Chapter 4 – Bepin Choudhury’s Lapse of Memory

Now Bepin Babu realised that it was not he but this man who was making a mistake. Bepin babu had never been to Ranchi. He had been at the point of going several times, but never made it. He smiled and said, “Do you know who I am?” The man raised his eyebrows, bit his tongue and said, “Do I know you? Who doesn’t know Bepin Choudhury?” Bepin Babu now turned towards the bookshelves and said, “Still you’re making a mistake. One often does. I’ve never been to Ranchi.” The man laughed aloud.

Who was ‘this man’?

Now Bepin Babu realised that it was not he but this man who was making a mistake. Bepin babu had never been to Ranchi. He had been at the point of going several times, but never made it. He smiled and said, “Do you know who I am?” The man raised his eyebrows, bit his tongue and said, “Do I know you? Who doesn’t know Bepin Choudhury?” Bepin Babu now turned towards the bookshelves and said, “Still you’re making a mistake. One often does. I’ve never been to Ranchi.” The man laughed aloud.

Bepin Babu had never been to

Now Bepin Babu realised that it was not he but this man who was making a mistake. Bepin babu had never been to Ranchi. He had been at the point of going several times, but never made it. He smiled and said, “Do you know who I am?” The man raised his eyebrows, bit his tongue and said, “Do I know you? Who doesn’t know Bepin Choudhury?” Bepin Babu now turned towards the bookshelves and said, “Still you’re making a mistake. One often does. I’ve never been to Ranchi.” The man laughed aloud.

“Do you know who I am?” For whom ‘I’ is used here?

Now Bepin Babu realised that it was not he but this man who was making a mistake. Bepin babu had never been to Ranchi. He had been at the point of going several times, but never made it. He smiled and said, “Do you know who I am?” The man raised his eyebrows, bit his tongue and said, “Do I know you? Who doesn’t know Bepin Choudhury?” Bepin Babu now turned towards the bookshelves and said, “Still you’re making a mistake. One often does. I’ve never been to Ranchi.” The man laughed aloud.

Give the meaning of ‘several’.

Now Bepin Babu realised that it was not he but this man who was making a mistake. Bepin babu had never been to Ranchi. He had been at the point of going several times, but never made it. He smiled and said, “Do you know who I am?” The man raised his eyebrows, bit his tongue and said, “Do I know you? Who doesn’t know Bepin Choudhury?” Bepin Babu now turned towards the bookshelves and said, “Still you’re making a mistake. One often does. I’ve never been to Ranchi.” The man laughed aloud.

Give the opposite of ‘aloud’.

Every Monday, on his way back from work, Bepin Choudhury would drop in at Kalicharan’s in New Market to buy books. Crime stories, ghost stories, and thrillers. He had to buy at least five at a time to last him through the week. He lived alone, was not a good mixer, had few friends, and didn’t like spending time in idle chat. Today, at Kalicharan’s, Bepin Babu had the feeling that someone was observing him from close quarters. He turned around and found himself looking at a round-faced, meek-looking man who now broke into a smile.

Name the lesson.

Every Monday, on his way back from work, Bepin Choudhury would drop in at Kalicharan’s in New Market to buy books. Crime stories, ghost stories, and thrillers. He had to buy at least five at a time to last him through the week. He lived alone, was not a good mixer, had few friends, and didn’t like spending time in idle chat. Today, at Kalicharan’s, Bepin Babu had the feeling that someone was observing him from close quarters. He turned around and found himself looking at a round-faced, meek-looking man who now broke into a smile.

What was Bepin Babu’s routine?

Every Monday, on his way back from work, Bepin Choudhury would drop in at Kalicharan’s in New Market to buy books. Crime stories, ghost stories, and thrillers. He had to buy at least five at a time to last him through the week. He lived alone, was not a good mixer, had few friends, and didn’t like spending time in idle chat. Today, at Kalicharan’s, Bepin Babu had the feeling that someone was observing him from close quarters. He turned around and found himself looking at a round-faced, meek-looking man who now broke into a smile.

Who met Bepin Babu at New Market?

Every Monday, on his way back from work, Bepin Choudhury would drop in at Kalicharan’s in New Market to buy books. Crime stories, ghost stories, and thrillers. He had to buy at least five at a time to last him through the week. He lived alone, was not a good mixer, had few friends, and didn’t like spending time in idle chat. Today, at Kalicharan’s, Bepin Babu had the feeling that someone was observing him from close quarters. He turned around and found himself looking at a round-faced, meek-looking man who now broke into a smile.

