સાથે ભણાવવાની તૈયારી દર્શાવી. વિધવા મા તરત જ સંમત થઈ ગઈ. ફટિક કોલકાતા જવા ખુશીથી સંમત થઈ ગયો. એ માટે તે ખૂબ આતુર હતો. એ રાત્રે તે મોટા ભાગે જાગતો રહ્યો. વિદાય વેળાની ભેટ તરીકે ફટિકે ' માખનને પોતાની માછલી પકડવાની ગલ, તેનો મોટો પતંગ અને લખોટીઓ આપ્યાં.

ફટિક તેના મામા સાથે કોલકાતા પહોચી ગયો. તે તેની મામીને પહેલી વાર મળ્યો. ફટિને જોઈને તેને ખુશી ના થઈ. પોતાના ત્રણ છોકરાને સાચવવામાં ભારે તક્લીફ થતી હતી. ફટિક થોડા વખતમાં જ સમજી ગયો કે તેની મામીના ઘરમાં તે અણગમતો મહેમાન છે. તેના ભાઈઓ તેની (ફટિક) મશ્કરી કરતાં અને તેની મામી તેનો વાંક કાઢ્યા કરતી.

તેની નવી સ્કૂલમાં પણ તે ખૂબ પછાત (ગણાતો) હતો. શિક્ષક તેને પ્રશ્ન પૂછતા ત્યારે તે તેમની સામે તાકી રહીને મૂંગો ઊભો રહેતો. લગભગ રોજ તેને સોટીઓનો માર પડતો. સાંજે બીજા છોકરાઓ રમતા હોય ત્યારે તે તેના ગામડાના ઘરનો વિચાર કરતો. ઉદાસ થઈને તે બારી પાસે ઊભો રહી દૂરનાં ઘરોનાં છાપરાં જોયા કરતો. તેને પોતાને ગામડે જવાની પ્રબળ ઇચ્છા થઈ હતી. ફટિકને ઘરે જવાની ઇચ્છા શા માટે થઈ હતી? તેને શી ઊણપ લાગતી હતી ? એક વાર હિંમત કરીને તેણે તેના મામાને પૂછયું, “હું ધરે ક્યારે જઈ શકીશ?” તેના મામાએ કહ્યું, “રજાઓ પડે ત્યાં સુધી થોભી જા.” પણ તેને તો ઘણી વાર હતી ... ઑક્ટોબર સુધી.

એક દિવસ ફટિકની લેસનનું પુસ્તક ખોવાઈ ગયું. પુસ્તકોની મદદથી પણ તે લેસન કરી શકતો નહીં. પણ હવે તો તે સાવ અશક્ય હતું. રોજ રોજ શિક્ષક તેને સોટીથી ક્રૂરતાથી મારતા. છેવટે ફટિકે તેનાં મામીને કહ્યું કે તેણે તેનું પુસ્તક ખોઈ નાખ્યું હતું. ગમાર ગામડિયા !” ધૃણાથી તે બોલ્યાં. ‘‘મહિનામાં પાંચ વાર હું તારા માટે પુસ્તકો કેવી રીતે ખરીદી શકું?" તે દિવસે, સ્કૂલેથી ઘરે પાછા ફરતી વખતે ફટિકનું માથું દુખતું હતું. તે રાત્રે તે ધ્રૂજવા લાગ્યો. તેને લાગ્યું કે તેને તાવ ચડશે. બીજા દિવસે સવારે ફટિક ક્યાંય દેખાતો ન હતો. આખી રાત વરસાદ વરસ્યો. જે લોકો છોકરાને શોધતા હતા તે ભીંજાઈ ગયા. છેવટે બિશમ્બરે પોલીસને જાણ કરી.

રાત્રે એક પોલીસ-વૅન તેના ઘરના દરવાજે આવી ઊભું રહ્યું. હજુય વરસાદ વરસતો હતો અને શેરીઓ પાણીથી છલકાતી હતી. બે સિપાઈઓ ફટિકને ઊંચકીને લઈ આવ્યા અને બિશમ્બરની સામે મૂક્યો. તે સાવ ભીંજાયેલો અને કાદવથી ખરડાયેલો હતો. તેને તાવ હતો અને તેનાં અંગો ધૃજતાં હતાં. બિશમ્બર તેને ઘરમાં લઈ ગયો. તેની પત્નીએ કહ્યું : “આ છોકરાએ આપણે માથે આફતના ડુંગર ખડક્યા છે!

તેને ઘરે મોકલી દેવો એ વધારે સારું છે !” ફટિક આ શબ્દો સાંભળી મોટેથી ડૂસકાં ભરવા લાગ્યો. “મામા, હું ધરે જ જઈ રહ્યો હતો પણ તેઓ મને અહીં પાછો ખેંચી લાવ્યા.”, તાવ ઝડપથી વધ્યો. બિશમ્બરે

ડૉક્ટરને બોલાવ્યા. ફટિકે તેની આંખો ખોલી. તે છત તરફ જોઈને બોલ્યો, “મામા, હજુ રજાઓ નથી પડી ?"

