The Room on the Roof
Summary
Ruskin Bond wrote The Room on the Roof when he was just 17 years old. After finishing school, he spent a few years in Dehradun, where he experienced the mix of Indian and Anglo-Indian cultures, which deeply influenced the novel. He initially wrote the manuscript while staying in England, where he moved to live with his relatives.
The novel was published in 1956 by André Deutsch, a London-based publishing house, after Bond won the John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize in 1957 for outstanding literature by a young writer. This success helped him return to India and establish his career as a writer.
The novel remains one of his most beloved works and has been reprinted multiple times over the decades.
Introduction
The Room on the Roof is a coming-of-age novel by Ruskin Bond. It tells the story of Rusty, a 16-year-old orphaned Anglo-Indian boy living in Dehradun, India. Rusty’s life is controlled by his strict English guardian, who does not allow him to interact with Indians or experience the colorful life of India. However, Rusty is curious about the world outside and eventually escapes his dull and lonely life to find friendship, love, and adventure.
This is a story of self-discovery, friendship, love, and independence as Rusty grows from a confused, lonely boy into someone who starts to take control of his own life.
Beginning: Rusty’s Boring and Lonely Life
Rusty lives in Dehradun, but he does not feel like he belongs anywhere. He is not fully British, nor fully Indian. His English guardian has strict rules and does not let him play with Indian children or explore Indian culture. Rusty is tired of his lonely life, living in a boring white house with no freedom. He wants to escape and see the world beyond his guardian’s control.
Rusty Runs Away & Finds Friendship
One day, Rusty meets Somi, Ranbir, and Kishen, a group of friendly and lively Indian boys. They show him the real, colorful India—full of festivals, food, and fun. They take him to play Holi (the festival of colors), where Rusty has fun for the first time in his life. But when he returns home, his guardian beats him for mixing with Indians.
This is the final straw for Rusty. He cannot live under his guardian’s control anymore, so he runs away from home. Somi helps him find a place to stay—a room on the roof of an Indian family’s house. In exchange for food and shelter, Rusty must teach English to their son, Kishen.
Rusty is now free! He finally experiences independence, Indian culture, and friendship.
Rusty’s Life in the New Home
Rusty stays with Mr. and Mrs. Kapoor and their son Kishen. Mr. Kapoor is a rich man but spends most of his time drinking alcohol. Mrs. Meena Kapoor is a kind and beautiful woman, much younger than her husband. Rusty secretly falls in love with her.
He enjoys his new life, exploring the bazaar, eating chaat (Indian street food), and spending time with his friends. He also grows close to Kishen, who is mischievous but fun-loving.
Rusty starts to change—he learns Hindi, becomes stronger, and gains confidence.
Rusty Falls in Love
Rusty adores Meena Kapoor. She is the first woman to be kind to him, and he feels safe and happy with her. They share secret moments, and Rusty dreams of running away with her.
One day, during a picnic in the forest, Rusty and Meena kiss. This is Rusty’s first love, and he feels deeply connected to her. But their love is impossible because she is married.
Tragedy Strikes: Meena Kapoor Dies
Soon after, Meena dies in a car accident. Rusty is heartbroken. He cannot believe she is gone.
Mr. Kapoor quickly remarries another woman, which makes Rusty furious. He feels betrayed, as if Meena never mattered to her husband.
This tragedy changes Rusty. He realizes life is unpredictable and that he must move forward.
Rusty’s Friend Kishen Runs Away
After Meena’s death, Kishen is sent to live with his aunt in Hardwar. However, he runs away and becomes a thief.
Rusty, who had planned to go to England, changes his mind. He cannot leave without helping Kishen.
Rusty Searches for Kishen
Rusty travels to Hardwar and finally finds Kishen. But Kishen is no longer the same mischievous boy. He is thin, ragged, and living like a criminal.
Despite everything, Rusty and Kishen’s bond remains strong. Kishen trusts Rusty and decides to go back to Dehradun with him.
Together, they return to the room on the roof, ready to start a new life.
Ending: Rusty’s Decision
By the end of the novel, Rusty is no longer lost. He knows where he belongs. He decides to stay in India, with his friends, his independence, and his dreams.
Kishen tells Rusty, “One day, you’ll be great—a writer or a poet!”
Rusty smiles and agrees.
The novel ends with Rusty and Kishen walking toward their future—toward adventure, responsibility, and self-discovery.
Plot
Chapter 1:
The story begins on a rainy spring day as Rusty, a lonely Anglo-Indian boy, walks along a winding road outside Dehra. He enjoys the smell of the earth and flowers in the rain but feels unhappy because he is heading home, where he does not feel comfortable or free. Rusty, with his pale skin, blue-grey eyes, and lazy but thoughtful nature, walks with his head down, lost in thought.
As he walks, he notices a boy cycling beside him. The cyclist, Somi, is friendly and curious about Rusty, who looks different from the usual residents of Dehra. Somi offers Rusty a lift on his bicycle, and though Rusty prefers walking, he eventually agrees. As they ride together, Somi asks Rusty about his background. Rusty reveals that, despite his European appearance, he was born in India and has never been to England, only visiting Delhi.
On the way, they meet Ranbir, a strong and athletic wrestler, who joins them on the bicycle. Soon after, they encounter Suri, a small, sickly but cunning boy, known for gathering and spreading gossip. Suri insists on joining them, making the ride crowded and uncomfortable. As they speed downhill, Suri panics, while Somi and Ranbir enjoy the thrill. Rusty, nervous but trusting Somi, holds on tightly.
As they approach town, Rusty asks to get off, realizing he is near his home. Somi invites him to join them for a meal, but Rusty, too shy to accept, declines and walks away. Before leaving, he tells them his name—Rusty—and watches as they cycle away, feeling unexpectedly lonely. Though he had initially wanted to return home, he now regrets not going with them, realizing how much he craves friendship and belonging.
Chapter 2:
Chapter 2 introduces Rusty’s life in Dehra, his strict guardian Mr. John Harrison, and his longing for freedom. The chapter begins with a lighthearted moment where a missionary’s wife enjoys the company of a butterfly in her garden. Unlike her cheerful nature, Mr. Harrison is a serious and controlling man. He expresses concern about Rusty, saying the boy “dreams too much”, and asks the missionary’s wife to keep him occupied while he is away in Delhi for business.
During lunch, Rusty cautiously asks about his guardian’s trip, but Mr. Harrison remains cold and dismissive. Rusty fears him—not just for his strict nature but also for the malacca cane in the glass cupboard, a symbol of discipline and punishment. Mr. Harrison had taken care of Rusty after his parents died, paying for his school and upbringing, making Rusty feel like he was owned rather than cared for.
Rusty spends time in his room, looking out of the window, where he sees a sweeper boy, the only other boy in their European community. However, Rusty avoids speaking to him, influenced by the rigid class and racial divisions in his society. He recalls how the missionary’s wife once told him that even if he were Indian, he wouldn’t be allowed to play with the sweeper boy. This thought makes Rusty wonder who the sweeper boy could play with at all.
The European community in Dehra lives separately from the bustling Indian bazaar, which Rusty finds fascinating yet forbidden. The adults in his community ignore or criticize India beyond their immediate surroundings, living in an illusion of an “English” life with their gardens, nameplates, and old traditions. Many Europeans left after independence, but some, like Mr. Harrison, stayed for business and comfort, not out of love for the country.
Rusty, the only young person in the community, is lonely and lost in dreams. He often walks alone, imagining grand adventures and friendships. His past is hazy, with distant memories of seashell-covered beaches, a gramophone playing old songs, and a ship captain who gave him chocolates and comics. His guardian never speaks of his parents, leaving Rusty to piece together his childhood from faint memories.