What was the man doing?

Every Monday, on his way back from work, Bepin Choudhury would drop in at Kalicharan’s in New Market to buy books. Crime stories, ghost stories, and thrillers. He had to buy at least five at a time to last him through the week. He lived alone, was not a good mixer, had few friends, and didn’t like spending time in idle chat. Today, at Kalicharan’s, Bepin Babu had the feeling that someone was observing him from close quarters. He turned around and found himself looking at a round-faced, meek-looking man who now broke into a smile.

What kind of man was Bepin Babu?

And yet the man knew a great deal about him. How? He even seemed to know some intimate details. The bag of books, wife’s death, brother’s insanity… The only mistake was about his having gone to Ranchi. Not a mistake; a deliberate lie. In ’58, during the Pujas, he was in Kanpur at his friend Haridas Bagchi’s place. All Bepin Babu had to do was write to—no, there was no way of writing to Haridas. Bepin Babu suddenly remembered that Haridas had left with his wife for Japan some weeks ago, and he didn’t have his address.

For whom ‘The man’ word is used here?

And yet the man knew a great deal about him. How? He even seemed to know some intimate details. The bag of books, wife’s death, brother’s insanity… The only mistake was about his having gone to Ranchi. Not a mistake; a deliberate lie. In ’58, during the Pujas, he was in Kanpur at his friend Haridas Bagchi’s place. All Bepin Babu had to do was write to—no, there was no way of writing to Haridas. Bepin Babu suddenly remembered that Haridas had left with his wife for Japan some weeks ago, and he didn’t have his address.

What intimate details are talked about in the passage?

And yet the man knew a great deal about him. How? He even seemed to know some intimate details. The bag of books, wife’s death, brother’s insanity… The only mistake was about his having gone to Ranchi. Not a mistake; a deliberate lie. In ’58, during the Pujas, he was in Kanpur at his friend Haridas Bagchi’s place. All Bepin Babu had to do was write to—no, there was no way of writing to Haridas. Bepin Babu suddenly remembered that Haridas had left with his wife for Japan some weeks ago, and he didn’t have his address.

What was the only mistake?

And yet the man knew a great deal about him. How? He even seemed to know some intimate details. The bag of books, wife’s death, brother’s insanity… The only mistake was about his having gone to Ranchi. Not a mistake; a deliberate lie. In ’58, during the Pujas, he was in Kanpur at his friend Haridas Bagchi’s place. All Bepin Babu had to do was write to—no, there was no way of writing to Haridas. Bepin Babu suddenly remembered that Haridas had left with his wife for Japan some weeks ago, and he didn’t have his address.

Where was Bepin in ’58 during Puja holidays?

And yet the man knew a great deal about him. How? He even seemed to know some intimate details. The bag of books, wife’s death, brother’s insanity… The only mistake was about his having gone to Ranchi. Not a mistake; a deliberate lie. In ’58, during the Pujas, he was in Kanpur at his friend Haridas Bagchi’s place. All Bepin Babu had to do was write to—no, there was no way of writing to Haridas. Bepin Babu suddenly remembered that Haridas had left with his wife for Japan some weeks ago, and he didn’t have his address.

Who was Haridas Bagchi?

Bepin Babu’s car was safely parked in Bertram Street by the Lighthouse Cinema. He told the driver as he got into the car, “Just drive by the Ganga, will you, Sitaram.” Driving up the Strand Road, Bepin Babu regretted having paid so much attention to the intruder. He had never been to Ranchi—no question about it. It was inconceivable that he should forget such an incident which took place only six or seven years ago. He had an excellent memory. Unless—Bepin Babu’s head reeled.

Name the lesson.

Bepin Babu’s car was safely parked in Bertram Street by the Lighthouse Cinema. He told the driver as he got into the car, “Just drive by the Ganga, will you, Sitaram.” Driving up the Strand Road, Bepin Babu regretted having paid so much attention to the intruder. He had never been to Ranchi—no question about it. It was inconceivable that he should forget such an incident which took place only six or seven years ago. He had an excellent memory. Unless—Bepin Babu’s head reeled.

Where was Bepin Babu’s car parked?

