Step 1: Understanding the Question
The question asks to identify the person who provided comfort and encouragement to Bholi when she was in the classroom.
Step 2: Recalling the Story Details
In the story "Bholi", the main character, Sulekha (called Bholi), is timid and lacks confidence due to a childhood injury and pock-marks. On her first day at school, she is scared and unable to speak her name clearly. Her teacher approaches her with kindness and encouragement.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation
The teacher's voice was "soft and soothing". She spoke to Bholi gently, patted her affectionately, and encouraged her by telling her that if she came to school every day, she would learn to speak without stammering and become more learned than anyone else in the village. This kindness and comfort from her teacher was a turning point in Bholi's life. No other character mentioned in the options provided this comfort in the classroom scene.
Step 4: Final Answer
It was Bholi's teacher who comforted her in the classroom with a kind and encouraging attitude.