Answer:
Explanation: It was a week later, the day of Premila’s fi rst test, that our lives changed rather
abruptly. I was sitting at the back of my class, in my usual inattentive way, only half
listening to the teacher. I had started a rather guarded friendship with the girl with the
braids, whose name turned out to be Nalini (Nancy, in school). Th e three other children
were already fast friends. Even at that age it was apparent to all of us that friendship
with the English or Anglo-Indian children was out of the question. Occasionally,
during the class, my new friend and I would draw pictures and show them to each
other secretly.
27 Th e door opened sharply and Premila marched in. At fi rst, the teacher smiled at
her in a kindly and encouraging way and said, “Now, you’re little Cynthia’s sister?”
