THE KITE OF AFFECTION

This is a story by MUNSHI PREMCHAND (1880-1936) about two brothers. Munshi was one of the most popular writers and social activists of India, who wrote poignant stories about the exploitation of the vulnerable and of disadvantaged communities. SARA BUBBER has translated the story from Hindi into English and added an activity to go with it.

- SARA BUBBER

My Big Brother

My elder brother was five years older than me but only three classes ahead. I loved to play and he loved to study. I made paper butterflies, climbed walls, and pretended wooden logs were motorbikes. My elder brother, on the other hand, was a perfectionist. He took important subjects seriously and spent two to three years in one grade. I sought opportunities of escaping my hostel and he waited for me to get back and ask the same question every day, “Where were you?” I don’t know why I could never answer him and my silence spoke of my grave offence.

My brother told me English is hard, he himself spends years in the same class to build a good foundation. How could I expect to pass when I played as much as I did? Days rolled by and I tried to give studies a try. I made a plan and tried to stick to it. But when I went into the park, I couldn’t bring myself back. I realized, I couldn’t give up my love for play. Finally, in the exams, I passed with flying colors and my brother failed.