Comprehension (A)
Navasard seemed to be pondering over-something as he looked in the direction of the village. But then turned sharply and ran towards a spot in the orchard instead. He had not seen Arshak for ten years. Each year he would look at the road hopefully and wait. He had waited patiently. And now, at long last, he would see him. Arshak had come at a good time: fruit in orchards had ripened, and he was still hale and hearty.
Navasard had no living relatives left in the village. His had not been a happy life. He had never had any children of his own, and his wife had died many years before. His brother and sister-in-law had died of hunger during the war, leaving an only son, Arshak.
Then he recalled that the largest of the watermelons had ripened under the huge mulberry tree by the river bank. He cut its stem, wiped the silvery dust from the melon with the hem of his long jacket and admired its shiny stripes. "My Arshak loves watermelons," he mumbled. He got down on his knees, put his arms around the melon and squeezed hard, with his ear to the rind. He nodded approvingly at the sound. He then went over to the fig tree, climbed it with difficulty and began picking the honey-sweet fruit that had been pecked at here and there by the birds. He chose the figs. and packed them gently into a bright woven basket.
Questions:
i. Write a brief summary of the passage and give a suitable title.
ii. Explain the meaning of the expressions "hale and hearty" and "wiped the silvery dust from the melon with the hem of his long jacket" in the context of the passage.
iii. Analyze Navasard's emotions and actions as he anticipates the arrival of Arshak, emphasizing the themes of patience and hope.
iv. How does the passage explore the theme of family, loss, and the impact of war on Navasard's life?
v. What theme or message about the significance of small moments of joy and connection can be inferred from the passage?
vi. How might Navasard's experience of waiting and preparing for Arshak's visit be applied to real-life situations where individuals cherish reunions and shared memories with loved ones?