At sixteen, Rusty feels much older than his age. He spends time looking at his reflection, imagining himself as a grown, worldly man, even though he is still just a boy. His Mongolian-like cheekbones make him wonder why he looks different from the others in his community.
As Mr. Harrison prepares to leave for Delhi, Rusty sees this as a chance for freedom. He plans to explore, wander, and dream—maybe even venture into the forbidden bazaar. As he lies in bed, he wonders where to go the next day—the forests, the hills, or the bustling Indian streets. He knows that tomorrow holds new possibilities, and he is eager to embrace them.
Chapter 3:
On a cold, fresh morning, Rusty watches his guardian Mr. Harrison leave for Delhi. This means a few days of freedom for Rusty, away from his strict and controlling life. As soon as his guardian’s car disappears, he feels excited about the possibilities ahead.
The missionary’s wife, known for keeping Rusty occupied with gardening, calls out to him, asking for help with pruning. Rusty, for the first time, refuses, making an excuse that he is going for a walk. Before she can insist, he quickly escapes down the road, heading in a direction he has never taken before—the bazaar.
Rusty passes neat European cottages and a commercial area with restaurants and shops catering to wealthy Indians and tourists. However, he does not stop there. His real destination is beyond the Clock Tower, a landmark in the town that ironically has no clock because there was not enough money to complete it. This Clock Tower marks the border between Rusty’s world and the real India—the vibrant, chaotic, and forbidden bazaar.
As he reaches the tower, Rusty hesitates, feeling nervous and afraid of breaking the rules set by his guardian. But his curiosity overpowers his fear, and he steps into the bazaar, entering a world filled with noise, movement, and life.
The bazaar is crowded with people—vendors shouting, children playing, cows wandering freely, and the air filled with the smell of spices, food, and even dung. The boy is overwhelmed but fascinated. He sees beggars—thin, sick, some near death—but he feels strangely detached from their suffering, as if they were just another part of the scene, like the cows or the loudspeakers playing music.
He walks past vegetable stands, fruit stalls, tea shops, an astrologer’s booth, and a toy shop—each different from the next, adding to the bazaar’s lively, unpredictable nature. Suddenly, he notices smoke coming from a shop and walks toward it out of curiosity.
Just then, Somi appears, riding his bicycle at full speed, heading straight into the smoke-filled shop. However, his path is blocked by Maharani, a huge, stubborn cow that refuses to move. Rather than slowing down, Somi expertly swerves past Maharani—but crashes into Rusty, knocking him into the dirty gutter.
Rusty, disgusted by the awful smell of rotten vegetables and dirty water, angrily shouts at Somi. But Somi only laughs, a warm and infectious laugh that immediately softens Rusty’s anger. Despite being annoyed, Rusty finds himself drawn to Somi’s carefree and friendly nature.
Somi insists on taking Rusty for chaat, a street food that Rusty has never heard of. Before Rusty can protest, Somi pushes him into the smoky shop, where a large, oily man is busy frying tikkees (spiced potato cakes) in a massive pan of sizzling oil. Rusty hesitantly takes a bite and is surprised—it is hot and spicy, but also delicious. Though unsure at first, he finishes the food and even asks for more.
As they eat, Somi formally introduces himself again and asks for Rusty’s name. Rusty, still trying to sulk, reluctantly responds. Somi playfully declares that they are now “best favorite friends.” Though Rusty still pretends to be annoyed, he shakes Somi’s warm, muddy hand and fully embraces the friendship.
For the first time, Rusty experiences genuine warmth and companionship, something he has never had in his isolated life.
Chapter 4:
After spending a joyful time at the chaat shop, Rusty returns home and is greeted by the missionary’s wife, who cheerfully invites him for iced lemonade. However, after experiencing the flavors and liveliness of the bazaar, Rusty finds the idea of lemonade dull and unappealing. Politely avoiding her, he heads to his room, where he reflects on his new friendship with Somi and his upcoming meeting with him.
The next day, Rusty sneaks out again to meet Somi at the chaat shop. As he sits cross-legged on the floor, he listens to Somi ask, “By what misfortune are you an Englishman?” Somi finds it amusing that Rusty has lived in India his entire life but has never experienced Indian food or culture. Rusty explains that his guardian raised him in strict English ways, but Somi laughs, knowing that Rusty is already changing.
Soon, Ranbir, another of Somi’s friends, joins them. Ranbir is strong, wild-haired, and walks barefoot, giving him a rough but friendly appearance. He introduces Holi, the festival of colors, and invites Rusty to celebrate it with him. Rusty, unfamiliar with the tradition, is hesitant. When he expresses concern about getting into trouble, Ranbir calls him a snob, just as Somi did the day before. Rusty, caught up in the moment, hesitantly agrees to play Holi—but only if his guardian doesn’t return the next day.
Somi, however, reveals that he won’t be playing. As a Sikh, his religious beliefs don’t allow him to participate in Holi, though he promises to meet Rusty the day after. The two friends part ways, with Somi disappearing into the chaat shop’s smoky air while Rusty and Ranbir continue eating gol guppas, enjoying the vibrant bazaar life.
When Rusty returns home, he is shocked to see Mr. Harrison’s car parked outside. His heart pounds with fear—he had almost forgotten about his guardian’s existence. As he runs up the veranda steps, he is greeted by Mr. Harrison, who immediately questions him.
When Rusty tries to lie, he quickly realizes it’s useless—his guardian already knows he went to the bazaar. Mr. Harrison becomes cold and stern, reminding Rusty that he belongs in this house, this road, this community—and nowhere else. Rusty feels a surge of rebellion inside him, but his fear holds him back. Instead of arguing, he apologizes, though he knows it won’t be enough.
Without hesitation, Mr. Harrison retrieves the malacca cane from the cupboard. Rusty clenches his teeth and grips the sofa as the first stroke lands. The pain builds with each strike, leaving welts and even drawing blood. By the sixth stroke, Rusty cannot bear it anymore—he screams, leaps over the sofa, and runs from the room.
In his room, he inspects his wounds in the mirror, feeling both pain and deep resentment. His anger grows, not just at his guardian but also at himself. As he lies in bed, the sweeper boy appears at his window, offering concern and sympathy. But Rusty, still hurt and humiliated, lashes out at him, accusing him of telling Mr. Harrison about his visit to the bazaar.
The sweeper boy looks hurt but silently walks away, leaving wet fingerprints on the windowsill. Rusty immediately regrets his harshness, but his upbringing prevents him from treating a servant as an equal. Frustrated, angry, and ashamed, he buries his head in his pillow, fantasizing about beating Mr. Harrison until he begs for mercy.
For the first time, Rusty realizes the depth of his misery—he is trapped in a life he does not belong to, yearning for a world he has only just begun to explore.
Chapter 5:
Early in the morning, Ranbir waits in the jungle behind Rusty’s house, beating his dholak (drum) as a signal for Rusty to come and play Holi. His body is covered in green dust, making him look like a painted god. The drumbeat echoes through the air, growing louder and more impatient.
Rusty wakes up and hears the sound but is hesitant. He remembers his promise to Ranbir, but he also remembers his guardian’s punishment. Holi—the festival of colors, spring, and new beginnings—means nothing to him. He tries to ignore the drum, but the distant sound of drums and music from the bazaar stirs something inside him. Suddenly, he feels an impulse to escape.
Without removing his pyjamas, Rusty climbs out of the window and runs into the jungle, where Ranbir greets him with open hands full of colored dust. Ranbir rubs red dust on Rusty’s left cheek and green dust on his right, then embraces him in a tight wrestler’s hug. Rusty is startled but follows Ranbir into the town, where Holi celebrations are in full swing.
