The Shoeshine

Calcutta

The narrator clearly states 'I come from Calcutta and I don't want my shoes polished.' This is mentioned when Shovan Lal correctly guesses that he doesn't live in Delhi. The connection to Calcutta is further reinforced when Shovan Lal mentions his uncle works there in the house of a Bengali Babu, creating a connection between them.

His father died of smallpox

The text states 'He had to leave school two years before his matriculation' and explains 'his father had died of small pox about three years ago.' This tragedy forced him to leave education and start working to support himself. The other options are not mentioned in the story. His inability to complete education despite being intelligent shows the harsh realities faced by poor families.

Eleven o'clock

Shovan Lal specifically told the narrator 'you come to see me at eleven o'clock after the last show' and later 'By eleven o'clock I had walked eight miles. When I met Shovan Lal, Connaught Circus was nearly deserted.' Six o'clock was when they first parted, and this late timing shows when the shoeshine boys finished their work and could meet to discuss union matters.

A little over seven rupees

The text clearly states 'A toffee tin was passed around and a little over seven rupees was collected that evening.' This shows the generosity of the shoeshine boys despite their own poverty. The equipment cost was estimated at ten-twelve rupees, so they promised to collect more the next day. This act demonstrates the theme of cooperation and mutual help among the working class.