Page 110 - 8th-language-english-2

9. Sai’s love for books grew with her. Books were ‘revered’ objects
in the Paranjpye household. One day, Sai stepped on a book
by mistake as she rushed into the library.
10. “Stop right there!” ordered her grandfather. Sai froze, “Do
Not to be republished
you know what you just did? you kicked knowledge, that’s
what you did! Now ask forgiveness of the book!”
11. Sai bent meekly and did namaskar to the book. The same
punishment was given when he discovered any dog-eared book.
©KTBS
With this, Sai learnt to respect feelings about books early in life.
c1 answer the following questions and share your responses
with your partner.
1. Who was usually a playing companion for Sai in her childhood?
2. Who was affectionately called Appa?

3. When was the grandfather very much impressed by Sai’s
ability?
4. What was Sai’s first published book?

5. ‘‘Sai froze”. When did this happen?
Now read on silently.

12. It was not fun for her always. She was a bit plump and her mates
used to make fun of her.
13. “You can’t run with us, Sai,” jeered Chandu. “You
make our team weak,” said Meera unkindly. “Never can
you keep yourself active. You’re too fat,” added Devayani.
14. Sai’s face crumpled and she sat glumly by the sidelines watching
her friends laugh and play happily. Soon, her face brightened.
She cried out, “Ha! I know of a lovely game. It’s a magic island
full of hidden treasure ...” The mates, who were playing, gathered
around her to listen to her story. In no time she cast a spell of
magic. They not only listened to the fantastic story, but were
also ready to take roles and act as she directed. This went on,
not for a day or two, but for the whole week.
15. Sai was always fascinated by many things. One of them was
doll’s wedding. This is a traditional game played by Maharashtrian
girls. Children conduct ‘marriage’ of a bride doll and a groom
doll. Mantras are chanted. Gud [jaggery] and Poha [beaten rice]
are shared.

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