As they enter the bazaar, colors explode everywhere. The walls of houses, trees, and streets are stained with vibrant powders, and colored water sprays in the air. People dance, sing, and drum, celebrating the arrival of spring. Rusty, still confused, watches as Ranbir’s friends greet him by throwing black water and colored dust at him.
At first, Rusty is overwhelmed—he is drenched, his clothes torn, and dust stings his skin. But soon, he embraces the chaos, and his fear turns into joy. He laughs, dances, and runs with the others, completely forgetting his strict, colorless life under Mr. Harrison.
In the middle of the festivities, someone announces that Suri, the cunning boy, is hiding to avoid playing Holi. Determined to drag him out, the boys climb through the skylight of his house and pull him out, trampling his glasses in the process. Suri screams that he “cannot see”, but the others laugh, enjoying the rare moment of power over him.
Rusty, however, feels pity for Suri and asks Ranbir to let him go. Ranbir insists that Holi is the only day when people are not afraid of Suri and want to teach him a lesson for his spying and mischief. Eventually, the celebration moves on, and Suri is forgotten.
For the entire day, Rusty runs through the town and jungle, throwing colors, laughing, and feeling more alive than ever. He forgets Mr. Harrison, the missionary’s wife, and the beatings. When the afternoon sun softens, the group rests in the jungle, exhausted.
Lying on the soft grass, Rusty realizes how much he loves this world of freedom. His body is sore, his feet are bruised, and his clothes are gone—but he is happier than ever.
For the first time, Rusty does not want to go home.
Chapter 6:
As Rusty returns home late at night, his guardian, Mr. Harrison, stands on the veranda, smoking a cigarette in the darkness. A street lamp briefly illuminates Rusty, revealing his ragged pyjamas and his body covered in Holi colors. At first, Mr. Harrison does not recognize him, mistaking him for a servant or a sweeper boy. Rusty instinctively thinks of escaping, but his guardian’s sharp tone stops him.
When Mr. Harrison finally recognizes Rusty, he is filled with rage and disappointment. He sees all his efforts to raise Rusty as an Englishman wasted. He drags Rusty into the drawing room and pushes him so violently that the boy crashes into a table and falls to the ground. Rusty barely has time to react before he sees the malacca cane twitching in Mr. Harrison’s hands.
In a sudden burst of anger, Mr. Harrison lashes the cane across Rusty’s face, cutting his cheek. As blood trickles down his mouth, his guardian yells at him, demanding to know where he has been. He accuses Rusty of behaving like a mongrel, saying that only his father was truly English, while Rusty himself is no better than a servant.
For the first time, Rusty fights back. Furious and humiliated, he shouts that he is as good as anyone, even the sweeper boy. Instead of cowering, he charges at Mr. Harrison, grabbing his legs and pulling him down. His guardian falls flat on his back, momentarily stunned.
Rusty seizes his chance. In a moment of wild defiance, he grabs a vase from the missionary’s wife’s collection and hurls it at Mr. Harrison, hitting him in the chest. As Mr. Harrison struggles to get up, Rusty slaps him across the face, over and over again, overwhelmed by the thrill of power. He realizes that he is no longer a child but nearly a man—capable of fighting back, of inflicting pain, of standing up for himself.
The commotion wakes the missionary’s wife, who screams at the sight of the fight. Fearing capture, Rusty darts out of the room, jumps out of his bedroom window, and runs into the night, laughing in exhilaration as he escapes.
Now alone, Rusty wanders the dark streets of the bazaar, searching for a place to stay. The chaat shop is closed, and the streets are deserted, except for sleeping beggars and a stray dog sniffing through the gutters. The once bustling bazaar now seems lonely and unwelcoming.
Cold, shivering, and exhausted, Rusty sits on a shop’s stone steps, but the chill of the night seeps into his skin. A mysterious woman beckons him from a high window, and Rusty, desperate for shelter, climbs the stairs to her room.
Inside, the room is filled with perfume and incense, and the woman—slightly older but still attractive—smiles at him invitingly. She touches his face and body, pulling him close. Rusty, confused and inexperienced, pulls away, awkwardly saying, “I am hungry.”
The woman, mistaking him for a romantic poet, kisses him, but Rusty moves away in embarrassment. Though he likes her, he is afraid and unsure. Seeing his innocence and misery, the woman pities him and offers him a place to sleep, but Rusty refuses. They both pity each other but do not understand each other.
Rusty leaves the room and wanders through the streets, finally reaching the Clock Tower. Nearby, he finds a maidan (open grassland), which is empty except for grazing cattle and wrestling grounds. He collapses onto a bench, shivering in his thin, torn pyjamas, feeling utterly alone.
As he lies there, rain begins to fall, washing away the Holi colors from his skin. Rusty curls under the bench, but the ground turns to mud, and he feels completely abandoned. The thrill of rebellion fades, replaced by cold, fear, and regret.
For a brief moment, he wonders if he should go back to Mr. Harrison, but he knows he will never be forgiven. His only hope is Somi or Ranbir. If they don’t find him, what will he do?
As the rain stops, the moonlight returns, making the maidan feel vast and lonely. Rusty is overwhelmed by the silence, realizing that he is completely on his own for the first time in his life.
Panicked by his isolation, Rusty breaks into a run, desperately heading back toward the Clock Tower—his only familiar landmark.
Chapter 7:
Rusty wakes up on the steps of the chaat shop, long after the sun has risen. He is exhausted, sore, and disoriented, struggling to remember how he ended up in the bazaar. Meanwhile, Somi is at the common water tank, bathing and chatting with the locals—ayahs, cooks, water carriers, and children playing in the cold mountain water. After finishing his morning routine, Somi rides his bicycle toward the bazaar, unaware of Rusty’s condition.
When Somi finds Rusty lying outside the chaat shop, he wakes him up, teasingly asking, “Holi finished yesterday, you know!” Rusty, still groggy, sits up and suddenly remembers everything—his fight with Mr. Harrison, running away, and spending the night alone. Without hesitation, he looks Somi in the eyes and confesses that he has run away from home.
Somi is not shocked at all. He simply smiles and says, “Good. Now you can stay with me.” Unlike Rusty’s guardian, who treated him with rules and punishments, Somi welcomes him without question, offering him a home.
Somi takes Rusty on his bicycle, riding through the countryside. As they pass a canal filled with rushing mountain water, Rusty begins to feel relief—he is no longer alone. However, he is also worried about finding a job to support himself. Somi reassures him, saying, “Don’t worry about that yet. You’ve only just run away.”
As they continue riding, they pass a boy swinging on a gate. Somi waves at him but does not stop. When Rusty asks who he is, Somi explains that his name is Kishen, the son of a wealthy but struggling family. Though Kishen is sometimes friends with Somi and Ranbir, he also switches sides when it benefits him, including befriending Suri. Rusty finds this amusing but also intriguing.
Finally, they arrive at Somi’s house—a small, flat home covered in a bougainvillaea creeper. The garden is full of bright orange marigolds, growing wildly in every direction. Somi’s mother is not home, and his father is away in Delhi.
Inside, Rusty notices the simple but peaceful atmosphere. The room is cool and spacious, with few decorations except for a large portrait of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. The serene expression of Guru Nanak seems to fill the room with calmness, just like Somi’s ever-present smile.
Somi gives Rusty traditional Indian clothes to wear—a long white shirt and pyjamas. Rusty is surprised that they fit him loosely, as he expected Somi’s clothes to be small. Somi explains that they are designed to be loose for comfort in hot weather.
Dressed in Somi’s clothes, wearing slapping sandals just like his friend’s, Rusty finally feels safe and accepted. He does not need to thank Somi—their friendship is based on genuine care, not formalities or obligations.
As Somi cheerfully asks, “Is there anything else?”, Rusty yawns and responds, “Can I go to sleep now, please?”
For the first time in a long while, Rusty is able to rest without fear.
