I

PASSAGE

June 24

The first day of monsoon mist. And it’s strange how all the birds fall silent as the mist comes climbing up the hill. Perhaps that’s what makes the mist so melancholy; not only does it conceal the hills, it blankets them in silence too. Only an hour ago the trees were ringing with birdsong. And now the forest is deathly still as though it were midnight. Through the mist Bijju is calling to his sister. I can hear him running about on the hillside but I cannot see him.

Word Meaning:

• Mist (noun): A cloud of tiny water droplets suspended in the atmosphere at or near the earth’s surface, limiting visibility (less than fog; visibility remains above 1 km).
• Mist (verb): To cover or become covered with mist.
• Melancholy: A deep, reflective sadness (the mist evokes this feeling).
• Conceal: To hide or prevent from being seen.
• Blankets: To cover completely.

Explanation:

In this passage, Ruskin Bond describes June 24, the first day of the monsoon, marked by the arrival of mist. He notes the “strange” silence that envelops the birds as the mist ascends the hill. The term “melancholy” is apt for the mist, as it obscures the beautiful landscape and quiets the once-vibrant birdsong. Just an hour prior, the forest was alive with chirping, but now, it feels eerily still, as if it were midnight, reflecting a deep sense of sadness.

PASSAGE

June 25

Some genuine early monsoon rain, warm and humid, and not that cold high-altitude stuff we’ve been having all year. The plants seem to know it too, and the first cobra lily rears its head from the ferns as I walk up to the bank and post office. The mist affords a certain privacy. A school boy asked me to describe the hill station and valley in one sentence, and all I could say was: “A paradise that might have been.”

Word Meaning:

• Cobra lily: Common name for various plants, often known for their distinctive flower shape.
• Rears: To grow or cultivate (in the context of plants).
• Ferns: Flowerless plants with feathery green leaves, often found in moist, shaded areas.

Explanation:

On June 25, the hills experience genuine early monsoon rain that brings warmth and humidity, contrasting with the cold, high-altitude showers typical of the year. The plants respond to this change; the first cobra lily emerges from the ferns as the writer walks to the bank and post office. The mist adds a sense of privacy to the scene. When a schoolboy asks for a description of the hill station and valley, the author replies, “A paradise that might have been.” This phrase suggests that, during the monsoon, the landscape feels almost heavenly, highlighting the beauty and potential of the place, even if it’s not fully realized.

PASSAGE

June 27

The rains have heralded the arrival of some seasonal visitors—a leopard, and several thousand leeches. Yesterday afternoon the leopard lifted a dog from near the servants’ quarter below the school. In the evening it attacked one of Bijju’s cows but fled at the approach of Bijju’s mother, who came screaming imprecations. As for the leeches, I shall soon get used to a little bloodletting every day. Other new arrivals are the scarlet minivets (the females are yellow), flitting silently among the leaves like brilliant jewels. No matter how leafy the trees, these brightly coloured birds cannot conceal themselves, although, by remaining absolutely silent, they sometimes contrive to go unnoticed. Along come a pair of drongos, unnecessarily aggressive, chasing the minivets away.

Word Meaning:

• Heralded: Announced or brought the news of.
• Imprecations: Curses.
• Leeches: Aquatic or terrestrial annelid worms with suckers at both ends; many species are bloodsucking parasites.
• Bloodletting: The act of losing blood (historically, leeches were used for blood removal in medical practices).
• Scarlet minivets: Bright red birds resembling cuckoos; females are yellow.
• Flitting: Moving swiftly and lightly.
• Contrive: To manage to do something.
• Drongos: A type of songbird with a stout bill.

Explanation:

On June 27, the arrival of rain signals the seasonal visitors: a leopard and thousands of leeches. The previous day, the leopard took a dog from near the servants’ quarters and later attacked one of Bijju’s cows, fleeing only when Bijju’s mother screamed curses. The writer mentions adapting to the daily “bloodletting” from the leeches, indicating their presence. Additionally, the scarlet minivets arrive, vibrant red birds (females are yellow) that flit among the leaves like jewels. Despite their bright colors making them noticeable, they sometimes evade attention by remaining silent. However, aggressive drongos chase the minivets away, showcasing the dynamic interactions among the wildlife.

PASSAGE

A treecreeper moves rapidly up the trunk of the oak tree, snapping up insects all the way. Now that the rains are here, there is no dearth of food for the insectivorous birds.

Word Meaning:

• Creeper: A plant that grows along the ground, around another plant, or up a wall using extending stems or branches.
• Snapping up: To take something quickly or eagerly.
• Dearth: A scarcity or lack of something.
• Insectivorous: Feeding on insects, worms, and other invertebrates.

Explanation:

In this passage, a treecreeper swiftly ascends the oak tree trunk, eagerly capturing insects as it climbs. With the arrival of the rainy season, there is an abundance of food available for insectivorous birds, ensuring they have plenty to eat.

