A Long Walk with Granny – Ruskin Bond

ഒരു മുത്തശ്ശിയും കൊച്ചുമകനും തമ്മിലുള്ള ബന്ധത്തിൻ്റെ കഥയാണ് “മുത്തശ്ശിയുടെകൂടെയൊരു നീണ്ടയാത്ര.” മണിയും അച്ഛനും മണിയുടെ മുത്തശ്ശിയും ഒരു ഗ്രാമത്തിലായിരുന്നു താമസിച്ചത്. മുത്തശ്ശിക്ക് കണ്ണിനു തീരെ കാഴ്ചയില്ലായിരുന്നു. മണിയുടെ അമ്മ അവൻ്റെ ചെറുപ്പത്തിൽ തന്നെ മരിച്ചുപോയതിനാൽ മുത്തശ്ശിയായിരുന്നു മണിയെ വളർത്തിയത്. മുത്തശ്ശിയെപോലെതന്നെ മുത്തശ്ശിയുടെ കണ്ണടക്കും പ്രായമായി, പോറൽ വീണു. അവസാനം ഒരുദിവസം മുത്തശ്ശിക്കൊരു പുതിയ കണ്ണട വാങ്ങാൻ തീരുമാനമായി. ദൂരയാത്ര ചെയ്യാൻ ഇഷ്ടമില്ലാതിരുന്നിട്ടും മുത്തശ്ശി അവസാനം സമ്മതിച്ചു – നയിൻ എന്ന ഗ്രാമത്തിലൂടെ നടന്നും ബസിലും ഒക്കെയായി മസ്സൂരി പട്ടണത്തിലെ കണ്ണാശുപത്രിയിലേക്ക്, മണിയുടെ കൂടെ. മഴ നനഞ്ഞിട്ടും, മലകളും കാടുകളും കയറിയിറങ്ങിയിട്ടും മുത്തശ്ശിക്ക് ഒരു ക്ഷീണവും തോന്നിയില്ല, കാരണം മണിയുടെ കൂടെ എത്ര നടന്നാലും മുത്തശ്ശിക്ക് വേദനകളും വിഷമങ്ങളും ഇല്ലായിരുന്നു.

ബസിൽ യാത്ര ചെയ്യുമ്പോൾ ഒരു മലയിടിച്ചിൽ ഉണ്ടാകുകയും അവരുടെ യാത്ര തടസ്സപ്പെടുകയും ചെയ്തു പക്ഷെ അവർ യാത്ര തുടർന്ന് അവസാനം മസ്സൂരിയിൽ എത്തി. ഒരു ധർമ്മശാലയിൽ താമസിച്ച് അവർ പിറ്റേന്ന് ഡോക്ടറെ കാണുകയും ഒരു ഗുണവും ഇല്ലാത്ത ആ കണ്ണട മാറ്റി പുതിയ ഒന്ന് വാങ്ങി വയ്ക്കുകയും ചെയ്തു. വർഷങ്ങൾക്കു ശേഷം മുത്തശ്ശി പുതിയ കണ്ണടയിലൂടെ മണിയെ കണ്ടു. തിരികെ പോകുമ്പോൾ അവരുടെ മനസ്സ് സന്തോഷം കൊണ്ട് നിറഞ്ഞിരുന്നു. 

Summary

Granny, an elderly woman with very weak eyesight, lived in a quiet village where she had lovingly raised her grandson, Mani, after his mother passed away. Her glasses were old and scratched, and Mani and his father decided it was time for her to get new ones. Though hesitant to travel far, Granny agreed to visit the eye hospital in Mussoorie when Mani offered to go with her. Together, they set off on a long journey through rain, hills, forests, and even a landslide that blocked their bus route. Undeterred, they continued on foot, finally reaching Mussoorie. After staying at a dharamsala, they visited the hospital, where the doctor replaced her useless glasses with stronger ones. For the first time in years, Granny could see Mani clearly and was overjoyed. They returned home with new glasses, shoes, a cowbell, and hearts full of happiness.

