‘You did a good job of the car. If you ever come to Bombay, I’ll give you a job as a car-cleaner,’ Hari did not, could not smile. He took the money and stood silently watching as the car bumped its way down the sandy path and disappeared into the coconut

‘You did a good job of the car. If you ever come to Bombay, I’ll give you a job as a car-cleaner,’ Hari did not,

could not smile. He took the money and stood silently watching as the car bumped its way down the sandy

path and disappeared into the coconut grove.’

Briefly describe the unpleasant incident that had preceded this conversation, which made the boy’s

‘heart like a stone inside him-heavy and cold