About the Author
Vallikannan was a well-known writer from Tamil Nadu. His real name was R.S. Krishnasamy, and he used Vallikannan as his pen name. He was born on November 12, 1920, in a small village near Tirunelveli. He worked as a journalist, critic, and translator too. Vallikannan loved writing stories about simple village life, children's dreams, and small joys. He wrote in Tamil, and many of his tales got translated into English. "Madam Rides the Bus" is one of his fun stories that shows a girl's big adventure. He passed away on November 9, 2006, but his books still make kids smile and think.
What’s the Story About?
This story is about a smart and curious eight-year-old girl named Valli, who lives in a quiet village. She has no friends her age to play with, so she spends her days sitting at the front door of her house, watching the world go by. Her favorite thing is the big blue bus that comes every hour, going from her village to the nearby town and back. Every time it passes, Valli feels excited, like it's full of magic. She dreams of riding it one day, just to see what's out there.
Valli is full of questions. She listens to grown-ups talking about bus rides and asks sneaky questions to learn more. She finds out the town is six miles away, the fare is thirty paise one way (so sixty paise for a round trip), and the ride takes forty-five minutes. She makes a secret plan: take the one o'clock bus when her mom is napping, reach town by one forty-five, and come back by two forty-five. To save money, Valli skips buying sweets or rides at the fair, even when they tempt her. It takes time, but she saves every paise.
One sunny spring day, Valli is ready. She waits by the road in her best dress. When the bus comes, she calls out boldly, "Stop!" The conductor, a happy and joking man, helps her up but she says no—she can do it herself. He laughs and calls her "Madam" because she acts so grown-up. Valli climbs in, pays her fare, and sits by the window. She stands on the seat to see better, even when people tell her to sit down for safety. An old man worries she's too young to travel alone, but Valli snaps back that she's not a kid—she paid like everyone else.
As the bus moves, Valli's eyes go wide with wonder. On one side, there's a canal with tall palm trees, green fields, and far-off hills under a blue sky. On the other, rocky paths and small huts. She laughs when a naughty cow runs across the road, making the bus slow down. The conductor teases her to save her laughs for later. They cross a railway track where a loud train zooms by, shaking the bus. Then they enter the town with shiny shops full of colorful clothes, toys, and snacks. Valli stares at everything, her heart racing with joy.
But Valli doesn't get off in town—she's scared to go alone. She pays another thirty paise and turns back right away. The ride home is fun too, until she spots that same playful cow lying dead by the road, hit by some vehicle. Its eyes are open but empty, body twisted in a scary way. Valli feels a chill; her happiness turns to sadness. She sits quiet, thinking about how life can change in a second—from running free to lying still forever.
The bus drops her home before anyone notices. Her mom is up, chatting with her talkative aunt from down the street. They talk about how the world is full of things we don't understand, like people dying suddenly. Valli nods wisely, saying, "Yes, it's true." Her mom and aunt are surprised—Valli sounds so grown-up! Valli just smiles inside, keeping her big secret. That day, her little bus ride taught her more about the world than any playground game.
The story is sweet and touching, showing how one small trip can make a child see life in a new light.
Who’s Who in the Story
- Valli (Valliammai): The brave eight-year-old girl who plans and takes her first bus ride alone. She's curious, stubborn, and acts like a big person.
- Valli's Mother: A simple village woman who takes afternoon naps. She loves Valli but doesn't know about her adventure.
- Aunt (from South Street): Valli's chatty aunt who visits and talks non-stop. She notices how mature Valli seems at the end.
- The Conductor: A cheerful, fun-loving bus driver who jokes with Valli and calls her "Madam." He makes her feel special.
- Elderly Man: An old passenger who worries about Valli standing on the seat and traveling alone.
- Elderly Woman: Another passenger who tries to be kind to Valli, offering a drink, but Valli finds her annoying and rude in reply.
Themes and Moral
The story shares some important ideas through Valli's eyes:
- Curiosity and Adventure: Valli's love for new things pushes her to try something big, like riding the bus alone. It shows how asking questions and dreaming can lead to fun discoveries.
- Growing Up and Independence: At eight, Valli wants to do things her way, without help. Her trip makes her feel strong, but also teaches her to face fears.
- Life and Death: The happy ride turns sad when Valli sees the dead cow. It helps her understand that joy and sorrow are part of life, and nothing lasts forever.
- Seeing the World Anew: Simple things, like fields or shops, look amazing from a bus window. The story reminds us to look at everyday sights with fresh wonder.
The moral is: A little courage and curiosity can open up the world, but real growth comes from facing both happy and hard truths. Like Valli, we all learn by stepping out, even if it's just a short bus ride.
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are some key words and phrases from the story. I explain them in easy words, like telling a friend:
- Curious: Wanting to know more about things, like peeking into a mystery box.
- Fascination: A super strong pull towards something exciting, like can't-stop-watching a game.
- Wistfully: Looking at something with a sad wish, like wanting a toy you can't have.
- Discreet: Asking questions quietly so no one notices, like whispering a secret.
- Thriftily: Saving money bit by bit, skipping small buys to get something big later.
- Resolutely: Sticking to your plan no matter what, like deciding to finish homework first.
- Commandingly: Speaking like a boss, in a strong voice that makes people listen.
- Haughtily: Acting proud or better-than-others, like turning up your nose at someone.
- Repulsive: Something that makes you feel yuck or gross, like bad-smelling food.
- Curtly: Answering short and sharp, without being nice, like "No!" and walking away.
- Glee: Bubbly happiness, like giggling with joy over a surprise.
- Haunted: Something that sticks in your mind and won't leave, like a scary dream.
- Pokes her nose: Butting into others' business, like snooping where you shouldn't.
These words add color to Valli's adventure. Practice them in your own sentences to make them stick!