Notes

• Granny and Mani lived in a quiet village near the river and pine trees.
• She could hear and smell things, but she could not see clearly.
• Her old glasses were scratched and over ten years old.
• Her eyesight had become very weak with time.
• She lived with her son and Mani, her grandson.
• Granny had raised Mani since he was a baby.
• Mani’s mother had died when he was just one year old.
• Granny had taken care of both Mani and his father.
• She also looked after the house, cows, and hens.
• Mani and his father wanted Granny to get new glasses.
• Granny said she couldn’t get new glasses in the village.
• Mani said they must go to the eye hospital in Mussoorie.
• Granny didn’t want to travel so far and gave excuses.
• The journey to Mussoorie would take two full days.
• Granny didn’t want to leave Mani behind.
• Mani said he would come with her to Mussoorie.
• Granny felt happy and ready to go when she heard that.
• She said they could also do some shopping there.
• Mani’s father gave them only ₹100 for the trip.
• Granny had ₹50 more, saved from her own money.
• They started their journey early next morning in the rain.
• Mani carried a bedding roll on his back.
• Granny carried a shopping bag and a leaky umbrella.
• Granny walked fast and didn’t stop for berries.
• Mani ran behind her after eating blackberries.
• They walked through rain, sunshine, and beautiful hills.
• Granny said she could see the path and Mani’s white shirt.
• They ate food under a pine tree and drank water from a spring.
• They reached the town of Nain by late afternoon.
• It was raining hard when they entered the town.
• They stayed at Uncle’s house and dried themselves.
• Next morning, Mani ran to bathe in the river.
• The bus to Mussoorie arrived while Mani was away.
• Granny had already bought their tickets for the bus.
• The bus was very noisy, shaky, and full of people.
• Granny fell asleep on Mani’s shoulder during the ride.
• The bus suddenly stopped because of a landslide.
• Rocks and mud had fallen and blocked the road.
• Some rocks even hit the roof of the bus.
• The driver reversed the bus to keep everyone safe.
• Most people went back to Nain, but not Granny and Mani.
• They decided to walk to Mussoorie through a mountain path.
• They climbed up and down hills and forests.
• They ate pakoras, buns, and peaches from Uncle’s house.
• Finally, they reached the lights of Mussoorie at night.
• They stayed in a dharamsala near a temple.
• Next morning, they waited in line at the eye hospital.
• The doctor said Granny’s glasses were very old and harmful.
• After testing, he gave her stronger lenses to help her see.
• Granny was very happy to see Mani clearly after many years.

ഉത്തരങ്ങൾ എഴുതാൻ ഏറ്റവും അത്യാവശ്യം ചോദ്യങ്ങൾ മനസ്സിലാക്കുകയാണ്. എന്ത് (what), എപ്പോൾ (when), എവിടെ (where), ആര് (who), ആരുടെ (whose), ആരെ (whom), ആരോട് (whom), എങ്ങനെ (how), എന്തുകൊണ്ട് (why) എന്നിങ്ങനെ 9 തരം ചോദ്യങ്ങളാണ്. ആദ്യം നമുക്ക് കുറച്ച് ചോദ്യങ്ങളും അവയുടെ ചെറിയ ഉത്തരങ്ങളും പഠിക്കാം. അതിനു ശേഷം നമുക്ക് വലിയ ചോദ്യങ്ങൾ പഠിക്കാം.

10 “What” Questions | എന്ത്

1. What was wrong with Granny’s glasses?
   They were old and full of scratches.
2. What did Mani and his father want Granny to do?
   Get her eyes tested.
3. What made Granny agree to travel?
   Mani said he would go with her.
4. What did Granny pack for the journey?
   An umbrella and a shopping bag.
5. What stopped the bus on the way?
   A landslide.
6. What did Granny and Mani do after the landslide?
   They continued on foot.
7. What did the doctor say about Granny’s old glasses?
   They belonged in a museum.
8. What did Granny see clearly for the first time in years?
   Mani’s face.
9. What did they buy in Mussoorie?
   Shoes, a pullover, seeds, and an umbrella.
10. What did Granny see on the way back that made her happy?
    A rainbow.

