Jalebis | Class 8 English Notes

III

This section delves into the boy's remorse and anxiety after spending his fees money on jalebis. Sitting under a shade-giving tree near the railway tracks, he contemplates his unfortunate situation. Initially, the matter seemed simple—eat jalebis now and pay fees with scholarship money later—but the delay in scholarship payment complicates things. He reflects on the unpredictability of life, realizing that sometimes outcomes are not straightforward.

The boy begins to pray earnestly to Allah Miyan (God), presenting his case much like a lawyer defending a bad case. He reminds God of his good behavior, memorization of prayers (namaaz), and knowledge of Quranic verses, including the last ten surats and ayat-al-kursi. He admits his mistake of eating jalebis but justifies it by saying he shared them with other children. He pleads for just four rupees to pay his fees, promising not to misuse money again and accepting punishment if he does.

He performs religious rituals, including offering namaaz, reciting kalma-e-tayyab, and blowing over his bag to ward off evil. However, he finds no money in his bag—only textbooks, notebooks, a pencil, sharpener, and an ID card. Feeling defeated, he decides to blend in with other children leaving school, pretending he attended classes.

The boy notices the jalebiwala's shop nearby and is tempted but resists. The next day, he repeats his prayers under the tree and imagines playing a game with Allah Miyan: he would walk to a signal while God secretly places four rupees under a rock. When he lifts the rock, a big hairy worm appears instead, frightening him away.

He resolves to pray harder and keep faith, but when caught by his family for absence from school, he faces consequences. Reflecting later, he concludes that if God gave everything on demand, humans would not learn to strive or develop skills, such as making jalebis.

This section explores themes of faith, responsibility, the complexity of fate, and the moral growth of the boy through his trials.

📊 Diagram: Reprint 2024-25

🧪 Activity: Comprehension Check with questions on the consequences of buying jalebis with fees money, the boy's prayer, the game with Allah Miyan, and reflections on divine help.

🔗 Connection: Leads to exercises and reflective questions encouraging students to analyze the boy's character, temptation, and moral lessons.