Comprehension check:-

 1. In what way is the forest pool different from the one which Ranji knew in the Rajputana desert ?

Ans. The forest pool is clean, cold, and inviting. The pool in the Rajputana desert, on the other hand, was sticky and muddy. Buffaloes waded in it, and women washed their clothes in it.

 2. The other boy asked Ranji to ‘explain’ himself.

(i) What did he expect Ranji to say ?

Ans. He expected Ranji to apologise and express regret for his actions.

(ii) Was he, in your opinion, right or wrong to ask this question ?

Ans.  In my opinion, he asked the wrong question. It was not his swimming pool. It was a natural gift. Ranji had an equal stake in it.

 3. Between Ranji and the other boy, who is trying to start a quarrel ? Give a reason for your answer.

Ans. It is the other boy who is attempting to start a fight between Ranji and himself. He was the one who first took a violent stance, showing Ranji the palm of his hand.

 4. “Then we will have to continue the fight,” said the other.

(i) What made him say that ?

Ans. The fight ended in a draw after the first round. No boy was willing to give up. This prompted the other to make this statement.

(ii) Did the fight continue ? If not, why not ?

Ans. The fight did not resume. They had become friends the next day.

Comprehension Check:-

 1. What is it that Ranji finds difficult to explain at home ?

Ans. Ranji finds it difficult to explain the cuts and bruises on his face, legs, and arms at home.

 2. Ranji sees his adversary in the bazaar.

(i) What does he wish to do ?

Ans. First and foremost, he wishes to turn away and look elsewhere. Secondly, he wishes to throw the lemonade bottle at his enemy.

(ii) What does he actually do, and why ?

Ans. He actually stands up and looks angrily at his opponent because he is not prepared for a fight.

 3. Ranji is not at all eager for a second fight. Why does he go back to the pool, then ?

Ans. Ranji is not looking forward to a second fight, but he returns to the pool. He couldn’t say no to the challenge. Failure to appear at the pool would be an admission of defeat.

 4. Who was the better swimmer ? How do you know it ?

Ans. Ranji was the more skilled swimmer. He could have swum the entire length of the pool without tiring.

 5. What surprises the warrior ?

Ans. Ranji dove straight into the pool, cutting through it like a knife, and emerged on the other side. This astounds the warrior.

 6. Now that they are at the pool, why don’t they continue the fight ?

Ans. They have now become friends. Ranji suggests that he teach Suraj how to swim. As a result, they abandon the fight.

 7. Ranji’s superiority over the other boy is obvious in the following:

Physical strength, good diving, his being a fighter, sense of humour, swimming under water, making a good point, willingness to help.

Underline the relevant phrases.

Ans. Ability to dive, sense of humour, swimming under water, and willingness to assist

 8. What, according to you, makes the two adversaries turn into good friends in a matter of minutes ? Explain it as you have understood it.

Ans. Both opponents were aware that neither could win the fight. They then recognised each other’s abilities. They made the decision to become friends.

Exercise:-

Discuss the following topics in small groups.

 1. Is fighting the only way of resolving differences of opinion ? What else can be done to reach a mutually acceptable settlement ?

Ans. Fighting is not the only way to settle disagreements. These disagreements can be resolved more amicably through friendly talks. There will be no fight if we are open-minded enough to respect the opinions of others.

 2. Have you ever been in a serious fight only to realize later that it was unnecessary and futile? Share you experience/views with others frankly and honestly.

Ans. Yes, I had a serious argument with my friend Dishu last year. My notebook had gone missing. I assumed Dishu had taken it. I enquired with Dishu. He was enraged. I, too, became enraged. I smacked Dishu across the nose. His nose started bleeding. It was a pleasant day. He soon went unconscious. I was feeling bad. When I discovered the book in my bag, my sense of guilt grew even stronger.

 3. Why do some of us find it necessary to prove that we are better than others? Will you be amused or annoyed to read the following sign at the back of the car in front of you?

I may be going slow but I am ahead of you.

Ans.Some people have an inferiority complex. They are constantly eager to demonstrate their worth. As a result, they put these signs on their cars. This sign will make me laugh.