10 “Who” Questions | ആര്

1. Who was Mani?
   Granny’s grandson.
2. Who raised Mani after his mother died?
   Granny.
3. Who wanted Granny to get new glasses?
   Mani and his father.
4. Who agreed to take Granny to Mussoorie?
   Mani.
5. Who protested about going to the hospital?
   Granny.
6. Who picked blackberries on the way?
   Mani.
7. Who slept during the bumpy bus ride?
   Granny.
8. Who was waiting at the bus stop with tickets?
   Granny.
9. Who examined Granny’s eyes?
   The eye doctor.
10. Who rested their head on Granny’s shoulder at the end?
    Mani.

10 “When” Questions | എപ്പോൾ

1. When did Granny agree to go to Mussoorie?
   When Mani offered to go with her.
2. When did they start their journey?
   Early in the morning, in light rain.
3. When did Mani eat blackberries?
   While walking on the path to Nain.
4. When did it start raining heavily?
   As they reached the market town.
5. When did the bus stop suddenly?
   During the trip to Mussoorie.
6. When did the landslide happen?
   While the bus was on the mountain road.
7. When did Granny and Mani eat pakoras and peaches?
   While walking toward Mussoorie.
8. When did Granny see clearly again?
   After trying new lenses at the hospital.
9. When did Mani fall asleep on the bus?
   After they started their return journey.
10. When did Granny see a rainbow?
    On the bus ride back home.

10 “Where” Questions | എവിടെ

1. Where did Granny live?
   In a village.
2. Where did they need to go for an eye test?
   To Mussoorie.
3. Where did Granny and Mani rest on the first day?
   At Uncle’s house in Nain.
4. Where did Mani bathe in the morning?
   In the river.
5. Where did the bus stop because of a problem?
   Near a landslide.
6. Where did Granny and Mani sleep in Mussoorie?
   In a dharamsala.
7. Where was the eye hospital?
   In Mussoorie.
8. Where did Granny see the rainbow?
   From the bus window.
9. Where did Mani carry a bedding-roll?
   On his shoulders during the journey.
10. Where did Granny keep her hand in the busy bazaar?
    On Mani’s shoulder, so she wouldn’t lose him.

10 “Why” Questions | എന്തുകൊണ്ട്

1. Why did Granny need new glasses?
   Her old ones were scratched and weak.
2. Why didn’t Granny want to go to Mussoorie at first?
   She didn’t want to leave Mani.
3. Why did Mani offer to go with Granny?
   To help her and guide her on the journey.
4. Why did the bus stop suddenly?
   A landslide blocked the road.
5. Why did Granny and Mani walk to Mussoorie?
   The road was blocked, and the bus couldn’t go.
6. Why did Granny carry an umbrella?
   It was raining.
7. Why did the doctor laugh at Granny’s glasses?
   They were too old and worn out.
8. Why was Granny happy at the hospital?
   She could see clearly with the new lenses.
9. Why did Mani rest his head on Granny’s shoulder?
   He was tired and fell asleep.
10. Why did Granny enjoy the return bus ride?
    She could finally see the world around her again.

10 “How” Questions | എങ്ങനെ

1. How did Granny feel about leaving Mani?
   She didn’t want to be away from him.
2. How long had Granny worn her old glasses?
   For over ten years.
3. How did they travel to Mussoorie?
   By walking and taking a bus.
4. How did Granny manage the journey?
   With courage and Mani’s help.
5. How did the bus passengers react to the landslide?
   They were alarmed and got out of the bus.
6. How did Granny and Mani reach Mussoorie after the landslide?
   They walked over the mountain.
7. How did the doctor react to Granny’s glasses?
   He was shocked and joked they belonged in a museum.
8. How did Granny see clearly again?
   With new lenses at the hospital.
9. How did Mani help during the journey?
   He guided, supported, and encouraged Granny.
10. How did the story end?
    Granny happily saw the world again, and Mani rested on her shoulder.

10 “Which” Questions | ഏത്

1. Which town had the eye hospital?
   Mussoorie.
2. Which fruit did Mani eat on the way?
   Blackberries.
3. Which bird flew overhead in the rain?
   Parrots.
4. Which part of Mani did Granny see clearly first?
   His teeth and eyes when he smiled.
5. Which road was blocked?
   The one to Mussoorie.
6. Which place did they rest at before Mussoorie?
   Uncle’s house in Nain.
7. Which item did Granny want for the white cow?
   A new bell.
8. Which type of forest did they walk through?
   A deodar forest.
9. Which item did the doctor throw in the bin?
   Granny’s old glasses.
10. Which place did they stay in Mussoorie?
    A dharamsala near the temple.

