Introduction
The Tiger in the tunnel by Ruskin Bond is a short story about doing duty with courage and valor. In this story, we see Baldeo and his son Tembu lived in a tribal village on the outskirts of Jungle with his family.
Content
Baldeo is a married man and the father of two children. he had a daughter and 12-year-old son, Tembu. Baldeo and his family are not wealthy. Baldeo provided for his family in two ways by working on their small rice field and by working as a watchman for the railroad. On the railroad. Baldeo’s job is to ensure that the railway track through a nearby tunnel stays clear. In Tembu’s village, villagers often talked and circulated stories about a man-eating Tiger frequently seen near the tunnel. Baldeo deeply cares for the safety of his son and that is why he does not have Tembu to accompany him to check the tunnel and the lamp.
Baldeo works for long hours to ensure that his family must eat. He knows that the Jungle can be a dangerous place since he is brave. Baldeo was conflict in his ability to face the wild and he always carries a weapon. Tembu occasionally accompanied his father on his job and slept inside the little hut. One Night, Tembu woke up to find his father going to check the signal lamp and thought to accompany his father but baldeo told tembu to remain at the hut safely. The ground shook because of the oncoming train. Baldeo looked ahead and saw a tiger approaching him. He moved to use his axe. When the tiger attacked, he stepped aside and struck it with the axe. Later, Tembu discovered his father Baldeo’s body.
Conclusion
The family struggled with the loss of baldeo for many days. The Tembu returned to the tunnel and continued his father's job. Devoted to his father's legacy, he ensures that the signal light is always lit and the tunnel is clear. He carried the same acts as a tribute to his late father and as a commitment to protect his family. Tembu become the new protector and breadwinner of the family.
