[1] New Dehli’s Paharganj rail station is
humming with sound and crawling with
people. The gray platforms are bathed ∈
white light. The train engines belch smoke
[5] and whistle like impatient bulls.
If you were to search for me ∈ the
crowded maze, where would you look? You
would probably try to find me among the
dozens of street children who are stretched
[10] out on the smooth concrete floor ∈ various
stages of rest and slumber. You might even
imagine me as an adolescent vendor,
peddling plastic bottles containing tap water
from the station’s toilet as pure Himalayan
[15] mineral water. You could visualize me as one
of the sweepers ∈ dirty shirts and torn pants
shuffling ........ the platform, with a long
swishing broom transferring dirt from the
pavement ........ the track. Or you could look
[20] for me among the regiments of red-
uniformed porters bustling about with heavy
loads on their heads.
Well, think again, because I am neither a
vendor, nor porter, nor sweeper. Today I am
[25] a genuine passenger, travelling to Mumbai, ∈
the sleeper class no less, and with a proper
reservation. I am wearing a starched white
bush shirt made 100% cotton and Levi’s
jeans-yes, Levi’s jeans, bought from the
[30] Tibetan Market. I am walking purposefully
........ platform number five to board the
Paschim Express for Mumbai. There is a
porter trudging along by my side carrying a
light-brown suitcase on his head. The porter
[35] has been hired by me, and the suitcase on his
head belongs to me. The suitcase does not
contain any money. I have heard too many
stories about robbers on trains that drug you
at night and make off with your belongings to
[40] take the chance of keeping the most precious
cargo of my life-my salary from the Taylors−∈
my suitcase. It is inside my underwear. I take
a quick look ........ the loose notes ∈ my front
pocket. I reckon I will have just enough to
[45] take an auto-rickshaw from Bandra Terminus
to Salim’s room ∈ the Ghatkopar slum. Won’t
Salim be surprised to see me arrive ∈a
three-wheeler instead of on the local train?
And when he sees the game I bought for
[50] him, I hope he doesn’t faint from happiness.
Adapted from: SWARUP, Vikas. Slumdog Millionaire. 2005. p. 148-149.
Select the alternative which correctly completes the blanks ∈ lines 17, 19, 31 and 43.