II

PASSAGE

August 2

All night the rain has been drumming on the corrugated tin roof. There has been no storm, no thunder, just the steady swish of a tropical downpour. It helps me to lie awake; at the same time, it doesn’t keep me from sleeping.

Word Meaning:

• Drumming: Falling noisily.
• Corrugated: Shaped into parallel ridges and grooves for added rigidity and strength.
• Swish: Moving with a hissing or rushing sound.

Explanation:

On August 2, the author describes the sound of rain drumming on the corrugated tin roof throughout the night. There is no accompanying storm or thunder; instead, the rain falls smoothly in a tropical downpour. This sound helps the author remain awake, yet it paradoxically doesn’t hinder his ability to fall asleep.

PASSAGE

It is a good sound to read by — the rain outside, the quiet within — and, although tin roofs are given to springing unaccountable leaks, there is a feeling of being untouched by, and yet in touch with, the rain.

Word Meaning:

• Unaccountable: Unable to be explained or understood; mysterious.
• Untouched: Not affected or harmed; remaining unaffected.
• In touch with: Aware of or connected to something.

Explanation:

The author reflects on the pleasant ambiance created by the sound of rain falling outside while enjoying the quiet indoors, making it an ideal setting for reading. He acknowledges that tin roofs often have mysterious leaks, yet this adds to the experience, creating a sense of being both unaffected by the rain and connected to it. This paradox enhances the comfort of the reading atmosphere, where the external sounds of rain blend harmoniously with the peacefulness inside.

PASSAGE

August 3

The rain stops. The clouds begin to break up, the sun strikes the hill on my left. A woman is chopping up sticks. I hear the tinkle of cowbells. In the oak tree, a crow shakes the raindrops from his feathers and caws disconsolately. Water drips from a leaking drainpipe. And suddenly, clean and pure, the song of the whistling thrush emerges like a dark sweet secret from the depths of the ravine.

Word Meaning:

• Chopping up: To cut something into small pieces.
• Disconsolately: Unhappily; unable to be comforted.
• Drainpipe: A pipe that carries off rainwater or liquid waste from a building.
• Thrush: A small to medium-sized songbird, typically with a brown back, spotted breast, and loud song.
• Ravine: A narrow, steep-sided valley.

Explanation:

On August 3, the rain ceases, and the clouds begin to disperse, allowing sunlight to illuminate the hill on the author’s left. A woman is chopping sticks, and the gentle tinkle of cowbells can be heard in the background. A crow perched in the oak tree shakes off raindrops from its feathers and caws unhappily, while water drips from a leaking drainpipe. Amidst this settling scene, the clear and pure song of the whistling thrush rises from the depths of the ravine, evoking the idea of a “dark sweet secret,” adding a sense of beauty and mystery to the moment.

PASSAGE

August 12

Endless rain, and a permanent mist. We haven’t seen the sun for eight or nine days. Everything damp and soggy. Nowhere to go. Pace the room, look out of the window at a few bobbing umbrellas. At least it isn’t cold rain. The hillsides are lush as late-monsoon flowers begin to appear — wild balsam, dahlias, begonias and ground orchids.

Word Meaning:

• Bobbing: Making a sudden movement to appear or disappear; often used to describe objects that rise and fall.
• Lush: Growing abundantly and healthily, especially used to describe rich vegetation.

Explanation:

By August 12, the hills are enveloped in continuous rain and persistent mist, having been deprived of sunlight for about eight to nine days. The surroundings feel perpetually damp, making it impossible to venture outside. The only activities available are pacing back and forth in the room or peering out the window to observe umbrellas bobbing in the distance. Despite the dreary weather, the author expresses relief that the rain is not cold. The hillsides thrive with lush vegetation, bursting with life as the last monsoon flowers begin to bloom. Among the flowers emerging in this vibrant landscape are wild balsam, dahlias, begonias, and ground orchids, highlighting nature’s resilience and beauty even during the rainy season.

PASSAGE

August 31

It is the last day of August, and the lush monsoon growth has reached its peak. The seeds of the cobra lily are turning red, signifying that the rains are coming to an end.

Explanation:

On August 31, the final day of the month, the monsoon season approaches its conclusion. By this time, the lush growth of vegetation has reached its peak, showcasing the vitality brought by the rains. The transformation of the cobra lily seeds to a vibrant red color serves as a natural indicator that the rainy season is drawing to a close, symbolizing the cyclical changes in nature as it prepares for the transition ahead.

PASSAGE

In a few days the ferns will start turning yellow, but right now they are still firm, green and upright. Ground orchids, mauve lady’s slipper and the white butterfly orchids put on a fashion display on the grassy slopes of Landour. Wild dahlias, red, yellow and magenta, rear their heads from the rocky crevices where they have taken hold.

Word Meaning:

• Landour: A small cantonment town adjacent to Mussoorie, known for its scenic beauty.
• Crevices: Narrow openings or cracks in rocks or walls.

