The Blue Umbrella
Ruskin Bond
14 min
6 Key Points
4.5 RateWhat's inside?
Dive into a charming tale of a young girl in a small Indian village, whose life changes after she acquires a beautiful blue umbrella, sparking envy among her neighbors.
Key points
01The Gift of the Blue Umbrella
In the tranquil hamlet of Garhwal, cradled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, resided a spirited young maiden named Binya. Her existence was a simple tapestry of rural allure and the unadulterated pleasures of nature. One day, a band of urban dwellers graced her village with their presence, bringing along a captivating blue umbrella. The umbrella, with its radiant hue and glossy material, was a spectacle unlike any Binya had ever witnessed. It was an instant infatuation for her. Binya was the proud owner of an exotic leopard claw necklace, a rarity and a prized possession in her village. Observing the city folks' intrigue towards her necklace, she suggested an exchange - her treasured necklace for the blue umbrella. The city dwellers consented, and thus, the blue umbrella became Binya's most adored belonging. The blue umbrella was more than just a protective cover against the rain for Binya; it was a symbol of elegance and delight. She would parade it everywhere, showcasing its allure under the sun and the rain. The villagers, particularly the children, were mesmerized by the umbrella and would often congregate around Binya to marvel at it. However, the umbrella also incited a wave of envy among the villagers. The most envious of them all was the village's long-standing shopkeeper, Ram Bharosa. He had been a part of the village for countless years and had never laid eyes on anything as enchanting as the blue umbrella. He yearned for it, and his envy soon morphed into an obsession. He would often catch himself gazing at the umbrella, aching to possess it. The once serene village was now abuzz with whispers and gossip, all revolving around Binya's blue umbrella.
02The Envy of Ram Bharosa
Once upon a time, in a quaint little village nestled amidst the verdant hills, lived a man named Ram Bharosa. He was the village shopkeeper, a man of simple tastes and humble desires. His shop was a hub of activity, a place where villagers gathered not just for their daily necessities but also for the latest gossip. Ram Bharosa was content with his life, his shop, and the respect he received from his fellow villagers. However, this tranquility was disrupted with the arrival of a beautiful blue umbrella. The umbrella, a vibrant shade of azure, was unlike anything the villagers had ever seen. It was owned by Binya, a young village girl, who had traded her lucky charm for it. The umbrella quickly became the talk of the village, and Binya, its proud owner, became the center of attention. The umbrella's beauty and the prestige it brought to Binya stirred a deep-seated envy within Ram Bharosa. He found himself captivated by the umbrella, its vibrant blue hue haunting his dreams. His envy soon morphed into an obsession, as he found himself unable to focus on anything else but the umbrella. He began to fantasize about owning it, imagining the respect and admiration he would receive from the villagers. His obsession grew so intense that he began to plot ways to acquire the umbrella, disregarding the moral implications of his actions. In his desperation, he involved his young assistant, Rajaram, in his plans. Rajaram, naive and impressionable, was easily swayed by his master's influence. Ram Bharosa manipulated Rajaram's innocence, convincing him that acquiring the umbrella was a matter of utmost importance. Together, they devised a series of plots to steal the umbrella from Binya. Their plans ranged from simple persuasion to more devious schemes, each one more desperate than the last. However, their attempts were always thwarted, either by Binya's vigilance or by their own incompetence. As the story progressed, Ram Bharosa's obsession with the umbrella began to consume him. His once thriving shop started to lose customers, and his relationships with the villagers deteriorated. Despite the negative consequences, Ram Bharosa remained undeterred, his desire for the umbrella blinding him to the damage he was causing to his life and reputation. In the end, Ram Bharosa's obsession with the blue umbrella served as a stark reminder of the destructive power of envy and obsession. His downfall served as a cautionary tale for the villagers, a lesson on the importance of contentment and the dangers of unchecked desire.
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03The Failed Theft
04The Redemption of Ram Bharosa
05The Act of Generosity
06Conclusion
About Ruskin Bond
Ruskin Bond is a renowned Indian author of British descent, known for his contributions to children's literature. Born in 1934, his prolific career spans over 60 years, with works encompassing diverse genres such as fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padma Shri.