The Big Guest (1)

The Big Guest (1)

Everybody called him " Raja. "
It was not his real name but he liked being called " Raja."

He lived with his Gandfather and Grandmother.
They were his guardians.

Raja 's mother died when he was young.
His father left Raja with his grandparents, who brought him up.

Grandfather was a tall, strong man.
He always spoke in a loud voice.
He knew everyone in the village.

People respected him.
They came to him for advice and help.

Grandmother was kind and gentle.
She took good care of Raja.

She would follow him like a shadow, saying, " Drink this milk " or " "Eat your food " or " Have your bath " or " Go to bed.

Raja did not like this , but stillhe loved his grandmother very much.

At home Raja did not have any friends to play with.

Grandfather did not like Raja going out to play with other children.
He believed that Raja would be spoiled if he did so.

Other children did not like to come to the house because they were afraid of grandfather.

Yet life with Grandfather was not dull.
Raja liked his home and the very large garden all around it.

There were many trees in the garden : coconut trees, mango trees, and other kind of trees.

There were birds, butterflies, and honeybees.

There were many tanks, with plenty of fish in them.
Kingfishers, storks, and other water birds came to the tanks to catch the fish.
 
(つづく　1/5)