📖 Chapter 1: The Lost Child

Answer: On his way to the fair, the child sees toys in the shops lining the way, a flowering mustard field, dragon-flies, a lone black bee or butterfly, little insects and worms along the footpath, a grove, young flowers falling, and doves cooing. He lags behind because he is fascinated by these sights and stops to observe them, especially the toys and the insects.

Answer: In the fair, the child wants the following things:

• Burfi from the sweetmeat seller
• A garland of gulmohur from the flower-seller
• Balloons from the balloon-seller
• To hear the snake-charmer's music
• To ride on the roundabout

He moves on without waiting for an answer because he knows his parents would refuse. They would say he was greedy (for sweets), that the flowers were cheap, that he was too old to play with balloons, that snake-charmer music was coarse, and that he should not make such bold requests.

Answer: He realises he has lost his way when he turns to look at his parents after making a bold request to go on the roundabout. There is no reply, and when he turns to look ahead, on either side, and behind, he finds no sign of them. His anxiety and insecurity are described vividly: a full, deep cry rises in his dry throat; he runs from where he stood, crying in real fear, "Mother, Father!" Tears roll down his hot, fierce eyes; his flushed face is convulsed with fear. He runs panic-stricken in all directions, his yellow turban comes untied, and his clothes become muddy. He is described as "defeated," his cries suppressed into sobs.

Answer: The lost child loses interest in the things he had wanted earlier because he is now consumed by the fear and anxiety of having lost his parents. The joy of the fair disappears for him. When the man tries to soothe him by offering a ride on the roundabout, listening to the snake-charmer's music, a rainbow-coloured balloon, a garland of flowers, or sweets, the child refuses them all. His only desire is to find his mother and father.

Answer: The story ends with the child still lost and sobbing for his parents. It is not explicitly stated whether he finds them. However, the man who lifts him up tries his best to soothe him and reunite him with his parents. It is implied that the man may help him find his parents, but the story leaves the final outcome open. The child's repeated cry, "I want my mother, I want my father!" suggests that his parents are the most important thing to him, and the story ends on a note of hope that he will be reunited with them.

Answer: To ensure not to get lost, especially in crowded places like fairs, markets, or festivals, one should follow these precautions:

• Always stay close to your parents or guardians. Hold their hand if possible.
• Wear bright or distinctive clothing so that you can be easily spotted.
• Carry a small card with your name, address, and a contact number in your pocket.
• If you get separated, do not panic. Stay at one place and do not wander off.
• Look for a responsible person like a policeman, security guard, or shopkeeper and ask for help.
• Memorize your parents' phone numbers or have them on speed dial if you have a phone.
• Set a meeting point in case you get separated, like the entrance or a particular stall.
• Parents should also keep an eye on their children and not let them lag behind.