The Boy who Broke the Bank

Answer

The story shows how a small complaint can grow into a big rumour. Nathu’s unpaid wages become the starting point of a chain of false news, panic, and crowd trouble, even though the bank has not actual…

Answer

The rumour began because Nathu, the sweeper-boy, had not received his pay for two months. His complaint was passed on by others and slowly changed into news that the bank had gone bankrupt.

Answer

Sitaram first told Mrs Prakash about Nathu’s unpaid wages. He meant to help Nathu find work, but this talk started the rumour chain by accident.

Answer

Nathu is the sweeper-boy who sweeps the steps of Seth Govind Ram’s bank. He is upset because he has not been paid for months, and his complaint becomes the root of the rumour.

Answer

Sitaram is the washerman’s son who delivers pressed clothes. He is Nathu’s friend, and his casual talk helps spread the rumour without meaning to.

Answer

Seth Govind Ram is the wealthy man who owns the small local bank. His business dealings had often brought him close to ruin, but in this story he is actually holidaying in Kashmir.

Answer

Haphazard means unorganised and careless. It describes Seth Govind Ram’s business dealings, which were not properly planned and had often brought him near ruin.

Answer

To the verge of ruin means almost at the point of losing everything or becoming ruined. It is used for Seth Govind Ram’s business, which was often close to failure.