About the Author
Firdaus Kanga is a writer from Mumbai, India. He was born with a condition called osteogenesis imperfecta, which makes his bones very weak and brittle. Because of this, he uses a wheelchair to move around. Firdaus writes books and stories about his own life and the challenges faced by people with disabilities. His famous book is called Trying to Grow Wings, and this chapter is a part from that book. He wants to show the world that people with disabilities can live full and happy lives, full of adventure and success.
What’s the Story About?
This story is like a real-life adventure diary. It tells about a young man from India named Firdaus Kanga, who loves to travel even though he has weak bones and uses a wheelchair. One day, he goes to Cambridge, a beautiful old university town in England. He joins a walking tour (well, wheeling tour for him!) with a group. The tour guide talks about the stars and the universe, and suddenly mentions a very famous scientist who lives nearby—Stephen Hawking!
Firdaus gets excited because he knows Stephen Hawking is a super-smart man who studies black holes and the big questions about space, even though he can't walk or talk normally. Stephen has a sickness called ALS, which makes his body very weak and stuck in a wheelchair. He can only speak using a special computer that turns his finger taps into words with a robot voice.
After the tour, Firdaus feels a bit nervous but calls Stephen's house from a phone box. He says, "Hi, I'm from India, and I came all this way in my wheelchair to write about my trip. Can I meet him?" The helper on the phone says yes, but only for 30 minutes, from 3:30 to 4 PM.
When Firdaus meets Stephen, he feels a rush of feelings—happy, sad, and a little guilty. Stephen's body looks thin and twisted, not like the strong pictures in books. But his eyes sparkle with smartness! They talk using the computer. Firdaus asks if Stephen feels brave about his tough life. Stephen types back that he doesn't feel brave; he just had no other choice but to keep going. Firdaus thinks to himself, "Wow, that takes real courage!"
They chat about how people sometimes look at disabled folks with sad eyes or too much pity, like they are always unhappy. Stephen finds that funny and says it's annoying when people treat him like a baby. Firdaus agrees but also says that being disabled helps him see how kind the world can be—strangers help with doors or smiles.
Stephen shares that nothing is good about being disabled; it feels like being trapped in a small, tight room that keeps getting smaller. But Firdaus believes Stephen's mind is like a bright light that shines through his weak body. They talk about advice for others like them: "Just do what you're best at, and don't waste time on boring things like special games for disabled people."
Time flies, and when it's over, Stephen says, "Stay longer!" They have tea in his big garden. Stephen zooms around in his wheelchair, showing off flowers and trees, while Firdaus sits quietly because the sun makes the computer screen hard to read. No big talks, just peaceful time together.
Finally, Firdaus touches Stephen's shoulder goodbye and wheels away. Looking back, he sees Stephen waving. In that moment, Firdaus feels like his whole trip to England is now complete. He thinks Stephen is like a hero who shows that bravery lives inside us, no matter what our bodies are like.
Who’s Who in the Story
- Firdaus Kanga: The storyteller and main hero. He is a young writer from India who travels in a wheelchair because of his brittle bones. He is curious, brave, and full of feelings.
- Stephen Hawking: The famous scientist who studies space and stars. He is in a wheelchair due to paralysis and speaks with a computer. He is super smart, honest, and a bit funny.
- The Tour Guide: A friendly person who leads the group tour in Cambridge and first tells about Stephen Hawking living there.
- Hawking's Assistant: A helpful person at Stephen's house who answers the phone and sets up the meeting.
Themes and Moral
Themes
- Strength Inside Us: The story shows that real power comes from our mind and heart, not our body. Even if your body is weak, you can do amazing things if you don't give up.
- Not Feeling Sorry: People often feel pity for those with disabilities, but the story says that's not right. Disabled people can be happy, smart, and strong—just like anyone else.
- Kindness All Around: When you face tough times, you notice how good and helpful other people can be. Small acts like holding a door make the world feel warmer.
- Being Yourself: Don't try to be brave for show. Just focus on what you love and are good at, and life gets better.
Moral
The big lesson is: Disabilities can't stop your dreams if you have courage in your heart. Like Firdaus and Stephen, use your strengths to shine, and remember that true friends and kindness make every challenge easier. Never let others' pity make you feel small—be proud of who you are!
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are some key words and phrases from the story. I have explained them in easy words, like chatting with a friend.
Here’s your list rewritten in plain list format (no table) — simple, neat, and easy to read:
- Astrophysicist – A smart person who learns about stars, planets, and the whole sky world.
- Paralysis – When your body parts can't move because of sickness or hurt.
- Propelled – Pushed forward, like driving a car or rolling a wheelchair fast.
- Disembodied – Like a voice or thing that feels separate from a body, almost ghostly.
- Anguish – Deep sadness or pain that hurts your heart a lot.
- Buoyant – Feeling light and full of joy, like floating on happy thoughts.
- Chronically – Something that happens again and again, for a long, long time.
- Amusing – Funny in a light way that makes you smile or laugh.
- Patronize – Acting nice to someone but really thinking they are less smart or able.
- Slump – To drop down heavily, like falling into a chair when you're tired.
- Torso – The main middle part of your body, from neck to hips.
- Wasted – Very thin and without much muscle, looking weak.
- Incandescence – A bright, glowing light from inside, like a warm fire in your spirit.
- Accessory – An extra thing that helps but isn't the main part, like a side dish.
- Synthesizer – A machine that makes fake sounds or voices, like a robot talking.
- Inflection – The up-and-down tune in your voice that shows feelings, like being excited or sad.
- Claustrophobic – Feeling scared or trapped in a tiny, closed space, like no air to breathe.
- Exhilaration – Super excitement that makes your heart race with joy.
- Cliché – An old saying everyone uses too much, so it feels boring.
- Gleefully – Happily and with big smiles, like a kid getting a treat.
- Rumbling – A low, growly noise, like thunder or a wheelchair on rough ground.