In today's world, parents like Varma struggle a lot to educate their children. The latter, after their education, become successful professionals who leave their parents and go abroad or to the cities seeking greener pastures. Finally, the parents in their old age, are sent to old age homes where they are taken care of quite well. The basic health care is provided but they are emotionally parched. What can be done to avoid this pathetic situation?

Do you think Varma and of Bhatia are a contrast to each other? Give reasons.

Anita Desai's writing style is embellished by the wonderful phrases that she has used to convey the character's, feelings and to make the descriptions vivid. Substantiate this observation.

(a) Read the following sentences from the story focussing on the italicised phrases.

1. 'The whole day long visitors streamed into the small yellow house.'

2. 'All in a multicoloured whirl of pride.'

3. 'When it is merely a peevish whim.'

4. The old man could just see her smirk sliding merrily.'

5. 'His authority was only tyranny in disguise.'

(b) Now read the following situations and match the above phrases with the situations.

i) Anvita received a string of awards for her innovation in Science. She was flooded with congratulatory messages. She was swimming in a ________.

ii) The party workers came to greet their leader on his birthday. They

_________ the party office from 5 am in the morning.

iii) Mr. Rao lost the argument to his wife. His teenaged son observed his father getting into the car sheepishly. As he got into the car he saw him ________________.

iv) Sanjay often threw tantrums and cried for everything. His patient mother could never make out whether it was genuine or if it was _____________.

v) Rohit was a Class 12 student studying in Delhi. As his parents worked abroad, Rohit's uncle was his local guardian. He laid down many restrictions on Rohit, out of sheer concern. Rohit felt it was a ____________.

(c) Pick out four more expressions from the text that enhance the description of people orevents, as in given the examples in '4.2.d'.

1. ___________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________

3. ___________________________________________

4. ___________________________________________

Role Play: As the village head you meet Varma who has become senile. Tell him about Rakesh's sacrifice and how he should cooperate with his son and not criticise him.