હવે શું થશે? ફટિક સાજો થઈ જશે કે મરી જશે? તમે શું ઇચ્છો છો? શા માટે? બિશમ્બરે તેનાં આંસુ લૂછળ્યાં. તેણે ફટિકનો તાવથી બળતો દૂબળો હાથ પોતાના હાથમાં લીધો. તે આખી રાત તેની પાસે બેસી રહ્યા. “મા! મને આ રીતે માર નહીં," છોકરો બબડતો રહ્યો. "મા! હું સાચું કહું છું.” બીજા દિવસે ફટિક થોડો વખત બેભાન થઈ ગયો. તેની આંખો ઓરડામાં કોઈને શોધતી હતી. બિશમ્બરે છોકરાનું મન પારખી લીધું. તેમણે પોતાનું માથું ઝૂકાવી ધીમેથી કહ્યું, “ફટિક, મેં તારી માને તેડાવી છે." દિવસ વીતી ગયો. ડૉક્ટરના મત પ્રમાણે છોકરાની સ્થિતિ ગંભીર હતી.

મોડી સાંજે ફટિકની મા રૂમમાં દોડી આવી. તેણે પોતાની જાતને ફટિકની પથારીમાં ફંગોળી અને રડી પડી, “ફટિક, મારા વહાલા, મારા વહાલા!" ફટિક્ના હાથ ઉપર-નીચે થતા અટકી ગયા. ધીમેથી તેની આંખો ખૂલી. તે હવે પોતાની પથારીની આસપાસના લોકોને જોઈ શકતો નહોતો. તે બબડ્યો, “મા, રજાઓ આવી ગઈ છે."ફટિક જીવતો છે કે કે મૃત્યુ પામ્યો છે? "રજાઓ સૂચવવા માગે છે? | આરામ માટે ઘર શ્રેષ્ઠ છે. II

Word Meanings

• ringleader (રિન્ગલીડર) નેતા (ટોળકીનો)
• mischief (મિસ્ચીફ) તોફાન, અડપલું
• log (લૉગ) લાકડાનો ગઠ્ઠો, ઢીમચું
• to thrash (થ્રેશ) મારવું
• to wipe (વાઇપ) ભૂંસવું, લૂછવું
• to nibble (નિબલ) કરડવું, ચાવવું
• middle-aged (મિડલ-ઍજેડ) આધેડ વયનું
• to blame (બ્લૅમ) -ને જવાબદાર માનવું, -ને દોષી ઠરાવવું
• to refuse (रिझ्युरु) ના પાડવી
• to complain (કમ્પ્લેન) ફરિયાદ કરવી
• to bear (બૅર) સહન કરવું
• injustice (ઈન્જસ્ટિસ) અન્યાય
• ashamed (અશૅમ્ડ) શરમાયો
• maternal uncle (મટર્નલ અંકલ) મામા
• nuisance (ન્યૂસન્સ) ત્રાસ
• disobedient (ડિસ્અબીડિઅન્ટ) ઉદ્ધત
• to educate (એડ્યુકેટ) ભણાવવું, કેળવવું
• parting gift (પાર્ટિંગ ગિફ્ટ) જુદા પડતી વેળાની ભેટ
• unwelcome (અન્વેલકમ) અણગમતો

• backward (બૅકવર્ડ) પછાત
• to cane (કેન) નેતરની સોટી વડે મારવું
• distant (ડિસ્ટન્ટ) દૂરના
• boldly (બૉલ્ડલિ) હિંમતપૂર્વક
• cruelly (ક્રૂઅલિ) ક્રૂરતાથી
• country rude (કન્ટ્રી રૂડ) ગામડિયો
• hatred (હેટ્રેડ) ઘૃણા, તિરસ્કાર
• shivering fit (શિવરિંગ ફિટ) ધ્રુજારી
• fever (ફિવર) તાવ
• limbs (લિમ્બ્સ) અંગો
• trembling (ટ્રેમ્બલિંગ) ધ્રૂજતું
• to sob (સૉબ) ડૂસકું લેવું
• to increase (ઈન્ક્રિઝ) વધવું
• ceiling (સિલિંગ) છત
• to mutter (મટર) બબડવું
• unconscious (અનુન્કૉન્શસ) બેભાન
• to fling (લિંગ) ફંગોળવું
• to murmur (મર્મર) ધીમે ધીમે બોલવું

Phrases

• (1) to roll away (રોલ અવે) ગબડાવવું, દેડવવું
• (2) to pull away (પુલ અવે) ઢસડી જવું, ખેંચી જવું
• (3) to mock at (મૉક ઍટ) -ની મશ્કરી કરવી
• (4) to find fault with (ફાઇન્ડ ફૉલ્ટ વિથ) -નો દોષ શોધવો, વાંક કાઢવો
• (5) to gaze at (ગૅઝ ઍટ) -ની સામે તાકવું
• (6) to drag back (ડ્રેગ બૅક) પાછા ઘસડી લાવવું
• (7) to wander round (વૉન્ડર રાઉન્ડ) આમતેમ ફરવું
• (8) to search for (સર્ચ ફોર) –ની શોધ, તપાસ કરવી
• (9) to bend down (બૅન્ડ ડાઉન) નીચે નમવું