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Introduction |
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About the Author |
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Key Points of the Story |
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Detailed Summary |
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Theme/Message |
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Difficult Words |
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This story explores the close relationship between nature and humans, especially focusing on a farmer’s bond with his land. Set during a year of severe drought, the story follows a hardworking farmer named Velu who is deeply worried about the lack of rain. Through a chance encounter with an old woman, Velu learns a powerful lesson about the natural world that nature, like humans, also needs rest. The story ends on a hopeful note with the arrival of rain, showing how nature works in its own time.
Kamakshi Balasubramanian is a respected Indian author, teacher, and environmental thinker. She has a deep love for storytelling that inspires readers to see the world with more care and understanding. Her writing often focuses on nature, everyday life, and the simple truths we tend to forget. Through her thoughtful and gentle stories, she encourages young readers to notice the beauty in small things and to value the bond between humans and the natural world. In "Waiting for the Rain”, she uses the voice of an old woman to remind us that just like people, even the land needs time to rest and recover.
Key Points of the Story
Detailed Summary
Velu was a sincere and hardworking farmer who lived in a village. Every day, he woke up early to tend to his land. He loved his work and never took a break, even during festivals or holidays. For the past six years, his land had always yielded good crops like jowar and dal, and this made him proud and hopeful.
One morning, Velu woke up hoping it would rain. He looked at the sky, but there were no clouds, only a bright red sun rising in the sky. Without rain, Velu couldn’t plough his field, and this made him feel worried and helpless. This year, the usual monsoon rains had not come. The earth in the fields had dried up, cracked, and turned lifeless. Farmers like Velu, who depended on rain, had no choice but to wait and hope.
Some villagers began to lose patience. They suggested visiting astrologers to perform rituals or give advice to please the heavens. But Velu didn’t believe in these ideas. He trusted science and nature more. So, he went to the city to talk to people at the weather office. Sadly, even the experts there were confused. They told him that the weather conditions seemed right, but the rain still hadn’t come. Velu returned to his village feeling tired, dusty, and more discouraged than ever.
On the way back, Velu stopped under a shady tree to rest. There, he noticed an old woman already sitting under the tree. She had a kind face, sparkling eyes, and a warm smile. Velu was curious and began speaking with her. He shared his sadness and frustration, telling her how much he had worked over the years and how the lack of rain was affecting his family’s survival.
To Velu’s surprise, the old woman gently suggested that perhaps the land itself was tired. She explained that just like people, the earth also needs time to rest and recover. She reminded him that the soil had been worked for thousands of years and that nature often brings a pause so that everything can regain strength. Her words made Velu stop and think. He realised that maybe this long dry season was nature’s way of giving the land a break.
As Velu walked home, he thought deeply about what the old woman had said. The idea that the earth could be resting gave him peace. He began to feel hopeful again. Just then, he felt a cool breeze and a tiny drop of water on his shoulder. Looking up, he saw clouds gathering in the sky. The air became cooler, the light dimmed, and soon it looked like the rains would finally arrive.
Velu was filled with happiness. He understood that everything in nature happens for a reason and at the right time. Trusting nature, he ran home joyfully, ready to start again with a fresh heart.
Theme/Message
Difficult Words
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1. What is the main theme of "Waiting for the Rain"? | ![]() |
2. Who is the author of "Waiting for the Rain" and what background does he have? | ![]() |
3. Can you provide a detailed summary of "Waiting for the Rain"? | ![]() |
4. What message does "Waiting for the Rain" convey regarding nature and agriculture? | ![]() |
5. What difficult words are used in "Waiting for the Rain" and what do they mean? | ![]() |