April 10, 2026
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Chapter 6: Twin Melodies
Complete Prose Solutions | CBSE Class 9 English Kaveri
Reflect and Respond
R1ActivityPage 169
Given below are some stringed musical instruments. Work in pairs and identify them by first letter of the spellings of their names.
Answer:
| Initial | Instrument |
|---|---|
| S | Santoor |
| S | Sarangi |
| S | Sitar |
| S | Sarod |
| M | Mandolin |
| V | Violin |
| G | Guitar |
| B | Banjo |
R2Personal ResponsePage 169
Do you play a musical instrument? If given a choice, which one would you choose and why?
Suggested Answer:
I do not play a musical instrument regularly, but if given a choice, I would choose the violin. I like its sweet and expressive sound. It can be used in classical music as well as modern fusion music, which makes it very versatile.
I do not play a musical instrument regularly, but if given a choice, I would choose the violin. I like its sweet and expressive sound. It can be used in classical music as well as modern fusion music, which makes it very versatile.
R3DiscussionPage 169
Is there any difference in the choice of music between children and elders? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Suggested Answer:
Yes, there may be a difference in the choice of music between children and elders. Children often enjoy modern, fast-paced, experimental or fusion music, while elders may prefer classical, devotional or traditional music. This difference happens because people grow up in different cultural and musical environments. However, music can also connect generations when both sides listen to each other with openness.
Yes, there may be a difference in the choice of music between children and elders. Children often enjoy modern, fast-paced, experimental or fusion music, while elders may prefer classical, devotional or traditional music. This difference happens because people grow up in different cultural and musical environments. However, music can also connect generations when both sides listen to each other with openness.
R4PhrasesPages 169–170
Complete the paragraph by choosing the correct phrases from the box.
Answer:
The theatre club was 1. winding up their practice. Anil saw Sunny was 2. wearing a look of distress and not speaking to anyone. They had a disagreement in the morning and since then, Sunny was 3. lost in his thoughts. Anil did not want to 4. bring it up and disturb Sunny further but he finally decided to 5. bite the bullet and speak to Sunny. He was sure if he apologised first, his friend would 6. come around. With a lot of anxiety, he 7. found words to apologise. And finally, Sunny smiled! Everyone clapped and asked them to 8. throw a party to celebrate.
The theatre club was 1. winding up their practice. Anil saw Sunny was 2. wearing a look of distress and not speaking to anyone. They had a disagreement in the morning and since then, Sunny was 3. lost in his thoughts. Anil did not want to 4. bring it up and disturb Sunny further but he finally decided to 5. bite the bullet and speak to Sunny. He was sure if he apologised first, his friend would 6. come around. With a lot of anxiety, he 7. found words to apologise. And finally, Sunny smiled! Everyone clapped and asked them to 8. throw a party to celebrate.
Check Your Understanding: Act I
1Comprehension TablePage 174
Complete the table based on Act I of the play.
Answer:
| Part | Completed Answer |
|---|---|
| Setting | Iqbal’s room; a small rack and a wooden table stacked with books; posters of Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and Shashank Subramanyam on the wall. |
| Children and instruments | Iqbal: flute; Avinash: tabla; Peter: keyboard; Shruti: violin. |
| Speaker 1 | Avinash says, “Oh ho! Wow Shruti! You are a sensation now! The least you can do is throw a party!” because he is excited after hearing the newspaper praise for Shruti. |
| Speaker 2 | Shruti says, “There is need to worry Iqbal! You don’t know papa.” because she fears that her father will disapprove of Indo-Western fusion music. |
| Speaker 3 | Peter says, “That’s the spirit!” because Shruti finally decides to gather courage and speak to her father. |
22 marksPage 174
Do you think Shruti will gather the courage to speak to her father? Give a reason.
Answer: Yes, Shruti will gather the courage to speak to her father. Her friends encourage her and make her realise that avoiding the matter will make things worse. She finally decides to “bite the bullet” and promises to bring it up at dinner.
32 marksPage 174
What might be Shruti’s father’s reaction? Why?
Answer: Shruti’s father might react angrily or firmly at first because he is a strict classical musician. He believes that the violin should not be played to Western tunes and that Classical Hindustani music is the only worthy form of music.
