Nathu is a young sweeper boy working at Pipalnagar Bank, owned by Seth Govind Ram. He feels frustrated because he hasn’t received his pay for over a month and plans to leave once he gets it. Sitaram, the washerman’s son, listens to Nathu’s complaints and offers to help him find a new job. Meanwhile, Mrs. Srivastava, a bank customer, hears about Nathu’s situation and decides to offer him work at her home.
One day, while chatting in the Pipalnagar bazaar, Mrs. Bhushan mentions that the bank has not been able to pay its employees. Mr. Bhushan, who is nearby, listens and warns Kamal Kishore, the photography shop owner, to tell his neighbor, who has an account at the bank, to withdraw his money. This information quickly spreads, causing panic. Old Ganpat, a beggar with a thousand rupees saved, listens to the rumors and rushes to the bank to get his money.
As the news spreads, people gather in groups, listening to each other discuss the situation. By noon, the bank runs out of cash, and the crowd outside demands their money. The bank manager tries to calm them by listening to their concerns, but they grow more upset. Soon, someone throws a brick through the bank’s window.
The next morning, Nathu arrives to find broken glass and trash on the steps. He is shocked by the chaos and is determined to get his pay. Sitaram informs him that the bank is going out of business, and Nathu sits on the steps, confused about how this could happen. He worries about the future of the bank and its employees, reflecting on how important it is to listen to what others say in times of crisis.
Thinking about soft skills (listening skills):
1. How is listening different from hearing?
Ans: Listening means paying attention and trying to understand what someone is saying. Hearing is just the ability to hear sounds without focusing on them. Listening requires effort, while hearing happens automatically.
2. Why is it important to listen?
Ans: Listening is important because it helps us understand others better. It shows respect and builds strong relationships. Good listening can also prevent misunderstandings and improve communication.
3. Do you often find it difficult to listen properly? How can you overcome this difficulty?
Ans: Sometimes, I find it hard to listen properly, especially if I'm distracted. To overcome this, I can focus on the speaker, eliminate distractions, and practice active listening by summarizing what I hear. Taking notes can also help me stay engaged.
