CBSE Class 10 English Chapter 9: Madam Rides the Bus NCERT Solutions

Valli, an eight-year-old girl, was exceptionally curious and found immense joy in observing the world from her doorstep. Her greatest fascination was the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest town. The sight of the bus, always carrying new passengers, filled her with excitement. She yearned to ride it and meticulously saved money for the ticket, foregoing small pleasures like sweets and toys. On her journey, Valli was captivated by the passing scenery: tall palm trees, vast grasslands, distant mountains against a blue sky, and the bustling public roads with colourful displays of merchandise. A particularly memorable sight was a young cow running at full speed in the middle of the road, its tail held high. The driver's attempts to scare it away only made it run faster, which Valli found hilarious. However, her return journey brought a stark contrast. She was deeply saddened to see the same cow lying dead by the roadside, its life tragically ended. This horrifying sight filled her with grief and dampened her earlier excitement, making her lose interest in looking out the window.

During my childhood, I recall enjoying numerous elephant rides at local fairs and amusement parks, always accompanied by my parents. While these rides were fun, the sheer size of the elephant often instilled a sense of fear in me, especially the thought of riding alone. Recently, during a trip to Jaisalmer, I had the opportunity to experience an elephant ride again, which brought back childhood memories. Although excited to relive those moments, I was also apprehensive about being alone on the ride. After some thought, I decided to go for it. The mahout prepared his elephant, and with his assistance, I managed to mount the animal's back, overcoming my initial nervousness. As the elephant began its slow, heavy steps, swaying gently from side to side, my fear gradually transformed into a remarkable and enjoyable experience. The fifteen-minute ride through lush green grasslands was incredibly pleasant, leaving me feeling very happy and looking forward to more such adventures.

This section introduces Vishav Driman and her husband Kamal Jeet, a couple in their sixties who chose an adventurous path after retirement. Instead of slowing down, they discovered a passion for cycling. They began with short, daily rides which they enjoyed so much that they decided to embark on longer journeys to explore more places, seeking adventure and a fulfilling post-retirement life. The passage highlights their proactive approach to aging and their pursuit of new experiences through cycling.