Check Your Understanding: Act II
4Summary CompletionPages 177–178
Complete the summary of Act II by choosing the correct words from the box.
Answer:
Shruti seemed 1. absent-minded during dinner. She finally gathered the 2. courage to inform her father, Nabin, about her wish to participate in an upcoming Indo-Western fusion concert. Nabin reacted negatively, expressing 3. disapproval of fusion music and dismissed the idea. Despite Shruti’s 4. plea to him to attend a practice before deciding, Nabin was 5. firm in his decision. Shruti’s mother, Leela, 6. scolded her for not seeking permission earlier. The tension highlights the 7. clash between traditional and contemporary musical preferences within the family. Despite the 8. setback, Shruti promises not to hide again and is urged to go to bed by her mother.
Shruti seemed 1. absent-minded during dinner. She finally gathered the 2. courage to inform her father, Nabin, about her wish to participate in an upcoming Indo-Western fusion concert. Nabin reacted negatively, expressing 3. disapproval of fusion music and dismissed the idea. Despite Shruti’s 4. plea to him to attend a practice before deciding, Nabin was 5. firm in his decision. Shruti’s mother, Leela, 6. scolded her for not seeking permission earlier. The tension highlights the 7. clash between traditional and contemporary musical preferences within the family. Despite the 8. setback, Shruti promises not to hide again and is urged to go to bed by her mother.
52 marksPage 178
Will Shruti’s father go for the rehearsal? Support your answer with a reason.
Answer: Yes, Shruti’s father will go for the rehearsal. Although he rejects the idea at first, Shruti’s plea and Leela’s understanding may influence him. Since he cares deeply about music and about Shruti, he may decide to listen before judging.
62 marksPage 178
Do you think Shruti and her parents would understand one another? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer: Yes, Shruti and her parents would understand one another because all of them care about music and family. Shruti respects her father’s opinion, while her parents love her and want her to take music seriously. Honest conversation helps them understand each other.
Check Your Understanding: Act III
7True / FalsePages 181–182
Identify the true statements.
Answer:
| Statement | Answer |
|---|---|
| During the rehearsal, Shruti’s parents enter the room and are overjoyed at her performance. | True |
| Shruti initially considers telling her friends that she can’t join them for the performance, after practising one last time. | True |
| Shruti’s father expressed that she had sung a few notes incorrectly during her performance. | False |
| Shruti’s father had followed the family’s tradition of being a violinist and worked very hard to achieve all that he did. | False |
| Shruti’s mother helped her husband realise why he should support their daughter. | True |
| Shruti’s father accepts that he underrated the potential of classical music. | True |
Critical Reflection
CR 1Extract BasedPages 182–183
Read the first extract beginning “There is need to worry Iqbal!” and answer the questions.
Answer:
(i) D. in a dilemma.
(ii) By “the right way”, Shruti means a respectful and sensitive way of telling her father about the fusion concert without making him feel that she disrespects his musical beliefs.
(iii) We can say that the extract reflects the generational gap in understanding art and tradition because Shruti’s father values pure Classical Hindustani music, while Shruti wants to try Indo-Western fusion without losing respect for tradition.
(iv) Iqbal’s words assure Shruti that because Nabin is her father, he will eventually understand her feelings and intentions if she speaks honestly.
(v) The critics argued that only films which provoke thoughtful discussion are of any worth.
(i) D. in a dilemma.
(ii) By “the right way”, Shruti means a respectful and sensitive way of telling her father about the fusion concert without making him feel that she disrespects his musical beliefs.
(iii) We can say that the extract reflects the generational gap in understanding art and tradition because Shruti’s father values pure Classical Hindustani music, while Shruti wants to try Indo-Western fusion without losing respect for tradition.
(iv) Iqbal’s words assure Shruti that because Nabin is her father, he will eventually understand her feelings and intentions if she speaks honestly.
(v) The critics argued that only films which provoke thoughtful discussion are of any worth.
CR 2Extract BasedPage 183
Read the second extract beginning “I underestimated the power of our own music…” and answer the questions.
Answer:
(i) B. traditional values and modern expressions.