Chapter 8:
For the first time in a long while, Rusty sleeps peacefully. Unlike the restless nights at Mr. Harrison’s house, where he was never tired enough or haunted by his imagination, he now feels safe in Somi’s home. He sleeps through the entire day and night, finally allowing himself to rest.
The next morning, Somi drags Rusty to the common water tank for a bath. Rusty, embarrassed by the public bathing, hesitates before taking off his shirt. He feels awkward around the ayahs (nannies) and local women, especially when one smiles mischievously at him. However, Somi pulls him under the cold mountain water, and Rusty gasps from the shock. Despite his discomfort, the experience makes him feel alive.
At lunch, Rusty meets Somi’s mother, a simple yet strong woman. She has grey streaks in her hair and wears a plain white sari, reflecting the hard life she has endured. She tells Rusty that after Partition, their family had to leave their home in Punjab and start over in India. Somi’s father works in Delhi, while his sisters are married. Rusty admires her resilience and feels a sense of belonging in their home.
During the meal, Somi’s mother jokingly tells Rusty that Somi is terrible at school, always coming last in class. Somi, laughing, suddenly gets an idea—a job for Rusty! He remembers Kishen Kapoor, the boy they had seen earlier. Kishen’s father is looking for an English tutor, and Rusty could be perfect for the job.
Rusty is hesitant—he doesn’t believe he can teach—but Somi reassures him. However, when Somi returns from speaking to Mr. Kapoor, he brings bad news—there will be no salary. Instead, Rusty will receive food, water, and a room. Rusty, still unsure, agrees to at least meet the Kapoors.
That evening, Somi and Rusty arrive at the Kapoor house, a comfortable bungalow near the canal, surrounded by banana and papaya trees. To Rusty’s surprise, a party is happening. A bonfire burns in the yard, and guests gather around it—shopkeepers, businessmen, and even Suri, who never misses a social event.
Somi explains that Mr. Kapoor was once an important man but has fallen from success due to his drinking. Everyone feels sorry for his wife, Meena Kapoor, who is charming, beautiful, and carries herself with grace despite her husband’s behavior.
Soon, Mr. Kapoor stumbles out of the house, holding a bottle of whisky and a glass. He wears a green dressing gown, has a week-old beard, and dribbles slightly. He starts throwing wood onto the fire, shouting for it to burn brighter. He is friendly but completely drunk, and the party becomes tense as he throws a pot of sweetmeats into the flames, shocking Rusty.
Suddenly, fireworks explode—Suri and some others have started lighting rockets and crackers. The guests panic, unsure whether to run from the fire or the fireworks. In the chaos, Suri burns his finger and begins screaming, which causes the women to rush to his aid.
Meanwhile, Somi finally introduces Rusty to Mr. Kapoor, who leans on the boy for support. Kapoor, in his drunken state, mistakes Rusty for someone going to England and starts rambling about Monte Carlo, claiming that he built it himself. Rusty humors him, realizing that a serious job discussion is impossible in Kapoor’s condition.
Eventually, Meena Kapoor steps in. With a calm but firm presence, she leads her husband inside. Rusty watches her, mesmerized by her beauty and grace, feeling a strange admiration for her.
As they leave, Somi tells Rusty they will have to return tomorrow to speak with Meena Kapoor instead, since she is the only one with any sense. Before heading home, Somi reminds Rusty that Ranbir has been asking for him. Rusty suddenly realizes that he hasn’t thought about Ranbir since running away, and he feels ashamed.
After all, it was Ranbir—through Holi, through color, through a simple touch—who changed Rusty’s life forever.
Chapter 9:
Kishen Kapoor, against his parents’ wishes, spends most of his time in the bazaar because it is forbidden, full of germs, and dangerous—things that excite him. In contrast, Ranbir has grown up in the bazaar, spending his childhood grazing his uncle’s buffaloes, riding them home in the evening. As he grew older, he started helping in his father’s cloth shop but preferred the open fields.
Kishen hates cows, especially Maharani, the “Queen of the Bazaar”, a pampered and stubborn cow that lives off the generosity of the bazaar people. One day, Kishen ties a tin can to Maharani’s tail, enjoying the sight of her panicking and running madly. However, a few days later, Maharani gets her revenge, knocking Kishen into the gutter with her nose.
Unlike Kishen, Ranbir loves animals and wrestling. He is the strongest wrestler in the bazaar, with a huge, unshakable frame. However, despite his strength, he has a gentle nature, often singing and playing with babies when their mothers are busy.
One day, Ranbir unknowingly sleeps with a temple dancer, and Suri—the nosy gossip of the bazaar—finds out. Suri blackmails Ranbir, forcing him to please him from time to time. However, during Holi, Ranbir is free from Suri’s control, as the spirit of the festival allows him to break away.
The morning after the Kapoors’ party, Ranbir, Somi, and Rusty sit in the chaat shop, discussing Rusty’s situation. Ranbir feels guilty, believing that he got Rusty into trouble by introducing him to the bazaar life. However, Rusty laughs it off, saying he has no regrets. Ranbir cheers up and offers to treat them to unlimited gol guppas before he leaves for Mussoorie for school.
Suddenly, Kishen arrives, walking with a swagger. He is different from Ranbir—he wears pants instead of pyjamas, chews gum, and tries to act Western. Somi teases him, asking about his black eye. Kishen explains that he was building a badminton court on the maidan, but the wrestlers claimed the space for themselves and beat him up.
Kishen introduces himself to Rusty, immediately trying to strike up a friendship. He asks Rusty if he can box, hoping to gain an ally against the wrestlers. When Somi mentions that Rusty is coming to teach him English, Kishen grins slyly and lays out his conditions—Rusty must not make him work too hard, support his lies, and pretend he is studying. Rusty, amused, agrees to try pleasing everyone.
That evening, Rusty meets Kishen in the bazaar, and they walk home together. On the way, they pass the cinema, where a riot is happening because of a Laurel and Hardy movie. Kishen excitedly tells Rusty that he knows how to sneak into the cinema through the roof, revealing his rebellious and mischievous side.
When they reach the Kapoor house, Meena Kapoor is furious with Kishen for taking money from his father without telling her. Kishen shrugs it off, saying he spent it on food. In response, Meena slaps him twice, leaving white marks on his cheeks.
Rusty, feeling awkward, tries to defuse the situation by taking the blame, saying that he was the one who made Kishen spend the money at the chaat shop. Meena’s anger softens, and she looks at Rusty with kindness, making him feel embarrassed yet touched.
Rusty finally brings up the English tutoring job, but before the conversation can continue, Kishen pulls him into a game of carom. Rusty partners with Mr. Kapoor, while Meena and Kishen team up. However, Kapoor keeps disappearing behind a screen to drink, making the game frustrating.
Eventually, Kapoor gets so drunk that he falls asleep at the table, forcing Rusty to carry him to a chair. Seeing the opportunity, Rusty decides to leave, saying he will ask about the job another time. However, Meena smiles and tells him that he already has the job—he will teach Kishen in exchange for food, shelter, and hospitality.
Rusty is overjoyed. He finally has a profession, a home, and acceptance. Kishen excitedly tells him to stay late the next day, and Rusty agrees.
As Rusty walks back to Somi’s house, his thoughts drift from Kishen to Meena Kapoor. For the first time, he truly notices her beauty, warmth, and softness. Lying in bed, Rusty makes a quiet but firm decision—
He will fall in love with her.
Chapter 10:
After Rusty runs away, Mr. Harrison spreads rumors about his “barbaric” behavior to the community. He pretends not to care, saying that if Rusty wants to “live like an animal,” he can. However, when asked if he would take Rusty back, he admits that he would have to, as Rusty is still legally his ward—though he hopes Rusty never returns. The missionary’s wife, who still has some sympathy for Rusty, believes that he will eventually come back.
