Question

Where was Saheb employed?

• A. at a tea stall
• B. at a saree shop
• C. at a jewellery shop
• D. at a sweet shop

Hint:

In 'Lost Spring', Saheb's employment at the sweet shop symbolizes the loss of freedom and identity that often accompanies poverty, even when one moves from ragpicking to formal employment.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

This question refers to the story "Lost Spring" by Anees Jung, which portrays the harsh realities of street children in India, focusing on Saheb-e-Alam, a ragpicker, and Mukesh, a bangle maker.

Saheb, whose name ironically means “Lord of the Universe,” is a poor boy from Dhaka, Bangladesh, who migrates to Delhi with his mother. He is first seen ragpicking in the streets of Seemapuri, searching through garbage for recyclable materials such as rags, paper, and occasionally something valuable—his “gold.”

Later in the story, the author meets Saheb again and discovers that he no longer ragpicks.

Saheb’s New Job:

1. The Job:
Saheb works at a sweet shop in the market, carrying sacks of sugar and performing other routine tasks.

2. The Irony:
Although he now earns Rs. 800 per month and receives meals, he has lost the freedom he once enjoyed.
Ragpicking offered uncertainty but also the “promise of surprise” — the hope of finding something valuable. In contrast, his job at the sweet shop provides stability but no excitement or independence.

3. Loss of Identity:
The sweet shop owner calls him by another name, symbolizing the erosion of his identity and individuality.

Saheb’s employment reflects a complex shift from poverty with freedom to paid work without autonomy. While his financial condition appears slightly improved, his personal freedom has diminished.

Final Answer: at a sweet shop