Bepin Babu’s car was safely parked in Bertram Street by the Lighthouse Cinema. He told the driver as he got into the car, “Just drive by the Ganga, will you, Sitaram.” Driving up the Strand Road, Bepin Babu regretted having paid so much attention to the intruder. He had never been to Ranchi—no question about it. It was inconceivable that he should forget such an incident which took place only six or seven years ago. He had an excellent memory. Unless—Bepin Babu’s head reeled.

What was the name of the driver?

Bepin Babu’s car was safely parked in Bertram Street by the Lighthouse Cinema. He told the driver as he got into the car, “Just drive by the Ganga, will you, Sitaram.” Driving up the Strand Road, Bepin Babu regretted having paid so much attention to the intruder. He had never been to Ranchi—no question about it. It was inconceivable that he should forget such an incident which took place only six or seven years ago. He had an excellent memory. Unless—Bepin Babu’s head reeled.

For ‘whom’ the word ‘intruder’ is used?

Bepin Babu’s car was safely parked in Bertram Street by the Lighthouse Cinema. He told the driver as he got into the car, “Just drive by the Ganga, will you, Sitaram.” Driving up the Strand Road, Bepin Babu regretted having paid so much attention to the intruder. He had never been to Ranchi—no question about it. It was inconceivable that he should forget such an incident which took place only six or seven years ago. He had an excellent memory. Unless—Bepin Babu’s head reeled.

Give the meaning of ‘reeled’.

“As far as I can make out,” said Dr. Chanda, “And I think you’re of the same opinion—you must have been to Ranchi, but due to some unknown reason, the entire episode has slipped out of your mind. What I suggest is that you go to Ranchi once again. The sight of the place may remind you of your trip. This is not impossible. More than that I cannot do at the moment. I’ve prescribed a nerve tonic and a tranquilliser. Sleep is essential, or the symptoms will get more pronounced.”

What was Dr. Chanda talking about Bepin Babu?

“As far as I can make out,” said Dr. Chanda, “And I think you’re of the same opinion—you must have been to Ranchi, but due to some unknown reason, the entire episode has slipped out of your mind. What I suggest is that you go to Ranchi once again. The sight of the place may remind you of your trip. This is not impossible. More than that I cannot do at the moment. I’ve prescribed a nerve tonic and a tranquilliser. Sleep is essential, or the symptoms will get more pronounced.”

What did he suggest?

“As far as I can make out,” said Dr. Chanda, “And I think you’re of the same opinion—you must have been to Ranchi, but due to some unknown reason, the entire episode has slipped out of your mind. What I suggest is that you go to Ranchi once again. The sight of the place may remind you of your trip. This is not impossible. More than that I cannot do at the moment. I’ve prescribed a nerve tonic and a tranquilliser. Sleep is essential, or the symptoms will get more pronounced.”

What treatment did he give to Bepin Babu?

“As far as I can make out,” said Dr. Chanda, “And I think you’re of the same opinion—you must have been to Ranchi, but due to some unknown reason, the entire episode has slipped out of your mind. What I suggest is that you go to Ranchi once again. The sight of the place may remind you of your trip. This is not impossible. More than that I cannot do at the moment. I’ve prescribed a nerve tonic and a tranquilliser. Sleep is essential, or the symptoms will get more pronounced.”

Give the meaning of ‘essential’.

“As far as I can make out,” said Dr. Chanda, “And I think you’re of the same opinion—you must have been to Ranchi, but due to some unknown reason, the entire episode has slipped out of your mind. What I suggest is that you go to Ranchi once again. The sight of the place may remind you of your trip. This is not impossible. More than that I cannot do at the moment. I’ve prescribed a nerve tonic and a tranquilliser. Sleep is essential, or the symptoms will get more pronounced.”

Give the opposite of ‘impossible’

“Wait just a minute ’58…..just let me check in my dairy.” For a minute there was silence.
Bepin Babu could feel that his heartbeat had gone up. He was sweating a little.
“Hello.”
“Yes.”
“I’ve got it. I’d been out twice.”
“Where?”
“Once in February—nearby—to Krishnanagar to a nephew’s wedding. And then……but you’d know about this one. The trip to Ranchi. You were there too. That’s all. But what’s all this sleuthing about?”

Name the lesson.