Meanwhile, Rusty is settling into his new life with the Kapoors. Meena Kapoor shows him his room and Rusty becomes completely mesmerized by her beauty and warmth. He listens to her words, but focuses more on her eyes and lips than the actual conversation.
His new room is on the roof, which surprises Rusty. Meena explains that it has no water, no electricity, and no toilet, but he can bathe at the big water tank and for other needs, he will have to “do it in the jungle”. Rusty doesn’t mind at all, as he is too captivated by Meena to care about the inconveniences.
Meena holds Rusty’s hand as they walk up the stairs together, making Rusty blush with excitement. She warns him that the staircase has exactly twenty-two steps, and if he takes twenty-three, he will fall off the roof! They both laugh, and Meena playfully leads him into the room by the hand.
Rusty immediately falls in love with the room, not because of its size but because it is so simple and open. Through the window, he sees a pink bougainvillaea creeper growing inside, and decides never to cut it—symbolizing his acceptance of this new life.
As they stand by the window, holding hands in silence, Rusty wishes the moment would last forever. He is slowly falling deeper in love with Meena, but for her, it is only a sisterly affection.
Later in the afternoon, Rusty sits under a huge banyan tree, reflecting on his life. The tree’s branches droop to the ground and take root, forming a maze of pillars, making it feel like a home. A squirrel playfully interacts with Rusty, and he greets it like an old friend.
Despite his happiness, Rusty starts missing Somi and the chaat shop. He meets Somi there, who asks him if he is happy with the new job and room. Rusty assures him that he is very happy, even though he feels a little guilty for not appreciating everything Somi has done for him.
Somi also informs Rusty that Ranbir has left for Mussoorie. Rusty feels bad for not saying goodbye, but Somi reassures him that Ranbir will be back someday.
Somi senses Rusty’s hesitation and offers to find him a better job if he isn’t satisfied. However, Rusty insists that he likes his new life with the Kapoors. He says that Meena is wonderful, Mr. Kapoor is funny, and even Kishen isn’t that bad. To convince Somi, he invites him to see his new room.
That evening, Rusty and Somi walk home together. Rusty, now truly happy, notices all the little sounds around him—the creaking of carriages, the splashing of bicycle tires, the chatter of birds, and the rhythmic tapping of an old man’s umbrella on the pavement.
They sit on the roof, watching the sunset, and Somi sings a song. His voice is clear and melodious, and as he sings, he loses himself in the music. Rusty listens in awe, realizing that Somi’s voice captures emotions in a way that words never could.
As the song ends, the world falls silent, and Rusty drifts into sleep, finally at peace in his new home.
Chapter 11:
Rusty woke up early in the morning and saw the sunlight slowly spreading into his room. He noticed a bald maina bird sitting on the window sill, looking at him curiously. As he lay in bed, he suddenly felt something moving under the mattress. Afraid it might be a wild animal, he hit the lump, and Kishen sprang out, yelling in pain. Kishen had sneaked into Rusty’s room and slept under the bed.
Kishen brought Rusty some milk, which he refused to drink because it spoiled the taste of his chewing gum. After that, the two boys went to the water tank to bathe, where they met Somi.
Rusty then started his first English lesson with Kishen. They both sat cross-legged on the bed. However, Kishen was not serious and wanted to play games instead. Rusty asked him what books he had read, and Kishen made up random names, mixing up Alice in Wonderland and Treasure Island. Rusty realized that Kishen had never really read a book. When asked what he wanted to become in the future, Kishen said he didn’t want to be anything. In return, Kishen asked Rusty about his own dreams. Rusty confidently said he wanted to be a writer. Surprisingly, Kishen believed in him completely, saying, “You will be a great writer, a king!”
The Kapoor family liked Rusty, though they didn’t admire him much. Kishen liked him for his company, Kapoor liked his flattery, and Meena liked him simply because he liked her. Meena and Kapoor had been married at a young age—Meena was only 13 when they got engaged. They traveled to Europe, and Kapoor became fond of alcohol, which led to his downfall. Despite his drinking habits, Kapoor still loved Meena, and she remained the most elegant and charming person in the family.
One evening, Rusty sat with the Kapoors as Kapoor started talking about chewing gum. He claimed that chewing gum keeps people young and that Americans look young because they chew gum, while the British look tired because they don’t. Meena whispered to Rusty, calling her husband a fool, making Rusty laugh.
During their conversation, Rusty suggested starting a club, and everyone got excited. Meena sarcastically suggested “The Fools’ Club”, but Kapoor disagreed. After some thinking, Kishen came up with “The Devil’s Club”, and everyone agreed. Meena became the “Lady and Patroness,” Kapoor was the “President,” Rusty was the “Secretary,” and Kishen was the “Chief Whip.” Their first activity was to go on a picnic together.
Kapoor got so excited that he wanted to celebrate at the chaat shop. The whole family went to the bazaar, and Kapoor drunkenly insisted on buying the entire chaat shop and bringing it home. He hugged Kishen and shouted, “We will be rich again, Meena!” Rusty played along and told Kapoor to go home and prepare a place for the chaat shop, while he and Kishen handled everything else. Kapoor happily left with Meena.
After they finished eating, Kishen suggested they explore the bazaar. They walked through narrow, noisy alleyways, watching people and listening to street sounds. Eventually, they reached the railway station, where Kishen pointed at a nearby pleasure house (brothel). He suggested climbing the roof to watch what was happening inside, but Rusty wasn’t interested.
As they walked back home, Kishen asked Rusty why he was so fair-skinned. Rusty explained that he was English but didn’t care about his past since he never knew his parents. Kishen found this strange but didn’t press further.
Then, Kishen teased Rusty about being lost in thought and guessed that he was in love. Rusty confessed that he was in love with Meena. Kishen was shocked and laughed at the idea, saying she was too old and already married. However, he reassured Rusty, “If you love her, I’m not jealous. But it sounds funny…”
Chapter 12:
Rusty felt like a king in his new home, sitting on the roof and watching the world below. He had become comfortable with the people at the water tank, especially the ayahs with their bangles and ankle bells.
It was the day of the picnic, and everyone was excited. The car was checked, and Kapoor’s hidden alcohol bottles were removed to avoid trouble. Meena, Kishen, Somi, Rusty, and even Suri’s dog, Prickly Heat, got ready. Suri and the dog were stuffed in the dicky, while the others sat inside. The car sped through the fresh morning air, and everyone felt happy.
On the way, the car had to cross a riverbed, but it got stuck in the strong current. Everyone had to get out and push, except Kapoor, who sat comfortably in the car and Suri, who pretended to be sick. Meena rolled up her sari, and Rusty tried to help her but ended up clinging to her for support. After a lot of effort, they managed to push the car onto the road.
Since the car wouldn’t start, they decided to have the picnic there. Suri miraculously recovered as soon as the food came out. After eating, Somi, Kishen, Rusty, and Suri went swimming in the river, splashing and playing like carefree children.
Later, Rusty found Meena standing near the forest, lost in thought. He followed her into the silent jungle, where she told him to listen to the stillness. Suddenly, a loud bird’s cry made Rusty hold Meena tightly—whether out of fear or instinct, he didn’t know. Meena didn’t pull away, and they kissed. They walked deeper into the jungle, holding hands, feeling as if they could live there forever. At a stream, they saw a beautiful deer, but it ran away when a twig snapped. The moment was broken, and Meena decided to return.
Back at the river, Kapoor had fixed the car, but Suri was missing. They pretended to leave, which scared Suri into running back, his dog following behind. The car successfully crossed the river, and everyone cheered.