(ii) The extract uses the word “lost” both in the sense of losing connection with tradition and physical separation.
(iii) The word that does not show what Shruti’s hug conveys is duty.
(iv) It can be inferred that Shruti will continue her musical journey with greater confidence. Her father’s trust and support will help her explore fusion music while respecting classical roots.
(v) The phrase is “each bay, its own wind.”
(i) B. traditional values and modern expressions.
(ii) The extract uses the word “lost” both in the sense of losing connection with tradition and physical separation.
(iii) The word that does not show what Shruti’s hug conveys is duty.
(iv) It can be inferred that Shruti will continue her musical journey with greater confidence. Her father’s trust and support will help her explore fusion music while respecting classical roots.
(v) The phrase is “each bay, its own wind.”
CR 3Long AnswerPage 184
Answer the following questions.
1. Justify the title “Twin Melodies”. How does the play explore the theme of tradition and modernity?
The title “Twin Melodies” is suitable because the play brings together two musical worlds: classical tradition and modern fusion. Nabin represents classical Hindustani music and inherited tradition, while Shruti represents experimentation and contemporary expression. The play shows that tradition and modernity need not oppose each other. They can exist together like twin melodies if there is mutual respect and openness.
2. What are the different perspectives of Peter, Iqbal, and Avinash regarding confronting figures of authority?
Peter is cheerful and supportive. He encourages Shruti and celebrates her talent. Iqbal is reassuring and practical; he tells Shruti that her father will understand. Avinash is bold and direct; he says Shruti is making matters worse by not speaking to her father. Their attitudes show that they value friendship, courage and honest communication.
3. Analyse the character of Nabin Sharma. How does his attitude towards music evolve throughout the play?
Nabin Sharma is a strict classical musician and a respected teacher. At first, he strongly disapproves of fusion music and believes that true artists should play Classical Hindustani music. He reacts harshly when Shruti tells him about the concert. Later, after watching her performance, he realises that fusion music can also preserve the notes and soul of the raga. His attitude evolves from rigidity to acceptance.
4. How does the play use Shruti’s internal conflict to explore the theme of duty towards family versus personal passion?
Shruti respects her father and does not want him to feel ignored or insulted. At the same time, she wants to explore fusion music with her friends. Her internal conflict shows the tension between family duty and personal passion. The play resolves this conflict through honest communication and parental understanding.
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of the play’s conclusion. Does it realistically address the conflicts presented?
The conclusion is effective because it does not simply reject tradition or modernity. Instead, it shows how understanding can bridge the gap between them. Nabin’s change of heart becomes realistic because Leela reminds him of his own past, when he too had gone against family tradition to play the violin.
6. Assess how well the role of cultural diversity contributes to the storyline of the play.
Cultural diversity is central to the play. The fusion group includes different instruments such as flute, tabla, keyboard and violin. The music blends Indian classical elements with Western forms. This diversity helps the play show that art grows when different traditions interact respectfully.
The title “Twin Melodies” is suitable because the play brings together two musical worlds: classical tradition and modern fusion. Nabin represents classical Hindustani music and inherited tradition, while Shruti represents experimentation and contemporary expression. The play shows that tradition and modernity need not oppose each other. They can exist together like twin melodies if there is mutual respect and openness.
2. What are the different perspectives of Peter, Iqbal, and Avinash regarding confronting figures of authority?
Peter is cheerful and supportive. He encourages Shruti and celebrates her talent. Iqbal is reassuring and practical; he tells Shruti that her father will understand. Avinash is bold and direct; he says Shruti is making matters worse by not speaking to her father. Their attitudes show that they value friendship, courage and honest communication.
3. Analyse the character of Nabin Sharma. How does his attitude towards music evolve throughout the play?
Nabin Sharma is a strict classical musician and a respected teacher. At first, he strongly disapproves of fusion music and believes that true artists should play Classical Hindustani music. He reacts harshly when Shruti tells him about the concert. Later, after watching her performance, he realises that fusion music can also preserve the notes and soul of the raga. His attitude evolves from rigidity to acceptance.