“Wait just a minute ’58…..just let me check in my dairy.” For a minute there was silence.
Bepin Babu could feel that his heartbeat had gone up. He was sweating a little.
“Hello.”
“Yes.”
“I’ve got it. I’d been out twice.”
“Where?”
“Once in February—nearby—to Krishnanagar to a nephew’s wedding. And then……but you’d know about this one. The trip to Ranchi. You were there too. That’s all. But what’s all this sleuthing about?”

Who was the speaker of first line?

“Wait just a minute ’58…..just let me check in my dairy.” For a minute there was silence.
Bepin Babu could feel that his heartbeat had gone up. He was sweating a little.
“Hello.”
“Yes.”
“I’ve got it. I’d been out twice.”
“Where?”
“Once in February—nearby—to Krishnanagar to a nephew’s wedding. And then……but you’d know about this one. The trip to Ranchi. You were there too. That’s all. But what’s all this sleuthing about?”

He was talking to

“Wait just a minute ’58…..just let me check in my dairy.” For a minute there was silence.
Bepin Babu could feel that his heartbeat had gone up. He was sweating a little.
“Hello.”
“Yes.”
“I’ve got it. I’d been out twice.”
“Where?”
“Once in February—nearby—to Krishnanagar to a nephew’s wedding. And then……but you’d know about this one. The trip to Ranchi. You were there too. That’s all. But what’s all this sleuthing about?”

Where did the speaker go in ’58?

“Wait just a minute ’58…..just let me check in my dairy.” For a minute there was silence.
Bepin Babu could feel that his heartbeat had gone up. He was sweating a little.
“Hello.”
“Yes.”
“I’ve got it. I’d been out twice.”
“Where?”
“Once in February—nearby—to Krishnanagar to a nephew’s wedding. And then……but you’d know about this one. The trip to Ranchi. You were there too. That’s all. But what’s all this sleuthing about?”

Give the meaning of ‘sleuthing’.

Next morning, Bepin Babu was back in Culcutta. He realised that there was truly no hope for him. Soon he would lose everything: his will to work, his confidence, his ability, his balance of mind. Was he going to end up in the asylum at….? Bepin Babu couldn’t think any more. Back home, he rang up Dr. Chanda and asked him to come over. Then, after a shower, he got into bed with an ice-bag clamped on his head. Just then he servant brought him a letter which someone had left in the letter box. A greenish envelope with his name in red ink on it.

What did Bepin Babu realise?

Next morning, Bepin Babu was back in Culcutta. He realised that there was truly no hope for him. Soon he would lose everything: his will to work, his confidence, his ability, his balance of mind. Was he going to end up in the asylum at….? Bepin Babu couldn’t think any more. Back home, he rang up Dr. Chanda and asked him to come over. Then, after a shower, he got into bed with an ice-bag clamped on his head. Just then he servant brought him a letter which someone had left in the letter box. A greenish envelope with his name in red ink on it.

Whom did he ring up?

Next morning, Bepin Babu was back in Culcutta. He realised that there was truly no hope for him. Soon he would lose everything: his will to work, his confidence, his ability, his balance of mind. Was he going to end up in the asylum at….? Bepin Babu couldn’t think any more. Back home, he rang up Dr. Chanda and asked him to come over. Then, after a shower, he got into bed with an ice-bag clamped on his head. Just then he servant brought him a letter which someone had left in the letter box. A greenish envelope with his name in red ink on it.

What did Bepin do then?

Next morning, Bepin Babu was back in Culcutta. He realised that there was truly no hope for him. Soon he would lose everything: his will to work, his confidence, his ability, his balance of mind. Was he going to end up in the asylum at….? Bepin Babu couldn’t think any more. Back home, he rang up Dr. Chanda and asked him to come over. Then, after a shower, he got into bed with an ice-bag clamped on his head. Just then he servant brought him a letter which someone had left in the letter box. A greenish envelope with his name in red ink on it.

What did the servant bring for him?

Next morning, Bepin Babu was back in Culcutta. He realised that there was truly no hope for him. Soon he would lose everything: his will to work, his confidence, his ability, his balance of mind. Was he going to end up in the asylum at….? Bepin Babu couldn’t think any more. Back home, he rang up Dr. Chanda and asked him to come over. Then, after a shower, he got into bed with an ice-bag clamped on his head. Just then he servant brought him a letter which someone had left in the letter box. A greenish envelope with his name in red ink on it.

‘Asylum’ is a place :