MADAM RIDES THE BUS

Chapter 9 – Madam Rides the Bus

Author: Vallikkannan
Book: First Flight (Class 10 English)

Summary (in simple words)

This story is about an 8-year-old girl named Valli who is very curious, brave, and independent. She lives in a small village and loves to watch what happens on the main road in front of her house. She often stands at her doorway and observes the buses that pass by. Watching the bus go to the nearby town and come back fills her with excitement and a strong desire to ride it.

Valli learns all the details about the bus trip by secretly listening to conversations of regular passengers. She finds out that:

• The bus ride to the town costs thirty paise one way,

• The trip takes 45 minutes,

• The town is six miles away.

Valli plans her trip very carefully. She saves every single paisa by not buying toys, candies, or riding the merry-go-round at fairs.

One day, when her mother is taking a nap, Valli finally takes the bus alone. She is dressed neatly and confidently buys her ticket from the conductor, who jokingly calls her “Madam.” The bus journey is full of excitement for her — she enjoys watching fields, mountains, and animals on the way.

However, her excitement turns into sadness when she sees a young cow lying dead on the road — the same cow she saw happily running earlier. This incident makes her realize the harsh realities of life.

After reaching the town, she refuses to get down from the bus because she fears losing her way. She buys another ticket and returns home safely. When she reaches home, her mother and aunt are talking, and Valli listens quietly, smiling to herself — proud of her secret adventure.

Theme of the Story

The story highlights:

• Childhood curiosity and imagination

• Desire for adventure and independence

• The process of growing up and realizing the realities of life

Character Sketch – Valli

• Curious: Wants to know about everything happening around her.

• Courageous: Travels alone in the bus.

• Determined: Saves money and plans her trip carefully.

• Innocent yet mature: Learns about life and death through her journey.

Word	Meaning
Disguise	To hide one’s real appearance
Devour	To eat hungrily
Thrilled	Excited
Gape	To look with surprise
Glee	Great joy and happiness
Venture	A risky or daring journey

Q1. Who was Valli? What was her full name?

Ans. Valli was an eight-year-old curious girl who lived in a village. Her full name was Valliammai.

Q2. What was Valli’s favorite pastime?

Ans. Valli’s favorite pastime was to stand at her house’s doorway and watch the bus that passed through her street. She loved observing people and activities on the road.

Q3. What did Valli find out about the bus journey?

Ans. Valli learned that the bus journey to the nearby town was six miles long, took forty-five minutes one way, and the fare was thirty paise.

Q4. How did Valli save money for her first bus ride?

Ans. Valli saved money by resisting her temptations—she did not buy toys, candies, or ride the merry-go-round at fairs.

Q5. Describe Valli’s experience on the bus.

Ans. Valli was very happy and excited during the bus journey. She enjoyed watching the fields, trees, and animals. The conductor treated her kindly and called her “Madam.” However, she became sad when she saw a dead cow on the road.

Q6. Why didn’t Valli get off the bus when it reached the town?

Ans. Valli did not get off the bus because she was afraid she might lose her way in the unfamiliar town. So, she decided to stay on the bus and return home.

Q7. What lesson did Valli learn during her journey?

Ans. Valli learned about the beauty and excitement of life but also realized the reality of death when she saw the dead cow. The journey made her more mature and thoughtful.

Q8. Why was the conductor amused to call Valli “Madam”?

Ans. The conductor called Valli “Madam” jokingly because she was behaving like a grown-up woman while being just an eight-year-old girl. Her confidence amused him.

Q9. What did Valli’s mother and aunt talk about at the end of the story?

Ans. They were talking about people’s experiences and secrets in life. Valli silently listened and smiled, proud of her own secret adventure.

Q10. What is the message of the story “Madam Rides the Bus”?

Ans. The story conveys that curiosity and courage lead to learning and maturity. It teaches that life is full of joy and sorrow, and understanding both is part of growing up.

Quick Revision Points

• Author: Vallikkannan

• Main character: Valli (Valliammai)

• Age: 8 years

• Bus fare: 30 paise (one way)

• Duration: 45 minutes (one way)

• Lesson: Life is full of curiosity, learning, and realization.