Feathers in Peril English Coursebook Grade 7 Chapter 14 IP Study

Our class at school had an odd assortment of boys. But the oddest boy in the school was Bodhaj. We were all afraid of him. If he pinched anyone's arm, the arm would swell up as if from snake bite. He was utterly callous. He would catch wasp with his bare fingers, pull out its rings, tie thread around it, and fly it like kite. He would pounce on butterfly sitting on flower and crush it between his fingers or else stick pin through it and pin it to his notebook. It was said that if scorpion stung Baj the scorpion would fall dead. Both Raj's blood was believed to be so full of venom that even the snake bite had no effect on him. He always had catapult in his hand and was an excellent shot. His favorite targets were birds. He would stand under tree, take him, and next moment bird cries would ren the air and the fluff of feathers would float down. Or else he would climb up tree, take away the eggs and destroy the nest. He was vindictive and took pleasure in hurting others. All the boys were scared of him. Even his mother called him rashasa. His pockets buzzed with strange things like life parrot, an assortment of eggs, or prickly hedgehog. If Bodraj quarrel with anyone, he would charge at him headon like bull or viciously kick and bite him. After school, we would return home, but Bodraj would be off on his wanderings. My father was given promotion in his job, and we moved into large bungalow. It was an oldstyle bungalow on the outskirts of the city. It had brick floors, high walls, slanting roof and garden full of trees and shrubs. Though comfortable, it seemed rather empty and big and being far from the city. My friends seldom came to visit me. The only exception was Bodhaj. He found it good hunting ground. The trees had many nests, monkeys roamed about, and under the bushes lived pair of monguses. Behind the house, there was big room where my mother stored our extra luggage. This room had become haunt of pigeons. You could hear them cooing all day. Near the broken glass of the ventilator, there was miner's nest. The floor of the room was littered with feathers, bird droppings, broken eggs, and bits of straw from nests. My mother did not approve of my friendship with Bodhash, but she realized that was lonely and needed company. One day, my mother said to me, "If your friend is so fond of destroying nests, tell him to play in our store room. These birds have made it very filthy." protested. You said it's cruel to destroy nests. didn't suggest he should kill the birds. He can remove the nest without harming them. The next time Budaj came, took him to the gown. It was dark and smelly, as though we had entered an animal's lair. confess was somewhat worried. What if true to form, Bodhaj destroyed the nests, pulled out the bird's feathers, and broke their eggs? Bodj had brought his catapult. He studied the position of the nest under the roof. Near the ventilator was minor's nest. could see bits of cotton wool and rag hanging out. Some pigeons struted up and down beam going to one another. The minor's little ones are up there, said Hudraj, aiming with his catapult. noticed two tiny yellow beaks peeping out of the nest. Look, Bra exclaimed. This is Gaamina. It isn't usually found in these areas. Where are the parents? asked. Must have gone in search of food. They should be back soon. Vudraj raised his scapold. wanted to stop him, but before could open my mouth, there was whizzing sound and then loud clang as the pebble hid the iron sheet on the roof. The tiny beaks vanished. The queen and tittering seized. It seemed as if all the birds had been frightened into silence. Bodhaj let fly another pebble. This time it struck beam. Bodhaj was proud of his aim, but he had missed his target twice and was very angry with himself. When the chicks peeped over the rim of the nest, Bodhaj had third try. This time, the pebble hit the side of the nest. few straw and bits of cotton wool fell, but the nest was not dislodged. Bodhaj lifted his catapult again. Suddenly, large shadow flitted across the room, blocking the light from the ventilator. Startled, we looked up. Gazing down at us menacingly was large kite with his wings outstretched. The minor chicks began fluttering their wings and shrieking loudly. What would the kite do? The kite left the ventilator and purged on rafter. It had folded back its wings. It shook its craggy neck and peered to the right and to the left. The bird's frightened cries filled the air. "The kite has been coming here every day," said Modraj. realized why broken wings, straws, and bits of bird flesh littered the floor. The kite must have ravaged the nest of Bodhaj had not taken his eyes off the kite, which was slowly moving towards the nest." The cries became shriller. was bundle of nerves. Bodhaj raised his catapult and aimed at the kite. Don't hit the kite. It will attack you. shouted, but Bodhaj paid no attention. The pebble bits the kite and hit the ceiling. The kite spread its wings wide and peered down. Let's get out of here, said, frightened. The kite will eat at the little ones. This sounded rather strange coming from him. Bodhaj aimed again. The kite left the rafter and spreading its wings flew in semicircle and lighted on beam. The chicks continued to scream. Bodj handed me the catapult and some pebbles from his pocket. Aim at the kite. Go on hitting it. Don't let it sit down, he instructed. Then he ran and pulled up table standing against the wall to the middle of the room. didn't know how to use the catapults. tried once but the kite had left the bead and flown to another. Bodj brought the table right under the Maida's nest. Then he picked up broken chair and placed it on the table. He climbed on the chair, gently lifted the nest and slowly stepped down. Let's get out of here, he said and ran towards the door. followed. We went into the garage. It had only one door and small window in the back wall. The kite can't get in here, he said, and climbing onto box placed the nest on beam. The miner's young had quietened down standing on the box. Both Raj peeped into the nest. thought he would pick them both up and put them in his pocket as he usually did. But after looking at them for long time, he said, "Bring some water. The chicks are thirsty. We'll put it drop by drop into their mouths." brought glass of water. Both the chicks beaks open were panting. Both Raj fed them with drops of water. He told me not to touch them, nor did he touch them himself. How will their parents know they are here? asked. They will look for them. We stayed in the garage for long time. When Bodhaj came the next day, he had neither catapult nor pebbles. He carried bag of seeds. We fed the miners young and spent hours watching their antics.