Short Answer Questions
Q1: Why did Ravi’s mother wish for a Vitamin-M?
Ans: Ravi’s mother wished for a Vitamin-M because she wanted something that could help old people improve their memory. She believed that Grandpa could not hear, see, or remember well, and she felt such a medicine would help elderly people remember things better.
Q2: Why had Grandpa come to live with Ravi and his family?
Ans: Grandpa came to live with Ravi’s family because he had grown too old to live alone. He had taken a double dose of medicine once and got lost during a walk, which worried the family and made them bring him home.
Q3: Why did Grandpa dislike living in the city?
Ans: Grandpa disliked living in the city because he hated its noise and busy life. He preferred his quiet house in town with a mango tree, where it was so peaceful that even the sound of a falling leaf could be heard clearly.
Q4: What accident happened to Grandpa at his house in town?
Ans: Grandpa slipped and fell in his garden one evening while he was pottering around. Since no one was there to help him, he remained outside all night. This incident made his family decide that he should not live alone anymore.
Q5: Why did Ravi feel uncomfortable when his mother spoke to Grandpa?
Ans: Ravi felt uncomfortable because his mother spoke to Grandpa in an overly loud voice, as if he were a child who could not understand properly. This made Ravi feel embarrassed, as he believed Grandpa deserved respect and should not be treated like that.
Q6: Why did Ravi decide to follow Grandpa secretly?
Ans: Ravi decided to follow Grandpa secretly because he had promised his mother to take care of him. He was worried about Grandpa’s safety but also did not want to hurt his feelings by insisting on accompanying him openly.
Q7: What did Grandpa do at the park?
Ans: At the park, Grandpa bought a paper-cone of peanuts and sat on a bench watching children play. He seemed relaxed and happy, enjoying the surroundings, while Ravi hid nearby and observed him carefully without being noticed.
Q8: Why did Ravi feel embarrassed while following Grandpa?
Ans: Ravi felt embarrassed because people noticed his strange behaviour while he was hiding. A child questioned him, a lady scolded him, and vendors looked at him suspiciously, making him feel foolish and uncomfortable during his attempt to follow Grandpa.
Q9: What surprised Ravi on the bus?
Ans: Ravi was surprised on the bus when he realised the person wearing Grandpa’s yellow cap was actually a stranger. The man explained that Grandpa had kindly given him the cap, which showed Grandpa’s generosity but left Ravi confused about his whereabouts.
Q10: How did Ravi feel when he found Grandpa safe at home?
Ans: Ravi felt great relief and happiness when he found Grandpa safe at home. He was worried earlier, but seeing Grandpa sleeping peacefully made him feel affectionate, and he hugged him, realising how much he cared for his grandfather.
Long Answer Questions
Q1: Describe why Ravi’s mother was worried about Grandpa going out alone.
Ans: Ravi’s mother was deeply worried about Grandpa going out alone because of several incidents that had raised concerns about his safety. He had recently taken a double dose of his medicines absent-mindedly and had also got lost during a walk, which caused great anxiety to the family. In addition, he had once slipped and fallen in his garden and remained outside all night without help. These experiences made her feel that Grandpa was no longer capable of managing on his own. Her concern was not due to a lack of trust, but out of love, care, and a strong desire to protect him from harm.
Q2: Explain the dilemma Ravi faced when Grandpa decided to go out.
Ans: Ravi faced a serious dilemma when Grandpa insisted on going out alone. On one hand, he had promised his mother that he would take care of Grandpa and ensure that he did not step out by himself. On the other hand, Grandpa valued his independence and would feel insulted or hurt if Ravi tried to stop him or accompany him forcefully. Ravi respected his grandfather and did not want to treat him like a child. At the same time, he feared his mother’s anger if anything went wrong. To balance both responsibilities, Ravi chose to follow Grandpa secretly, showing his concern, responsibility, and emotional maturity.
Q3: Describe Grandpa’s activities during his outing as observed by Ravi.
Ans: During his outing, Grandpa followed a lively and independent routine that surprised Ravi. He first went to a park, where he bought a paper-cone of peanuts and sat comfortably on a bench watching children play. After that, he moved to a tea stall, where he enjoyed a cup of tea, bananas, and even ice cream-items that were restricted at home. He then crossed a busy road confidently, showing no fear, and entered a barber shop. Later, he walked briskly to a bus stop and boarded a bus. Throughout the outing, Grandpa appeared confident and self-reliant, while Ravi followed him anxiously and curiously.
Q4: How does the story show that Grandpa was clever despite his age?
Ans: The story clearly shows that Grandpa was clever and mentally alert despite being considered forgetful by others. He managed his outing independently, navigating different places in the city without difficulty. He cleverly avoided Ravi, who was secretly following him, and even gave away his yellow cap to a stranger, which misled Ravi into thinking he had boarded a bus. Later, when Ravi returned home worried, Grandpa was already there, resting peacefully. He also gifted Ravi a detective storybook, hinting that he may have been aware of Ravi’s actions. This shows that Grandpa was observant, intelligent, and had a playful sense of humour.
Q5: What does Grandpa’s habit of giving gifts on his birthday reveal about his character?
Ans: Grandpa’s habit of giving gifts to others on his own birthday reveals his generous and affectionate nature. Instead of expecting presents, he takes joy in making others happy, which reflects his selflessness and kindness. He remembers important occasions and thoughtfully gives gifts to each family member, showing that his memory is sharp despite others’ assumptions. This habit also highlights his emotional warmth and his desire to stay connected with his family. By giving rather than receiving, Grandpa sets an example of true happiness coming from sharing and caring, which adds depth to his character in the story.