On the way back, Rusty felt protective over Kishen, who had fallen asleep on his shoulder. He realized that Somi and Ranbir were his best friends, but Kishen was like a younger brother. As they reached the town, Somi started singing, and the twinkling bazaar lights welcomed them back.
Chapter 13:
Rusty met Mr. Harrison outside a grocery store in town. Rusty was confident and called him “Mr. Harrison” instead of “sir,” showing that he was now independent. Mr. Harrison pretended to be polite but was clearly uncomfortable. Rusty proudly mentioned that he had a job, but when Mr. Harrison asked about it, he jokingly replied that he was doing “babysitting.” Mr. Harrison offered to help him get a job on a tea estate or abroad, but Rusty refused.
Before leaving, Mr. Harrison revealed that he had kicked out the sweeper boy, trying to make Rusty feel guilty. However, Rusty felt victorious when Mr. Harrison’s car almost crashed into a bullock cart, and a policeman stopped him.
At home, the mango and litchee trees were full of fruit, signaling summer. Meena met Rusty under the banana trees and offered to give him a haircut. Rusty agreed happily, enjoying the way their eyes met and laughed together.
As Meena cut his hair, Kishen came along, laughing at Rusty’s new look and teasing him. Meena then told Rusty an important thing—she and Mr. Kapoor were going to Delhi for a few weeks for Mr. Kapoor’s job interview. They were leaving Kishen behind, and she wanted Rusty to take care of him. She planned to leave Rusty with ₹75 for expenses. Kishen was excited and immediately started making plans for fun.
That evening, Rusty felt sad and sulked because he had no say in Meena’s plans. They all sat together in silence. Kishen played on the floor, and Meena looked tired. Kapoor had already gone to bed but kept waking up and calling out for random things.
When Kishen went to sleep, Meena and Rusty sat together in silence in the dimly lit room. The lamp had dragons and butterflies on it, and Rusty watched them as if they were moving. Meena looked tired and lost in thought, her feet resting against the table, glowing like jade in the light.
A moth flew around the lamp, hitting the lampshade and falling down. But Meena and Rusty still sat in deep silence, only listening to each other’s breathing.
Chapter 14:
The summer was hot and sticky, with flies buzzing during the day and mosquitoes biting at night. Rusty covered himself in citronella oil to keep the mosquitoes away. He noticed that his body had become stronger, his skin looked healthier, and his pimples had disappeared. He believed it was because he was falling in love with Meena.
One day, Suri came into Rusty’s room and asked him to check his school essay. Rusty was surprised to find a drawing of a nude woman on Suri’s notebook. Suri bragged that someone had posed for it, but Rusty didn’t believe him. Then, Suri started teasing Rusty about Meena, hinting that he knew what had happened between them at the picnic. Rusty, feeling annoyed but clever, exaggerated the truth, saying that he and Meena had been together all the time, loving each other. Suri looked shocked and threatened to tell Mr. Kapoor, but Rusty confidently dismissed his threat, knowing no one would believe Suri.
Later that day, Meena and Mr. Kapoor were getting ready to leave for Delhi. Their car was packed, and Meena gave Rusty ₹75 to manage the house expenses while they were gone. She told him to take care of Kishen, who would sleep with Rusty since the house would be locked. Kapoor, in his usual drunken manner, secretly gave Rusty the keys to the kitchen, asking him to keep six bottles of whisky safe.
When the car finally left, Kishen and Rusty waved their handkerchiefs, feeling both excited and emotional. Rusty felt a sense of responsibility and loss now that Meena was gone. But suddenly, Kishen noticed that Meena had forgotten her clothes on the rose bushes, including her bodices and blouses. They laughed together, which helped ease Rusty’s sadness.
That night, Rusty struggled to sleep. Kishen kept pushing him off the bed, so he sat in a chair, staring at the night sky. He felt deeply in love with Meena, wishing they could run away together to the forests and never grow old.
Chapter 15:
In the morning, Rusty and Kishen received a note from Suri inviting them to his farewell party because he was leaving for Mussoorie. Surprisingly, everyone started liking Suri now that he was leaving. At the party, Kishen gave Suri a cheap pair of binoculars to look at girls, and everyone pretended to be sad, but in reality, they were happy to see him go. They ate cream cakes and drank lemonade, and Kishen even kissed Suri on the cheek as part of the farewell drama.
After the party, Kishen ate too much and felt sick, so Rusty had to help him back to the room. Outside, a storm was approaching, and the sky turned black. Rusty liked storms because they matched his emotions. Kishen, however, wanted to shut the window as it started raining heavily. Rusty refused because he didn’t want to harm the flowers on the creeper. Soon, hailstones as big as marbles started falling, making a loud noise on the roof. The storm lasted the entire night, making Kishen so scared that he hugged Rusty instead of pushing him off the bed.
The next morning, the sky was still dark, and both Rusty and Kishen were too lazy to get up. When the postman arrived, Rusty expected a letter from Meena, but instead, he received a telegram. His face turned pale after reading it.
Kishen begged him to tell what was wrong, but Rusty hesitated. Finally, Rusty told Kishen that he had to go to Hardwar to stay with his aunty. Kishen asked if something happened to his father, but Rusty shook his head.
Kishen then realized the truth—Meena had died in a car accident. Tears filled his eyes, and Rusty broke down, hugging Kishen and crying uncontrollably. Kishen kept calling out for his mother, “Oh, Mummy, Mummy,” in shock and grief.
Chapter 16:
That evening, Rusty sat on the bed, looking at the stars and waiting for Kishen. When Kishen finally came in, Rusty asked him where he had been, and Kishen replied that he was just walking.
Kishen told Rusty he did not want to go to Hardwar to live with his relatives. He wanted to stay with Rusty, but Rusty explained that he had no money or work and couldn’t take care of Kishen. Kishen felt sad and said Rusty would never visit him, to which Rusty promised that he would try.
That night, Rusty couldn’t sleep. He thought about Meena and their time together in the forest. He felt helpless and wondered about life and death, questioning if his own life had any meaning.
Suddenly, Rusty heard the sound of jackals howling nearby, and when he looked toward the door, he saw a jackal standing there, staring at him. The animal let out a terrifying howl, making Kishen jump up in fear and cling to Rusty.
Overcome with terror, Rusty screamed loudly, and his voice echoed in the night. The jackal ran away, but Kishen was so scared that he hid under the blanket and cried. Rusty hugged Kishen and begged him to stop crying, saying that Kishen’s fear was making him afraid of himself.
The next morning, Kishen’s aunt arrived to take him away. She gave Rusty a hundred rupees, saying it was from Mr. Kapoor. Rusty didn’t want to take the money, but Kishen forced him to accept it.
As Kishen sat in the tonga, he looked miserable and told Rusty he wished he could stay. He said, “Inside of me, I am all lonely.”
The tonga moved forward, bumping on the road, and soon disappeared around the bend. Rusty stood at the gate, watching the empty road, feeling like a part of his life had been taken away.
He realized that life would go on—the sun would still shine, there would be other friends, but Meena and Kishen were gone forever. Rusty felt lonely inside, just like Kishen had said.
Chapter 17:
It was a hot and restless afternoon, and Rusty lay in his room listening to the sounds outside. The water-carrier sprayed water on the dusty road, and a toy-seller entered the compound, calling out in a sing-song voice. Rusty liked cheap toys and bought a small flute, which he played as he walked upstairs.
Feeling tired and hot, Rusty removed his shirt and lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. He watched lizards on the rafters and the bald maina bird hopping on the window ledge. Just as he was about to fall asleep, Somi entered the room.
Somi looked restless and uncomfortable in the heat. He removed his shirt, studied himself in the mirror, and then looked at Rusty. He noticed that Rusty had cobwebs in his hair and told him he didn’t look well. Somi mentioned Mrs. Kapoor and how kind she was, to which Rusty replied, “I loved her, didn’t you know?” Somi was surprised but said he only knew his own love.