4. How does the play use Shruti’s internal conflict to explore the theme of duty towards family versus personal passion?
Shruti respects her father and does not want him to feel ignored or insulted. At the same time, she wants to explore fusion music with her friends. Her internal conflict shows the tension between family duty and personal passion. The play resolves this conflict through honest communication and parental understanding.
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of the play’s conclusion. Does it realistically address the conflicts presented?
The conclusion is effective because it does not simply reject tradition or modernity. Instead, it shows how understanding can bridge the gap between them. Nabin’s change of heart becomes realistic because Leela reminds him of his own past, when he too had gone against family tradition to play the violin.
6. Assess how well the role of cultural diversity contributes to the storyline of the play.
Cultural diversity is central to the play. The fusion group includes different instruments such as flute, tabla, keyboard and violin. The music blends Indian classical elements with Western forms. This diversity helps the play show that art grows when different traditions interact respectfully.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context
V1AsidePage 184
What is “aside” used for?
Answer: The correct option is (iv) (i), (ii), and (iii).
An aside is used to show what a character thinks or feels, to help the character talk about the story, and to create a direct link between the character and the audience. Other characters on stage usually do not hear the aside.
An aside is used to show what a character thinks or feels, to help the character talk about the story, and to create a direct link between the character and the audience. Other characters on stage usually do not hear the aside.
V2Non-Lexical FillersPage 185
Why are words like “Ahem ahem” and “I…er…” used?
Answer: The correct answer is 1. to fill gaps while speaking.
These are non-lexical fillers. They are used when a speaker pauses, hesitates, gathers thoughts, or moves from one idea to another.
Possible emoticon matching:
1. whew — relief
2. err — hesitation
3. arrgh — frustration
4. hmmm — thinking
These are non-lexical fillers. They are used when a speaker pauses, hesitates, gathers thoughts, or moves from one idea to another.
Possible emoticon matching:
1. whew — relief
2. err — hesitation
3. arrgh — frustration
4. hmmm — thinking
V3Music VocabularyPages 185–186
Match the music-related words with their meanings.
Answer:
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| rhythm | the pattern of beats or time intervals in music |
| tempo | the speed or pace at which a piece of music is played |
| bass | the lowest tone or part in music |
| baritone | a male voice that falls between the higher and lower ranges |
| cacophony | a mixture of loud unpleasant sounds |
| pitch | the perceived frequency of a sound; how high or low a sound is |
| scale | a series of musical notes moving upwards or downwards |
V4PhrasesPage 186
Write the meanings of the underlined phrases based on their usage.
Answer:
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| drown your individual style | lose or suppress one’s unique artistic identity |
| sense of musicality | understanding and feeling for music |
| go down the drain | be wasted or become useless |
V5Exclamatory SentencesPage 187
Identify the sentence type and convert the exclamatory sentences to declarative sentences.
Answer:
Sentences 1 and 2 are exclamatory sentences.
Declarative forms:
1. Shruti exclaimed with joy that she enjoyed performing that piece very much.
2. Nabin exclaimed with appreciation that the music was very soulful and that they had done a wonderful job.
Sentences 1 and 2 are exclamatory sentences.
Declarative forms:
1. Shruti exclaimed with joy that she enjoyed performing that piece very much.
2. Nabin exclaimed with appreciation that the music was very soulful and that they had done a wonderful job.
V6Reported SpeechPage 187
Write the given sentences in reported speech.
Answer:
2. Iqbal exclaimed that it was an incredible achievement and that he could not believe they had pulled it off.
3. Shruti’s mother applauded that each note had been executed perfectly and the performance had been flawless.
4. Iqbal said that he basically had a little bit of scolding for breakfast every day.
5. Shruti apologised to her mother and promised that she would not hide from her again.
6. Avinash exclaimed that Shruti was a sensation then and added that the least she could do was throw a party.
2. Iqbal exclaimed that it was an incredible achievement and that he could not believe they had pulled it off.
3. Shruti’s mother applauded that each note had been executed perfectly and the performance had been flawless.
4. Iqbal said that he basically had a little bit of scolding for breakfast every day.
5. Shruti apologised to her mother and promised that she would not hide from her again.
6. Avinash exclaimed that Shruti was a sensation then and added that the least she could do was throw a party.
V7Indirect SpeechPages 187–188
Report the dialogue between Asma and Deepa in indirect speech.