10 “Whose” Questions | ആരുടെ

1. Whose glasses were old and scratched?
   Granny’s.
2. Whose idea was it to go to Mussoorie?
   Mani’s and his father’s.
3. Whose shoulder did Granny hold in the bazaar?
   Mani’s.
4. Whose house did they visit in Nain?
   Uncle’s.
5. Whose feet walked steadily during the journey?
   Granny’s.
6. Whose head rested on Granny’s shoulder in the bus?
   Mani’s.
7. Whose pullover did they buy in Mussoorie?
   Mani’s father’s.
8. Whose umbrella leaked in the rain?
   Granny’s.
9. Whose help made the journey easier for Granny?
   Mani’s.
10. Whose joy was great after getting new glasses?
    Granny’s.

10 “Whom” Questions | ആരെ

1. Whom did Granny not want to leave behind?
   Mani.
2. Whom did Mani want to go with to Mussoorie?
   Granny.
3. Whom did Granny raise since childhood?
   Mani.
4. Whom did Mani live with?
   Granny and his father.
5. Whom did Granny care for besides Mani?
   His father, cows, and hens.
6. Whom did Mani ask about walking to Nain?
   Granny.
7. Whom did the doctor examine at the hospital?
   Granny.
8. Whom did Granny see clearly after getting new glasses?
   Mani.
9. Whom did the doctor speak to kindly?
   Granny.
10. Whom did Granny call a “fine boy”?
    Mani.