Explanation:

In the coming days, the ferns will begin to turn yellow, transitioning from their current firm and vibrant green state. The author observes how the ground orchids, mauve lady’s slipper, and white butterfly orchids create a fashionable display on the grassy slopes of Landour, enhancing the area’s beauty. Additionally, wild dahlias in shades of red, yellow, and magenta emerge from the rocky crevices, proudly lifting their heads as they thrive in the challenging environment. This imagery captures the dynamic interplay of color and life in the landscape, showcasing nature’s resilience and beauty.

PASSAGE

Snakes and rodents, flooded out of their holes and burrows, take shelter in roofs, attics and godowns. A shrew, weak of eyesight, blunders about the rooms, much to the amusement of the children. “Don’t kill it,” admonishes their grandmother. “Chuchundars are lucky — they bring money!” And sure enough, I received a cheque in the mail. Not a very large one, but welcome all the same.

Word Meaning:

• Burrows: Holes or tunnels dug by small animals, such as rabbits, for dwelling.
• Attics: Spaces or rooms located inside or partially within the roof of a building.
• Shrew: A small insectivorous mammal resembling a mouse, characterized by a long pointed snout and tiny eyes.
• Blunders: Acts clumsily or makes mistakes.
• Admonishes: Warns or reprimands someone firmly.
• Chuchundars: The Hindi word for shrew.

Explanation:
As the floodwaters rise, snakes and rodents are forced out of their burrows, seeking refuge in roofs, attics, and storage rooms (godowns). Among them is a shrew, which, due to its weak eyesight, clumsily wanders around the rooms, providing amusement for the children. Their grandmother admonishes them not to harm it, claiming that chuchundars (shrews) are lucky and bring wealth. The author humorously notes that shortly after, he received a cheque in the mail—though not a large sum, it was still a welcome surprise. This passage illustrates the interplay of nature and superstition, as well as the lightheartedness of family dynamics in the face of unexpected visitors.

PASSAGE

October 3

We have gone straight from monsoon into winter rain. Snow at higher altitudes. After an evening hailstorm, the sky and hills are suffused with beautiful golden light.

Word Meaning:

• Suffused: Gradually spread through or over an area.

Explanation:
On October 3, the region transitions directly from monsoon to winter rain, signaling the end of the prolonged monsoon season. Higher altitudes are now capped with snow. Following an evening hailstorm, the sky and hills are bathed in a stunning golden light, creating a picturesque and serene atmosphere. This imagery captures the abrupt change in weather and the beauty that follows, highlighting the contrast between the harshness of the hailstorm and the warmth of the golden light that suffuses the landscape.

PASSAGE

January 26

Winter Rains in the Hills In the hushed silence of the house when I am quite alone, and my friend, who was here has gone, it is very lonely, very quiet, as I sit in a liquid silence, a silence within, surrounded by the rhythm of rain, the steady drift of water on leaves, on lemons, on roof, drumming on drenched dahlias and window panes, while the mist holds the house in a dark caress.

Word Meaning:

• Hushed: Very quiet and still.
• Drenched: Thoroughly wet; soaked.
• Caress: To touch gently.

Explanation:

On January 26, the hills are enveloped in winter rains. The author describes a moment of solitude in a hushed and still house, now empty after a friend’s departure. This loneliness is palpable as he experiences a profound internal silence. Surrounding him is the rhythmic sound of rain, gently flowing over leaves, lemons, and the roof, drumming softly on the drenched dahlias and window panes. The mist envelops the house, adding a layer of gentle darkness, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and introspection amidst the winter rain.

PASSAGE

As I pause near a window, the rain stops. And starts again. And the trees, no longer green but grey, menace me with their loneliness.

Word Meaning:

• Menace: To be a threat or possible danger to.

Explanation:

As the author pauses by the window, he observes the rain briefly ceasing before starting again. He notes a transformation in the trees, which have shifted from vibrant green to a somber grey. This change evokes a sense of foreboding, as the trees, now stripped of their life and color, seem to threaten him with their overwhelming loneliness. The imagery reflects the emotional weight of isolation, suggesting that the environment mirrors his inner feelings.

PASSAGE

March 23

Late March. End of winter. The blackest cloud I’ve ever seen squatted over Mussoorie, and then it hailed marbles for half an hour. Nothing like a hailstorm to clear the sky. Even as I write, I see a rainbow forming.

Word Meaning:

• Squatted: To sit or rest in a position close to the ground.

Explanation:

In this passage, the author reflects on late March, signaling the transition from winter to spring. He describes witnessing an extraordinarily dark cloud hovering over Mussoorie, which unleashed hailstones resembling marbles for half an hour. The author suggests that such a hailstorm is effective in clearing the sky of gloom. As he writes in his diary, he observes a rainbow beginning to form, symbolizing hope and renewal after the storm, contrasting the dark clouds that preceded it.