Answer:
Asma exclaimed excitedly that she had had a unique experience at the art studio that day. Deepa urged her to tell her as she was eager to hear. Asma said that she had accidentally spilled paint all over her canvas. Deepa pitied Asma. However, Asma replied to her not to worry as the painting then looked better than her original plan. Deepa exclaimed that it was incredible.
Asma exclaimed excitedly that she had had a unique experience at the art studio that day. Deepa urged her to tell her as she was eager to hear. Asma said that she had accidentally spilled paint all over her canvas. Deepa pitied Asma. However, Asma replied to her not to worry as the painting then looked better than her original plan. Deepa exclaimed that it was incredible.
Listen and Respond
L1Audio BasedPages 188–189
Listen to a musician describing the yazh and complete the notes.
Answer: This is an audio-based task. The exact answers should be filled after listening to the classroom audio or transcript.
Expected note structure:
1. Type of instrument — The Indian _______
(i) Was used in: _______
(ii) Earlier version of: _______
2. Design
(i) stem tip — shaped like _____ of mythological animal
(ii) resonator — shape of a _______; material — _______
3. Design variety
(i) peacock, _______, _______, and bow string
Expected note structure:
1. Type of instrument — The Indian _______
(i) Was used in: _______
(ii) Earlier version of: _______
2. Design
(i) stem tip — shaped like _____ of mythological animal
(ii) resonator — shape of a _______; material — _______
3. Design variety
(i) peacock, _______, _______, and bow string
Speaking Activity
S1Stress and IntonationPages 189–190
Practise lines from the play aloud, focusing on stress and intonation.
Suggested Practice:
| Sentence | Stress | Intonation |
|---|---|---|
| I don’t want papa to feel that I don’t care about his opinions, because I do. | Stress “don’t” and “do”. | Begin in a concerned tone and rise at the end to show sincerity. |
| Tonight, at dinner, I promise to bring this up. | Stress “promise” and “bring this up”. | Use a firm, resolved tone. |
| Why are you lost in thought, my dear child? | Stress “lost” and “thought”. | Use a gentle, questioning tone. |
| Each bay, its own wind. | Stress “each” and “own”. | Use a thoughtful and slightly philosophical tone. |
Writing Task
W1Play ScriptPages 190–191
Create a play script based on the beginning of the story about Anuradha, an extraordinary tabla player whose father wants her to become a vocalist.
Answer:
Title: The Rhythm Within
Characters: Anuradha, Father, Mother, Brother
Setting: Evening in Anuradha’s house. A tabla is placed in one corner of the room.
Anuradha: (nervously) Papa, I need to tell you something important.
Father: (calmly) What is it, Anuradha? Is it about your music class?
Anuradha: Yes, Papa. I have been invited to perform tabla at a prestigious event next week.
Father: (firmly) Tabla again? I have told you many times that you should focus on becoming a vocalist.
Anuradha: (aside) I knew this would happen. But I cannot hide my dream forever.
Mother: Please listen to her once. She has worked very hard for this opportunity.
Brother: Papa, everyone at school admires her talent. This performance means a lot to her.
Father: (softening a little) Do you really care for tabla so deeply?
Anuradha: Yes, Papa. I respect vocal music, but the tabla feels like my voice. Its rhythm speaks for me.
Father: (after a pause) Then show me your rhythm. If your dedication is true, I will not stand in your way.
Anuradha: (happily) Thank you, Papa. I promise I will make you proud.
Title: The Rhythm Within
Characters: Anuradha, Father, Mother, Brother
Setting: Evening in Anuradha’s house. A tabla is placed in one corner of the room.
Anuradha: (nervously) Papa, I need to tell you something important.
Father: (calmly) What is it, Anuradha? Is it about your music class?
Anuradha: Yes, Papa. I have been invited to perform tabla at a prestigious event next week.
Father: (firmly) Tabla again? I have told you many times that you should focus on becoming a vocalist.
Anuradha: (aside) I knew this would happen. But I cannot hide my dream forever.
Mother: Please listen to her once. She has worked very hard for this opportunity.
