The story “Expert Detectives” by Sharada Dwivedi, from the textbook English Honeycomb, revolves around two siblings, Nishad (nicknamed Seven) and his elder sister Maya, who become curious about a mysterious man named Mr. Nath. Living alone in Shankar House, Mr. Nath’s reclusive nature sparks suspicion in the siblings, especially Maya, who believes he might be a criminal. However, Nishad’s compassionate nature leads him to view Mr. Nath differently.
One of the most significant moments in the story occurs when Nishad gives Mr. Nath some food. This simple act of kindness reveals Nishad’s empathetic character and highlights important themes in the story such as judgment, compassion, and human connection. But what exactly did Nishad give Mr. Nath, and why did he choose to do so? Let’s explore the incident and its deeper meaning.
1. What Did Nishad Give Mr. Nath?
Nishad, driven by empathy and concern, gave Mr. Nath some food when he realized that the man might be hungry and living in difficult conditions.
- On one occasion, Nishad took a bar of chocolate to Mr. Nath.
- Later, when he visited Mr. Nath’s room again, he gave him a portion of his mother’s homemade food.
- Nishad’s mother, being a doctor, had some concern for Mr. Nath’s health, as he looked thin and frail. Nishad, understanding this, felt that Mr. Nath needed proper nourishment.
These small gestures were significant because they represented Nishad’s kindness and his willingness to see beyond appearances. While his sister Maya was focused on proving that Mr. Nath was a criminal, Nishad’s concern for his well-being reflected a deeper understanding of humanity.
2. Why Did Nishad Give Food to Mr. Nath?
The reasons why Nishad gave food to Mr. Nath were rooted in his compassionate personality, his sense of justice, and his ability to empathize with others.
A. Empathy and Kindness
- Nishad was naturally empathetic. Unlike his sister Maya, who was suspicious, Nishad saw Mr. Nath’s loneliness and poverty.
- He noticed that Mr. Nath looked weak and underfed, which made him feel sorry for him.
- Nishad believed that Mr. Nath needed a friend, not accusations. By sharing food, he wanted to show kindness and offer comfort.
This shows that Nishad’s actions were guided by humanity and a genuine desire to help, rather than suspicion or fear.
B. Disagreement with Maya’s Assumptions
- Maya believed that Mr. Nath was a criminal hiding from the police. She suspected that he might have been involved in illegal activities.
- However, Nishad disagreed. He felt that someone who looked so weak and lonely couldn’t possibly be a dangerous person.
- By giving him food, Nishad was challenging Maya’s theory. He wanted to prove that Mr. Nath was just a lonely man, not a criminal.
Nishad’s actions demonstrated that he was not quick to judge people and that he believed in understanding others before making assumptions.
C. Influence of His Mother’s Profession
- Nishad’s mother was a doctor, and she had mentioned that Mr. Nath looked unwell.
- Being a doctor’s son, Nishad understood that proper nutrition was essential for good health.
- His concern for Mr. Nath’s health may have been influenced by his mother’s medical knowledge, prompting him to give food to ensure Mr. Nath ate well.
This reflects Nishad’s nurturing side and his belief that helping others was important, especially when they were in need.
D. Desire for Human Connection
- Nishad sensed Mr. Nath’s loneliness.
- Mr. Nath lived alone, spoke very little, and had no apparent friends, except for a man who visited him occasionally.
- Nishad might have believed that sharing food was a way to connect with him, break the ice, and show that someone cared.
This highlights a universal truth—food often brings people together, creating bonds even between strangers.
3. The Significance of Nishad’s Gesture
Nishad’s decision to give Mr. Nath food carried symbolic importance in the story:
- It represented the contrast between suspicion and compassion.
- While Maya’s detective instincts made her look for clues of criminality, Nishad’s kindness helped him see the humanity in Mr. Nath.
- His gesture emphasized the theme that appearances can be deceptive and that people should not be judged without understanding their circumstances.
This small act of kindness became the turning point in the narrative, shifting the focus from accusations to empathy.
4. Lessons from Nishad’s Act of Kindness
Nishad’s actions offer several valuable lessons:
- Compassion over judgment: It’s easy to judge people based on appearances, but kindness requires understanding.
- Empathy bridges gaps: A simple act of giving can connect people who might otherwise remain strangers.
- Challenge assumptions: Before believing rumors or jumping to conclusions, one should try to know the truth.
- Small gestures matter: Sharing food, offering help, or simply being kind can change someone’s day or even their life.
These lessons make Nishad’s gesture not just a plot point in the story but also a reminder of the power of humanity.
Conclusion
In the story “Expert Detectives,” Nishad gave Mr. Nath food—first a bar of chocolate and later homemade food—because he was compassionate, empathetic, and concerned for Mr. Nath’s well-being. Unlike his sister Maya, who suspected Mr. Nath of being a criminal, Nishad saw the human side of a man who was lonely, weak, and possibly in need of a friend.
His act of kindness teaches us that:
- Empathy and understanding are essential qualities in a world where it is easy to judge.
- Sometimes, small actions, like sharing a meal, can have big impacts.
- We should look beyond appearances and try to see the person within.
Ultimately, Nishad’s gesture adds depth to the story, reminding readers that compassion is the greatest detective skill of all—it helps us truly understand people.
Rahul Kumar is a passionate educator, writer, and subject matter expert in the field of education and professional development. As an author on CoursesXpert, Rahul Kumar’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from various courses, educational and career guidance.