Questions and Answers

1. Why did Granny need new glasses?
   Granny had been using the same pair of glasses for over ten years. Her eyes had become very weak, and the glasses were old, scratched (പോറൽ വന്നത്), and full of spots. Because of this, she could hardly see anything through them. Mani and his father were worried that the glasses were doing more harm than good and wanted her to get her eyes tested and get new glasses.
2. Why was Granny unwilling to travel to Mussoorie?
   Granny didn’t want to travel to Mussoorie at first because it was a long two-day journey. She was also looking for excuses because she did not want to be separated from her grandson Mani. Even though he was old enough to stay alone, she had brought him up since he was a baby and felt deeply attached to him.
3. What kind of relationship did Granny have with Mani?
   Granny and Mani shared a very close and loving relationship. She had raised him since he was one year old, after his mother had died. Granny had not only looked after Mani but also taken care of his father and the household. She loved Mani dearly and didn’t want to leave him, showing how strong their bond was.
4. How did Granny react when she found out Mani might go with her?
   When Granny heard that Mani might accompany her to Mussoorie, her attitude completely changed. She became excited and eager to make the journey. She even started planning what to buy during the trip, like seeds, a cowbell, and shoes. Knowing Mani would be with her gave her courage and happiness.
5. What items did Granny and Mani carry for their journey?
   Mani carried a small bedding roll on his shoulders, and Granny carried a large cloth shopping bag and an umbrella, which was old and leaking. They also took some food with them, like pakoras, buns, and peaches from Uncle’s house, which Granny wisely packed knowing Mani would get hungry.
6. What were some things Granny could still sense clearly even though she couldn’t see well?
   Even though Granny could not see much, her other senses were strong. She could hear the roar of the river, smell the pine needles, and feel Mani’s presence near her. These senses helped her enjoy the journey in her own way.
7. Describe the scenery they passed on their journey.
   Granny and Mani walked through beautiful hills, pine forests, and green fields. They saw parrots flying in the sky, and at one point, the sun came out and the hills were bathed in golden sunshine. Later, they walked through thick mist and a gloomy deodar forest. The scenery was full of nature’s beauty and change.
8. What happened during the bus journey to Mussoorie?
   The bus they boarded was old and noisy. As it went around sharp bends, passengers were thrown from side to side. Suddenly, the bus had to stop because a landslide had blocked the road. Rocks and mud were still falling, and even hit the roof of the bus. The driver wisely reversed the bus to keep everyone safe.
9. Why did Granny and Mani decide not to return to Nain with the others?
   Even though most passengers went back to Nain after the landslide, Granny and Mani decided to continue on foot. Granny bravely said it was only ten miles, the same distance they had walked the day before. She was determined and did not want to turn back, especially since Mani was with her.
10. What challenges did they face during their walk to Mussoorie?
    They had to climb up and down steep hills and walk across windy, bare hillsides and dark forests. It started getting dark, and they were all alone. Granny’s umbrella leaked, and they were tired, but they kept going. Still, they stayed cheerful and continued their journey with courage.
11. Where did they stay in Mussoorie, and why?
    They stayed in a dharamsala near a temple because they couldn’t find a cheap hotel. Even though Granny had saved some money, hotels in Mussoorie were too expensive for them. The dharamsala was a simple and affordable place to spend the night.
12. How did the eye doctor react to Granny’s old glasses?
    The doctor was shocked to see how old and damaged Granny’s glasses were. He first threw them in the dustbin, then jokingly said he should send them to a museum. He told Granny that those glasses had probably done more harm than good and that she should have changed them years ago.
13. What did the doctor tell Granny about her eyesight?
    The doctor examined her eyes and told her that although her eyesight was very weak, she was not going blind. He reassured her that with a new and stronger pair of glasses, her vision would improve a lot. This news made Granny very happy.
14. How did Granny feel when she saw Mani clearly for the first time in years?
    Granny was overjoyed when she saw Mani clearly. She clapped her hands with happiness and told him he looked very nice. Then, like a loving grandmother, she started noticing small things—saying he needed a haircut, a wash, and buttons on his shirt. It was a heartwarming moment of love and joy.
15. What did Granny and Mani buy after the hospital visit?
    After getting her new glasses, Granny and Mani went shopping. They bought a new pair of shoes for Mani, a thick woollen pullover for Mani’s father, seeds and bulbs for their garden, a new umbrella for Granny, and a new bell for the white cow.
16. How did the journey back home feel different for Granny?
    On the way back, Granny sat by the window and happily looked outside. She could now see many things she hadn’t seen clearly in a long time—fields, people, animals, and even a rainbow in the sky. Her joy and excitement made the return journey very special.
17. What did the rainbow mean to Granny?
    The rainbow was a symbol of hope and happiness for Granny. It was one of the most beautiful things she had seen in a long time, thanks to her new glasses. It made her feel that the long and difficult journey had been completely worth it.
18. What does this story show about Granny’s character?
    Granny is shown to be brave, loving, and full of energy. Even though she had weak eyesight, she didn’t let that stop her. She was deeply attached to Mani and willing to take risks for him. Her sense of humor, strength, and determination made her a truly inspiring character.
19. What lessons can we learn from this story?
    This story teaches us the importance of caring for our loved ones, being brave in difficult situations, and never giving up. It also reminds us that growing old doesn’t mean losing hope or strength. Granny shows us that love and courage can make any journey possible.
20. How does the story end?
    The story ends with Granny happily looking out of the bus window as they head home. She is full of joy because she can see the world again. Mani rests his head on her shoulder and falls asleep, showing their closeness. It’s a peaceful, happy ending after a long and adventurous journey.

Places in this Story

1. “Nain” refers to Nainbagh, a small village and market located on the Mussoorie-Yamunotri road, approximately 35-40 kilometers from Mussoorie.
2. Mussoorie is a hill station located in the Garhwal Himalayan range of the Indian state of Uttarakhand.

Textual Analysis

Granny could hear the distant roar of the river and smell the pine needles, and feel the presence of her grandson, Mani. She couldn’t see the river or the trees. She could only make out Mani’s fuzzy hair, and sometimes, his blackberry eyes and the gleam of his teeth when he smiled. Granny had a pair of old glasses. She’d been wearing them for well over ten years. Her eyes had grown steadily weaker, and the glasses now scratched and spotted. So, there was very little she could see through them. Mani and his father felt that it was high time Granny had her eyes tested and got herself new glasses.

“Well, you know we can’t get them in the village,” said Granny.

Mani said, “You’ll have to go to the eye hospital in Mussoorie. That’s the nearest town.”