Brother: Papa, everyone at school admires her talent. This performance means a lot to her.
Father: (softening a little) Do you really care for tabla so deeply?
Anuradha: Yes, Papa. I respect vocal music, but the tabla feels like my voice. Its rhythm speaks for me.
Father: (after a pause) Then show me your rhythm. If your dedication is true, I will not stand in your way.
Anuradha: (happily) Thank you, Papa. I promise I will make you proud.
Learning Beyond the Text
LB 1Play WritingPages 191–192
Study the words given in brackets in the dialogues and answer the questions.
Answer:
1. Why do we not use inverted commas to convey the dialogues?
In a play script, the speaker’s name and colon already show who is speaking. Therefore, inverted commas are not needed.
2. Where do we use colons?
Colons are used after the speaker’s name to introduce the words spoken by the character.
3. What is written within the brackets? What do these convey?
Stage directions are written within brackets. They convey the actor’s tone, manner, emotion, gesture, movement or action.
4. How does it help the actors?
It helps actors understand how to deliver the lines, what emotion to show, and what physical action to perform.
1. Why do we not use inverted commas to convey the dialogues?
In a play script, the speaker’s name and colon already show who is speaking. Therefore, inverted commas are not needed.
2. Where do we use colons?
Colons are used after the speaker’s name to introduce the words spoken by the character.
3. What is written within the brackets? What do these convey?
Stage directions are written within brackets. They convey the actor’s tone, manner, emotion, gesture, movement or action.
4. How does it help the actors?
It helps actors understand how to deliver the lines, what emotion to show, and what physical action to perform.
LB 2ResearchPage 192
Find out about the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, Paraguay.
Suggested Answer:
The Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, Paraguay, is a children’s orchestra that uses musical instruments made from discarded waste and scrap materials collected from landfills. It shows that creativity can turn waste into art. The orchestra also teaches an important lesson about sustainability, music education and social change.
The Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, Paraguay, is a children’s orchestra that uses musical instruments made from discarded waste and scrap materials collected from landfills. It shows that creativity can turn waste into art. The orchestra also teaches an important lesson about sustainability, music education and social change.
LB 3ResearchPage 193
Find out more about indigenous musical instruments used in your region.
Suggested Answer:
Indigenous musical instruments are often made from natural materials such as bamboo, gourds, wood, animal hide and shells. Examples include the bamboo flute, dhol, khartal, ektara, algoza, tuntuna, dafli and been. These instruments are used in folk songs, devotional music, festivals, dances and community gatherings. They preserve local culture and traditional musical knowledge.
Indigenous musical instruments are often made from natural materials such as bamboo, gourds, wood, animal hide and shells. Examples include the bamboo flute, dhol, khartal, ektara, algoza, tuntuna, dafli and been. These instruments are used in folk songs, devotional music, festivals, dances and community gatherings. They preserve local culture and traditional musical knowledge.
LB 4Group ActivityPage 193
In groups of five, select objects around yourself to create a rhythm and present it in class.
Suggested Answer:
Students may use safe everyday objects such as pencils, notebooks, water bottles, lunch boxes and desks to create rhythm. One student can maintain a steady beat, another can create a faster rhythm, and others can add claps or taps. The group should coordinate timing and volume to create a short rhythmic performance.
Students may use safe everyday objects such as pencils, notebooks, water bottles, lunch boxes and desks to create rhythm. One student can maintain a steady beat, another can create a faster rhythm, and others can add claps or taps. The group should coordinate timing and volume to create a short rhythmic performance.
LB 5Reading ActivityPage 193
Read the book Rigmarole and Other Plays by Sai Paranjpye and enjoy the humour and wit.
Suggested Response:
Rigmarole and Other Plays is a collection of humorous and thoughtful plays by Sai Paranjpye. The plays entertain children while also helping them think about society, responsibility and ideas. Students may read one play from the collection and discuss its characters, humour, message and stage presentation.
Rigmarole and Other Plays is a collection of humorous and thoughtful plays by Sai Paranjpye. The plays entertain children while also helping them think about society, responsibility and ideas. Students may read one play from the collection and discuss its characters, humour, message and stage presentation.
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