Madam Rides the Bus

Madam Rides the Bus Summary

Valliammai, or Valli for short, is an eight-year-old girl living in a village. Her favorite pastime is watching the bus that travels between her village and the nearest town. She dreams of riding the bus and starts saving money from the small amounts she occasionally receives. Valli also carefully listens to conversations to gather information about the journey, like the distance, time, and fare.

Valli’s Dream Journey

One spring day, when her mother is taking her afternoon nap, Valli seizes the opportunity to experience her dream. She quietly slips out of the house and hails the bus. The conductor, a jolly man, jokingly calls her “madam” and helps her get on. Initially feeling shy amidst the other passengers, Valli soon gets excited as the bus starts moving. She marvels at the sights from the window – the canal, green fields, mountains in the distance.

Interactions and Observations

During the journey, Valli interacts with the conductor and some passengers, standing her ground when they treat her like a child. Valli’s innocent perspectives and the conductor’s playful responses add humor to the story.

Return Journey and Realizations

Upon reaching the town, Valli decides to stay on the bus, not confident enough to explore the place alone. She pays for the return journey and enjoys the ride back, still fascinated by the experience. However, on the way back, she sees a cow that was hit and killed by a speeding vehicle. The sight deeply affects her, making her ponder about life and death.

Homecoming and Reflection

As Valli returns home, she finds her mother awake and chatting with an aunt. She quietly joins them, keeping her incredible adventure to herself. When the adults discuss life’s happenings that are often beyond one’s understanding, Valli meaningfully agrees, reflecting on her own journey that opened her eyes to the joys and sorrows of the world outside her village.

Difficult Words from “Madam Rides the Bus” with Detailed Explanations

1. Wistfully

Longingly or with a feeling of yearning, often for something that is unattainable or in the past.

2. Kindle

To cause (an emotion) to arise or become more intense; in this context, it refers to the way people’s faces on the bus evoked Valli’s desires and dreams.

3. A Slang Expression

A word or phrase used informally in a group, often with a meaning different from the literal interpretation.

4. Discreet Questions

Questions asked in a careful, cautious manner to avoid drawing too much attention or causing offense.

5. Slack Time

A period when there is less activity or work than usual.

6. Repulsive

Causing intense displeasure, disgust, or revulsion.

7. Mimicking

Imitating or copying someone’s speech or actions, often in a mocking way.

8. Haughtily

In a superior, arrogant, or disdainful manner.

9. Curtly

In a brief, abrupt, or rude manner, usually showing irritation or displeasure.

10. Drivel

Foolish, nonsensical, or infantile talk or ideas.

11. Thriftily

In a way that shows careful management of money and resources; avoiding waste and unnecessary spending.

12. Resolutely Stifled

Determinedly or firmly suppressed or held back (an impulse or desire).

13. Ventured Out

Went out in a hesitant or cautious manner, often into an unfamiliar or potentially dangerous situation.

14. Thoroughfare

A main road or public highway, especially in a town or city, that has a lot of traffic.

15. Merchandise

Goods that are bought and sold; commodities.

16. Spreadeagled

Stretched out with arms and legs extended in a spread-eagle position.

17. Haunted

Persistently or disturbingly present in the mind; difficult to forget or ignore.

18. Pokes Her Nose

Interferes or meddles in something that is not one’s concern.

19. Excursions

Short trips or outings, usually for pleasure or education.

20. Hamlet

A small settlement or village, typically without a church.

21. Gobbling Up

Eating or consuming something quickly and greedily.

22. Glee

Great delight or happiness.

23. Galloped

(Of a horse) run at a fast pace.

24. Traversed

Traveled across or through an area.

25. Gaped

Stared with an open mouth, typically in surprise or wonder.

26. Dampening

Making something slightly wet; here, it means reducing or spoiling enthusiasm.

27. Chatterbox

A person who talks continuously in a thoughtless or annoying way.

28. Chit of a Girl

A young, immature, or insignificant girl.