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Every important word from the story with its meaning and the context in which it appears. Knowing these words will strengthen both your comprehension and your answer writing.
eagerly
with great excitement and interest
"All of us would wait eagerly for the bus" - shows the whole household's anticipation
ardent desire
a very strong, passionate longing
"Her ardent desire to go to Kashi" - central to the plot of Kashi Yatre
convincing
believable; making you feel it is true
"Her style was easy to read and very convincing" - explains why Avva loved the story
protagonist
the main character of a story
"Avva identified with the novel's protagonist" - the old woman with the Kashi dream
concentration
complete, undivided attention
"She would listen with the greatest concentration" - shows Avva's deep engagement
by heart
from memory, without looking (idiom)
"She could repeat the entire text by heart" - proves Avva memorised each episode
savouring
enjoying something deeply and slowly
"Savouring the freedom" - children at the wedding enjoying themselves fully
affectionate
showing love and tender care
"Her affectionate hands touched my forehead" - the gesture before the night confession
immensely
extremely; very much
"I loved her immensely" - narrator's deep bond with Avva
essential
absolutely necessary
"Never considered education essential for girls" - the social norm that denied Avva schooling
regret
sadness about something one cannot change
"I used to regret not going to school" - Avva's silent pain across decades
embarrassed
feeling ashamed or awkward
"I was too embarrassed to ask" - Avva's self-respect stopped her from seeking help
well-off
financially comfortable; prosperous
"We are well-off, but what use is money" - the contrast: wealth ≠ independence
independent
able to do things without depending on others
"I want to be independent" - Avva's core motivation for learning to read
determination
a firm decision to achieve something no matter what
"I saw the determination on her face" - Avva's resolve that the narrator initially mocked
overcome
to successfully deal with a difficulty
"You can overcome any obstacle" - the heart of the story's central theme
obstacle
a difficulty that stands in the way
"Any obstacle" - age, weak eyes, busy routine. None stopped Avva
recite
to say aloud from memory
"She would read, repeat, write, and recite" - Avva's four-step study method
taken aback
completely surprised by something unexpected (idiom)
"I was taken aback when Avva touched my feet" - the role reversal shocked the narrator
irrespective
without regard to; regardless of
"Irrespective of the gender and age" - teacher respect has no conditions
namaskara
a respectful Indian greeting: folded hands or touching feet
"I did return her namaskara" - the narrator honoured her grandmother in return
passed with flying colours
succeeded brilliantly (idiom)
"My student had passed with flying colours" - Avva exceeded every expectation
scriptures
sacred religious books and texts
"Is it not written in our scriptures" - Avva roots her act in deep cultural tradition
punya
spiritual merit earned through good deeds (Sanskrit)
"The ultimate punya" - Hindus believe visiting Kashi earns great spiritual merit
