Page 40 - Real English 2024 Book 8

REAL ENGLISH 8

Mohsin thought of a new way to taunt Hamid. ‘Your tongs will
13
burn its nose in the fire every day!’
Hamid had a quick reply. ‘Only the brave dare jump into the

fire.’
The three boys were utterly squashed. Hamid had won the
14
15
field. None of the boys could dispute the fact: Hamid’s buy was the
best.

The respect that a victor commanded from the vanquished 17
16
was paid to Hamid. The others had spent up to sixteen paise and
18
bought nothing worthwhile. Peace talks began. Each of the boys
began to strike a deal with Hamid. Mohsin said, ‘Let me see your
19
tongs, you can carry my toy.’ Hamid had no objection to accepting
such terms. The tongs gradually passed from one hand to another

while Hamid was allowed to handle the toys.
Hamid’s tone was conciliatory. ‘I was only teasing you. There’s
20
no comparison between these plain steel tongs and your beautiful
toys.’
But the boys were not convinced. ‘Nobody is going to bless us

for bringing these toys,’ cried Mohsin.
Hamid had to accept that none of the boys’ mothers would be as
glad to see the tongs as his grandmother would be to see the tongs.
Mehmood was hungry and took out some bananas his father
had given him. He shared them only with Hamid while others stared
with their mouths watering. That was the glory of the tongs.

By eleven o’clock there was excitement in the village as the
21
revellers were coming home. On hearing Hamid’s voice, Amina
rushed forward and picked him up. When she spotted the tongs in
his hands, she was taken aback.
13. try to make somebody angry ‘Where did you get it from?’
by making fun of them ‘I bought it.’
14. (here) defeated in argument; ‘For how much?’
silenced
15. speak against; deny ‘For three paise.’
16. the winner Amina grew angry. What a stupid boy! It’s almost noon and he
17. the defeated ones had not eaten anything! ‘In the entire fair couldn’t you find anything
18. useful better than these tongs? What will you do with it?’

19. make an agreement Hamid said meekly, ‘You burn your fingers when you make
20. making angry people calm chapatti. That’s why I bought it.’
21. a group of people having The old woman’s temper changed into love. What concern for
fun in a noisy way others! What a big heart! The poor boy! How he must have suffered

18