Somi then urged Rusty to leave the room and come back to his house, but Rusty refused, saying he would stay until new tenants arrived or the landlord found out he was living there. Somi then said he was going to get a cucumber, and Rusty, feeling irritated, snapped at him. This hurt Somi, and he left the room without saying anything.
Immediately, Rusty felt guilty and ran after Somi, shouting, “Come back!” But Somi rode away on his bicycle, leaving Rusty alone and miserable.
Later, Somi returned, smiling, and surprised Rusty. He brought a coconut for Rusty and a cucumber for himself, and they sat cross-legged on the bed, eating. Rusty shared his worry about Kishen, saying his relatives wouldn’t be as kind as his parents, and Mr. Kapoor would not be able to take care of him without Meena.
Somi then revealed some shocking news—he was leaving for Amritsar for a few months. Rusty felt numb and heartbroken, realizing that everyone he cared about was leaving. He said, “If you are leaving Dehra, then I am leaving too.”
Somi was shocked and asked where Rusty would go. Rusty replied, “England.” Somi laughed, pointing out that Rusty had no money, passport, or birth certificate, and jokingly said, “You are not alive! You do not happen to be in this world!”
Rusty admitted that he never seriously thought about leaving but always felt restless. Somi tried to convince him to stay, warning that Rusty would get lost in big cities and break his heart. But Rusty felt like he didn’t belong anywhere, saying, “I am a half-caste, and that is as good as not belonging anywhere.”
Somi told Rusty that being mixed could mean belonging everywhere, but Rusty felt ashamed of his words. Somi then accused Rusty of running away from India and his friends, to which Rusty argued that Somi was actually the one leaving first. Rusty felt that everyone had left him, and if he did go, the only person he would be running away from was himself.
Somi, wanting to lighten the mood, dragged Rusty out for chaat. On the way, he jumped on Rusty’s back and shouted, “Down the steps, my pony!” Rusty carried Somi down the stairs and dropped him on the grass, and they laughed together—but it was not a joyful laugh, just one to keep their friendship alive. Before they left, Somi playfully threw a handful of mud at Rusty’s face, calling him “best favourite friend.”
Chapter 18:
Now, everyone had left Dehra, and Rusty felt completely alone. Meena would never return, and it seemed unlikely that Mr. Kapoor would come back either. Kishen’s departure was final, and Ranbir and Suri were away in Mussoorie. Even Somi had left for Amritsar. Rusty had no one to talk to except the servants, ayahs, and babies at the water tank, but they were always busy. When he wasn’t with them, he only had his memories for company.
Rusty wanted to forget Meena, but without Kishen around, it was impossible. Kapoor never knew about Meena’s secret love for Rusty, and Rusty felt guilty but also comforted that Kapoor always thought of her as perfect.
To distract himself, Rusty decided to make a garden on the roof, imagining it full of marigolds, zinnias, and cosmos flowers. But then he realized it would take too much effort, and since he was planning to leave Dehra, there was no point.
Slowly, he started slipping into sadness, just like he did when he lived with his guardian. He began dreaming too much, losing touch with reality, and feeling restless.
One evening, he found the key Kapoor had given him—the key to the back door, where the whisky bottles were stored. He remembered how Kishen had suggested they drink the whisky. Feeling lost and empty, he thought, “Why not?” and before he could change his mind, he unlocked the back door and took the whisky.
That night, Rusty drank alcohol for the first time. He didn’t like the taste, but he wasn’t drinking for enjoyment—he was drinking to forget everything.
At first, he felt dizzy. The roof looked like it was sliding down, the banyan tree seemed full of bees, and the lizards kept changing colors like rainbows.
As he drank more, he started talking to Meena, imagining she was pressing his head down onto the pillows. He cried and struggled, but she was too strong.
Drinking even more, the walls of the room began to move, the furniture started sliding, and Rusty felt like he was holding everything up with his bare hands. Finally, he fell, blacked out, and passed out.
The next morning, he woke up, feeling sick and ashamed. He threw the remaining whisky bottles out of the window, cursed himself for being a fool, and went down to the water tank to bathe.
Days passed slowly.
Rusty had nothing to do. He would fill his earthen pot at the water tank and soak the reed mat hanging on his door to keep the heat away.
From his room, he could hear children playing cricket, arguing over umpire decisions, or kicking a football. But he didn’t have the energy to join them.
The only sound he liked was the jingle of the ayahs’ bangles as they moved around the water tank.
Rusty felt like time had stopped.
He imagined himself living in a house near a river—the water would keep flowing, but to him, it wouldn’t feel like it was moving at all.
He longed for something to happen.
Chapter 19:
The weather suddenly changed in Dehra. A dust storm blew through the streets, making it hard to breathe. Then, the wind stopped and the air became still—something was about to happen.
Then, the rains arrived!
At first, there was just a single drop on Rusty’s window sill. Then, a light patter on the roof. And suddenly, the sky exploded with thunder, lightning, and heavy rain.
The rain poured down, covering everything. Rusty was thrilled. He threw off his clothes and ran onto the roof, completely naked, enjoying the cool water against his skin. He felt free and alive, as if the rain was washing away all the sadness and loneliness he had been feeling.
The streets flooded, and trees bent under the weight of water. Rusty’s room was also flooded, with water coming through the door, window, and skylight. But he didn’t care—he felt refreshed and exhilarated.
Then, as suddenly as it had started, the rain stopped. Everything fell silent except for the dripping water and croaking frogs.
The children ran outside, shouting “Barsaat, barsaat!” (The rains have come!) The roof became a common bathing place for people and even dogs. In the maidan (open field), boys played “monsoon football”, running barefoot in the thick, muddy slush.
But after the first excitement, Rusty felt bored again. The constant dampness, mildew, and sunless heat made him feel restless. He missed his friends—Somi, Kishen, Ranbir—and without them, the rains felt empty.
He spent his days doing nothing, staring at the dripping water and questioning his life:
*”Where do I belong?”
*”What am I doing?”
“What will happen to me?”
Rusty couldn’t take it anymore. He decided:
“I must leave Dehra.”
He didn’t want to live an ordinary, boring life like the gardener, cook, or water-carrier, doing the same thing every day. He wanted to be somebody—or nobody—but not just anybody.
He decided to go to Delhi, where he would visit the High Commissioner for the United Kingdom and ask for an assisted passage to England.
On his way, he planned to stop at Hardwar to see Kishen one last time.
That night, as he lay awake, he felt uneasy, as if something important was about to happen—a premonition that something was coming to an end.
Chapter 20:
Rusty received a letter from Somi, who had reached Amritsar. Somi wrote about his uncomfortable train journey in the third-class compartment and warned Rusty not to travel that way. He also encouraged Rusty to be patient and not rush to leave India. Somi believed that Rusty was afraid of dying without having achieved something, but he had barely started living. He told Rusty that life was about finding something worth living for and even worth dying for.
Rusty treasured this letter and kept it in his pocket forever. Even though Somi had left, Rusty knew their friendship would last a lifetime.
Rusty had no belongings, just the clothes on his body (which belonged to Somi) and about fifty rupees (thanks to Kishen). He had made no grand plans—he would simply leave quietly.
Before leaving, Rusty lay on his bed, looking at the lizards on the ceiling and the bald maina bird on the window. None of them cared that he was leaving. He realized that people only matter to other humans or to dogs—no one else.
When he finally walked out of the house, he passed the water tank, where the ayahs (nannies) were busy washing clothes. He couldn’t bear to say goodbye, so he left the door open, hoping no one would realize he was gone.
