Chapter 8 

                                                  THE KABULIWALLAH


1. Who was Mini and what was special about her nature?

Answer: Mini was a five-year-old girl who was extremely talkative and lively. She loved to chat all the time and could not remain quiet even for a moment. Her cheerful nature and endless curiosity made her very endearing.

2. Why was Mini’s mother worried about her?

Answer: Mini’s mother was worried because Mini talked continuously without any pause. She feared that such excessive talking might not be good and often tried to make her quiet, though she never succeeded.

3. How was Mini’s relationship with her father?

Answer: Mini shared a very close and lively relationship with her father. They had interesting and playful conversations, and her father enjoyed her chatter and imagination.

4. What strange idea did Mini share about the clouds?

Answer: Mini told her father that Bhola had said there was an elephant in the clouds spraying water from its trunk, which caused rain. This showed her imaginative and innocent thinking.

5. What made Mini run to the window suddenly?

Answer: Mini suddenly noticed a Kabuliwallah passing by and got excited. She ran to the window shouting to see him more clearly.

6. Why did Mini become afraid of the Kabuliwallah at first?

Answer: Mini had heard stories that Kabuliwallahs kidnapped children and carried them away in their bags. This made her terrified when she first saw him.

7. How did Mini overcome her fear of the Kabuliwallah?

Answer: With her father’s encouragement, Mini met the Kabuliwallah. Gradually, she realized he was kind and friendly, and her fear disappeared.

8. Describe the Kabuliwallah’s appearance and personality.

Answer: The Kabuliwallah was a tall, bearded Pathan who looked strong but had a gentle and affectionate nature. He spoke kindly to Mini and treated her with warmth.

9. What kind of friendship developed between Mini and the Kabuliwallah?

Answer: They developed a deep and playful friendship. They would joke, laugh, and talk for hours, forming a bond despite their age and cultural differences.

10. What was the common joke between Mini and the Kabuliwallah?

Answer: Mini would ask what was in his bag, and he would jokingly reply, “An elephant.” This amused both of them and became their regular joke.

11. What was the Kabuliwallah’s real name and profession?

Answer: His name was Rehman. He was a trader who sold dry fruits and also lent money to people.

12. Why did Rehman visit his country once a year?

Answer: Rehman returned to his homeland annually to meet his family and collect money owed to him before leaving.

13. What happened that led to Rehman being imprisoned?

Answer: Rehman stabbed a man who refused to repay a debt. As a result, he was arrested and sent to prison for committing a crime.

14. How did Mini’s life change after Rehman went to prison?

Answer: As time passed, Mini grew older and gradually forgot about Rehman. She became a young woman ready for marriage.

15. What preparations were being made in Mini’s house?

Answer: Preparations were underway for Mini’s wedding, with various ceremonies and arrangements taking place.

16. How did Mini’s father feel on her wedding day?

Answer: Mini’s father felt emotional and reflective. He was happy but also nostalgic as he remembered her childhood.

17. How did Rehman appear after being released from prison?

Answer: Rehman appeared older and worn out. Time and hardship had changed his appearance, making him difficult to recognize at first.

18. Why did Mini’s father fail to recognize Rehman immediately?

Answer: Years had passed, and Rehman’s appearance had changed significantly due to prison life, making him look older and weaker.

19. Why did Mini’s father initially refuse to let Rehman meet Mini?

Answer: He was busy with wedding ceremonies and thought it was not the right time for such a meeting.

20. What request did Rehman make before leaving?

Answer: Rehman requested to see “the little one,” still thinking of Mini as the small girl he had known.

21. What gift did Rehman bring for Mini?

Answer: He brought a packet of dried fruits like raisins, nuts, and almonds for Mini.

22. Why did Rehman bring the gift for Mini?

Answer: He brought it because Mini reminded him of his own daughter, whom he missed deeply.

23. What realization moved Mini’s father to tears?

Answer: He realized that Rehman was also a loving father who missed his child just as he loved Mini.

24. How did Mini look when she came out to meet Rehman?

Answer: Mini was dressed as a bride, looking grown-up and beautiful, very different from the little girl Rehman remembered.

25. How did Rehman react on seeing Mini as a bride?

Answer: He was shocked and saddened. He realized that time had passed and his own daughter must have grown up too.

26. What emotion did Rehman experience after seeing Mini?

Answer: He felt deep sorrow and longing for his own daughter and broke into tears.

27. Why did Mini fail to recognize Rehman?

Answer: Mini had grown up and forgotten her childhood friend, and Rehman’s appearance had changed significantly.

28. What did Mini’s father do to help Rehman?

Answer: He gave Rehman money so he could return to his country and meet his daughter.

29. What sacrifice did Mini’s father make?

Answer: He reduced wedding expenses by cutting out luxuries like a military band and electric lights.

30. Why was Mini’s father satisfied despite cutting costs?

Answer: He felt happy knowing his money helped reunite a father with his daughter.

Answer by Mrinmoee