Page 98 - The English Carnival 7

‘Nor I,’ said Mani.

Swaminathan gasped with astonishment. In spite of his posing before Mani, he admired
Rajam intensely, and longed to be his friend. Now this was the happiest conclusion to

all the unwanted trouble. He danced with joy.

Rajam lowered his gun, and Mani dropped his club. To show
his goodwill, Rajam pulled out of his pocket half a dozen
What you Think?ou Think?
biscuits. What y
Swaminathan felt at
The river’s mild rumble, the rustling of the peeyul leaves, the perfect peace with the
half-light of the late evening, and the three friends eating, and world.Why ?
glowing with new friendship—Swaminathan felt at perfect

peace with the world.
–Taken from ‘Swami and Friends’ by R. K. Narayan

Word Meanings

nonchalance the state or quality of being uninterested or indifferent; a lack of
concern or enthusiasm

halting hesitating or stumbling in speech or action; not flowing smoothly

marksmanship skill in shooting or using firearms with precision and accuracy

mediator a person who intervenes in a dispute to bring about an agreement
or reconciliation between conflicting parties

adversary an opponent or enemy; someone who opposes or competes against
another

reconciliation the act of restoring friendly relations after a conflict or disagreement;
the process of making peace

animosity strong hostility, hatred, or ill-will towards someone; a deep-seated
feeling of resentment

gesture a movement, action, or expression that conveys a feeling, intention,

or message, often without words
entwined twisted or woven together; closely linked or interconnected

tapestry a richly woven fabric with intricate designs or images; used
metaphorically to represent a complex or intricate situation

96