As he crossed the maidan, he saw students playing cricket, young girls gossiping, and people going about their day. He remembered his first night in the maidan, when he was lost, lonely, and scared—and now, he felt the same way again.
In the bazaar, Rusty smelled spices from the chaat shop and felt the crowd bumping into him. He noticed everything as if it was pulling him back. But he couldn’t turn around—he was afraid of the unknown, but moving forward was easier than going back.
Then, a familiar voice called him—it was the sweeper boy from Mr. Harrison’s house. Rusty felt ashamed for wanting to ignore him but then realized he wasn’t a sahib (master) anymore and had no caste or status.
The sweeper boy told Rusty that Mr. Harrison had left Dehra forever. He had lost his job because he spilled bathroom water on the veranda and Mr. Harrison slapped him and fired him. Rusty felt relieved and uncertain at the same time—he could never return to his old home now.
The boy had no work, and Rusty wanted to help him. But he had nothing to offer. So, he promised to find him a job, even though he himself was leaving town forever. The sweeper boy didn’t believe him—he simply nodded and smiled, knowing Rusty wouldn’t be around to help.
At the train station, Rusty saw coolies (porters) shouting, vendors selling snacks, and stray dogs searching for food.
Ignoring Somi’s advice, he bought a third-class ticket and sat in an empty compartment.
A fat lady entered and spread herself across a whole seat, trying to keep others away. Soon, a young woman with a baby, a soldier, and a small boy joined the compartment. The train’s guard kept blowing the whistle, but the Hardwar Mail never left on time—it was a tradition!
When the train finally started moving, Rusty watched everything closely—as if seeing Dehra for the last time. He noticed dogs licking banana peels, a child crying alone, coolies waving as the train left.
The train moved through forests, and Rusty saw monkeys, deer, and villages. Children ran beside the train, waving and shouting, and the small boy in the compartment waved back happily.
Rusty fell asleep, dreaming of Kishen and wondering how Kishen would react when he saw him.
Rusty woke up as the train reached Hardwar. He felt sick, his shirt was wet with sweat, and his hands were shaking.
As he stepped out of the station, he told himself that he would rest at Kishen’s aunt’s house before taking the night train to Delhi.
Chapter 21:
Rusty arrived at a house on a hill in Hardwar, from where he could see the river, temples, and many pilgrims. When he knocked on the door, a lady he didn’t recognize answered. She observed Rusty carefully before letting him in.
Inside, Rusty saw Mr. Kapoor, who looked neater and younger than before. However, something was missing—his usual cheerful and lively personality. Kapoor offered Rusty a drink, but he refused, saying he had come to see him and Kishen before leaving for England.
Then, Kapoor introduced the woman as his new wife. Rusty was shocked and angry—Meena had died less than a month ago, and Kapoor had already remarried. He felt disgusted and resented Kapoor, remembering how Meena had stayed loyal to him despite his drinking and neglect. Rusty couldn’t respect or forgive Kapoor for moving on so quickly.
Rusty asked how Meena had died. Kapoor reluctantly said that the car had been speeding, lost control, and crashed into a tree. When Rusty implied that Kapoor might have been driving drunk, Kapoor hesitated but insisted that the driver was in control. Rusty sarcastically said he was glad nothing had happened to Kapoor and that it was good he had moved on so easily, making it clear that he did not share the same strength to forget Meena.
Rusty then asked about Kishen, and Kapoor lied, saying he was in Lucknow with his aunt. But his new wife corrected him, saying Kishen had run away as soon as his aunt left. Kapoor admitted that Kishen was still in Hardwar but had become a skilled thief, robbing people on both sides of the river. The police were looking for him, and no one knew exactly where he lived—maybe in a tree, a temple, or even a brothel.
Rusty was determined to find Kishen, despite Kapoor’s warning that he might also get robbed. Rusty didn’t care because the little money he had was given by Kishen anyway.
Mrs. Kapoor kindly offered food and rest, but Rusty refused. He didn’t want to stay in that house any longer.
Chapter 22:
Rusty felt hopeless and exhausted as he made his way down the hill, regretting not accepting Mrs. Kapoor’s offer of food. He was hungry, thirsty, and overwhelmed with worry about Kishen. When he reached the riverbank, he drank water directly from the holy Ganges, then bathed in it, feeling slightly refreshed. However, when he returned to the shore, he found that his shirt and sandals were gone, likely stolen or eaten by a cow.
Ignoring the noisy beggars, priests, and vendors, Rusty wandered along the riverbank, unsure where to find Kishen. Unknown to him, Kishen was already watching from a distance, suspicious and unsure if it was truly Rusty or a trap.
Finally, their eyes met. Rusty was too weak to call out, and Kishen hesitated, unsure whether to approach or run away. Eventually, Kishen called out, and Rusty slowly climbed the burning hot temple steps toward him. Kishen, now thin, ragged, and wild-looking, kept glancing around, afraid someone might be following Rusty.
Rusty explained that he had come to see him before leaving for England. However, Kishen pointed out that he looked too sick to travel anywhere. Rusty admitted he was starving, so Kishen grabbed two watermelons on credit and shared them. While eating, Rusty realized his weakness was mostly from hunger.
When Rusty told Kishen he couldn’t return to Dehra, Kishen immediately took charge of their future. He explained that he only stole from the rich, never the poor, and that he worked for people who hired him to steal on their behalf. But now, he was tired of running from the police and had a plan—Rusty would give English lessons, and Kishen would start a chaat shop.
They decided to leave Hardwar early the next morning, crossing the river by boat to avoid the police. On the other side, no one knew them, and they could start fresh. Rusty was amazed at how independent and resourceful Kishen had become—he was no longer the boy who once needed Rusty’s protection. Now, Rusty relied on Kishen for survival.
As evening fell, the temple changed colors with the setting sun, and the river reflected the golden, pink, and crimson hues. The bustling noise faded, and night fell upon the temple steps where the homeless slept. Rusty tried to sleep, but his empty stomach ached, keeping him awake.
Chapter 23:
Rusty and Kishen boarded a ferry boat early in the morning, before the temple steps were crowded with pilgrims. The boat was packed with poor travelers—old men, women, children, and peasants—who had journeyed far to bathe in the sacred Ganges. The oarsmen strained against the strong current, shouting in rhythm as they rowed.
Crushed together in the middle of the boat, Rusty and Kishen held hands, feeling safe in each other’s company. The passengers began singing, and the voice of a young boy reminded Rusty of Somi, bringing him comfort. The song blended with the sounds of the river, the grunts of the rowers, and the splashing oars, creating a rhythmic harmony.
An old woman with deep wrinkles smiled at Rusty, noticing his blue eyes and golden hair. She asked if he was one of them. Rusty proudly declared that he was everything and nothing, that he had no home. When she asked about Kishen, Rusty didn’t answer but realized that they were both outcasts, lost in the world but belonging to each other. They were each other’s shelter and family, and because of this, Rusty knew he had to return.
As the boat glided through the river, Rusty let his hand trail in the water, wanting to remember the feel of the river flowing toward the ocean—just like life itself. He knew now that he couldn’t escape his past. Running away was not the answer. He had created a new life in Dehra, and he had to go back to it.
When they reached the shore, the dense forest rose before them, inviting them in. Rusty remembered the magic of the jungle, where he had kissed Meena on the picnic. Someday, he thought, he and Kishen would live in the forest, free from everything.
But for now, they had to go back—to their room on the roof, to bathe at the water tank, eat at the chaat shop, and maybe even start a garden. They had to work, live, and make something of themselves.
As they walked toward Dehra, Kishen laughed and said, “One day, you’ll be great, Rusty—maybe a writer, an actor, or even a poet!” Rusty smiled at himself.
“Yes,” he said, “why not a poet?”
And so, they walked into the forest, toward the future, toward what was left of time.