“But that’s a two-day journey,” protested Granny. Granny was looking for excuses. She did not want to be parted from Mani. He was eleven and quite capable of looking after himself. But Granny had brought him up ever since his mother had died when he was only a year old. She was his Nani (maternal grandmother), and had cared for boy and father, and the cows and hens in the household, with great energy and devotion.

“I can manage quite well,” she said.

“Now listen,” said Mani’s father sternly. “We’re not sending you off on your own, I’ll take you to Mussoorie.”

“And leave Mani here by himself ? How could you even think of doing that?”

“Then I’ll take you to Mussoorie,” said Mani eagerly. “I’ve been to Mussoorie before, with my school friends. I know where we can stay. But .. ” He paused a moment and looked doubtfully from his father to his grandmother. “You wouldn’t be able to walk all the way to Nain, would you, Granny?”

“Of course I can walk,” said Granny. “I may be going blind, but there’s nothing wrong with my legs!”

“But you’re seventy, Granny.”

“What has that got to do with it? And besides, it’s downhill to Nain.” “And uphill coming back.” “Uphill is easier!” said Granny.

Now that she knew Mani might be accompanying her, she was more than ready to make the journey. “While we’re in Mussoorie, we’ll get some seeds and bulbs. And a new bell for the white cow. And a pullover for your father. And shoes for you…”

“Now just a minute,” said Mani’s father. “Are you going there to have your eyes tested or are you going on a shopping trip? I’ve got only a hundred rupees to spare. You’ll have to manage with that.”

“We’ll manage,’ said Mani. ‘We’ll sleep at the bus shelter.”

“No, we won’t,” said Granny. “I’ve got fifty rupees of my own. We’ll stay at a hotel!”

Early next morning, in a light drizzle, Granny and Mani set out on the path to Nain.

Mani carried a small bedding-roll on his shoulders; Granny carried a large cloth shopping bag and an umbrella. “Whenever you feel tired, we’ll take rest,” said, Mani.

“We’ve only just started out,” said Granny. “We’ll rest when you’re hungry!”

They walked at a steady pace, without talking too much. A flock of parrots whirled overhead, flashes of red and green against the sombre sky. There were no other sounds, except for the hiss and gentle patter of the rain.

Mani stopped to pick wild blackberries from a bush. Granny wasn’t fond of berries and did not slacken her pace. Mani had to run to catch up with her. Soon his lips were purple with the juice from the berries.

The rain stopped and the sun came out. Below them, the light green of the fields stood out against the dark green of the forests, and the hills were bathed in golden sunshine. Mani ran ahead.

“Can you see all right, Granny?” he called.

“I can see the path and I can see your white shirt. That’s enough for just now.”

Granny and Mani ate their light meal on the roadside, in the shade of a whispering pine, and drank from a spring. By late afternoon they were directly above Nain.

“We’re almost there,” said Mani. “I can see the temple near Uncle’s house.”

“I can’t see a thing,” said Granny.

“That’s because of the mist. There’s a thick mist coming up the valley.”

It began raining heavily as they entered the small market town on the banks of the river. Granny’s umbrella was leaking badly. But they were soon drying themselves in Uncle’s house, and drinking glasses of hot, sweet milky tea. Mani got up early the next morning and ran down the narrow street to bathe in the river. As Mani dressed, he heard the blare of a bus horn. There was only one bus small

• began
• as

to Mussoorie. He scampered up the slope, wondering if they’d miss it. But Granny was waiting for him at the bus stop. She had already bought their tickets. The bus was old and rickety, and rattled so much that the passengers could barely hear themselves speaking. The driver drove at some speed, and whenever he went round a bend, everyone in the bus was thrown about. In spite of all the noise and confusion, Granny fell asleep, her head resting against Mani’s shoulder.

Suddenly, the bus came to a grinding halt. People were thrown forward in their seats. “What’s happening?” Granny asked. “Have we arrived?” “No, something is blocking the road,” said Mani. “It’s a landslide!” exclaimed someone, and all the passengers put their heads out of the windows to take a look.

It was a big landslide. Earth, trees and bushes had given way and come crashing down, completely blocking the road. Nor was it over yet. Debris* was still falling. Mani saw rocks hurtling down the hill and into the river.

“Not a suitable place for a bus stop,” observed Granny, who couldn’t see a thing.

Even as she spoke, a shower of stones and rocks came clattering down on the roof of the bus.

Passengers cried out in alarm. The driver reversing, more rocks came crashing down.

• Mani.
• garden.”

“I never did trust motor roads,” said Granny. The driver kept backing until they were well away from the landslide. Then everyone tumbled out of the bus: They could tell it would take days to clear the road. Most of the passengers decided to return to Nain with, the bus. But a few bold spirits agreed to walk to Mussoorie, taking a short cut up the mountain which would bypass the landslide. Mani looked at Granny.

“Shall we go back?”

“It’s only ten miles?” said Granny. “We did that

yesterday.”

So they started climbing a narrow path, and by the time they got to the top of the mountain, Granny and Mani were on their own. Their village was hidden by the range to the north. Far below rushed the river. Far above circled a golden eagle.

“Did you bring any food from Uncle’s house?” asked

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“Naturally,” said Granny, “I knew you’d soon be hungry.

There are pakoras and buns, and peaches from Uncle’s

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“Good!” said Mani, forgetting his tiredness. “We’ll eat as we go along. We’ll stop when you’re tired, Granny.” “Oh, I can walk forever,” said Granny, laughing. “But not if it’s raining. This umbrella leaks badly.”

Down again they went, and up the next mountain, and over bare windswept hillsides, and up through a dark gloomy deodar forest. And then just as it was getting dark, they saw the lights of Mussoorie twinkling ahead

of them.

As they came nearer, the lights increased, until presently they were in a brightly lit bazaar. Jostled in the crowd,

Granny kept one hand firmly on Mani’s shoulder so that she did not lose him.

They asked around for the cheapest hotel. But there were no cheap hotels. So they spent the night in a

dharamsala adjoining the temple. with

Govt. Eye Hospital

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doctor

Next morning, at the eye hospital, they joined a long queue of patient patients. The eye specialist, a portly man in a suit and tie dealt the patients in a brisk but kind manner. After hour’s wait, Granny’s turn came.

• The

took one horrified look at Granny’s glasses and dropped them in a wastebasket.

Then he fished them out and placed them on his desk and said, “On second thought, I think I’ll send them to a museum. You should have changed your glasses years ago. They’ve probably done more harm than good.”

He examined Granny’s eyes and said, “Your eyes are very weak, but you’re not going blind. We’ll fit you up with a stronger pair of glasses.” Then he placed her in front of a board covered with letters in English and Hindi, large and small, and asked Granny if she could make them out.

“I can’t even see the board,” said Granny. “Well, can you see me?” asked the doctor. “Some of you,” said

• Granny.

“I want you to see all of me,” said the doctor, and he balanced a wire frame on Granny’s nose and began trying out different lenses.

Suddenly, Granny could see much better. She saw the board and the biggest letters on it.

“Can you see me now?” asked the doctor.

“Most of you”, said Granny. And then added, by way of being helpful, “There’s quite a lot of you to see.”

“Thank you,” said the doctor. “And now turn around and tell me if you can see your grandson.”

Granny turned, and saw Mani clearly for the first time in many years.

“Mani!” she exclaimed, clapping her hands with joy.

“How nice you look! What a fine boy I’ve brought up!

But you do need a haircut. And a wash. And buttons on your shirt. And a new pair of shoes. Come along to the bazaar!”

“First have your new glasses made,” said Mani, laughing.

“Then we’ll go shopping!”

A day later, they were in a bus again. Granny had a window seat, and Mani sat beside her. He had new shoes and Granny had a new umbrella and they had also bought a thick woollen Tibetan pullover for Mani’s father. And seeds and bulbs and a cowbell.

As the bus moved off, Granny looked eagerly out of the window. She could see many things that she hadn’t seen for a long time – distant villages, people working in the fields, milkmen on the road, two dogs rushing along beside the bus, monkeys in the trees, and, most wonderful of all, a rainbow in the sky. She couldn’t see perfectly, of course, but she was very pleased with the improvement.

Mani watched for a time and listened to her excited chatter. Then his head began to nod. It dropped against Granny’s shoulder, and remained there, comfortably supported. The bus swerved and jolted along the winding mountain road – but Mani was fast asleep.

May 17, 2025