Chapter 2: The Adventures of Toto
A Prankish New Entry
In this humorous story by Ruskin Bond, Grandfather buys a baby monkey named Toto from a tonga-driver for five rupees. Toto’s arrival marks the beginning of an era of unprecedented mischief in the household.
Toto was a "pretty monkey" with bright, mischievous eyes and pearly white teeth. His smile often frightened the life out of elderly ladies, and his long tail served as a useful "third hand."
Toto's Mischievous Spirit
Toto was far from being a docile pet. His first act of destruction involved tearing off the ornamental wallpaper in his closet and shredding the narrator's school blazer into "naked brick and plaster."
Mischief Tracker
Toto would cunningly test the water temperature with his hand. He once nearly boiled himself alive in a kitchen kettle intended for tea!
During lunch, Toto stuffed himself with rice, threw a plate at Grandmother, and water at an aunt before escaping to a tree to finish his meal and break the dish.
Journey to Saharanpur
When Grandfather had to travel to collect his pension, he carried Toto in a big black canvas bag. At the railway turnstile, Toto poked his head out and grinned at the ticket collector.
Final Verdict
Despite Grandfather's fondness for animals, Toto’s constant destruction of clothes, curtains, and dishes became too expensive. Finally, Grandfather sold Toto back to the tonga-driver for only three rupees.
Key Themes
- Wild Animals as Pets: The inherent nature of wild animals often makes them unsuitable for domestic life.
- Humour and Tolerance: Grandfather’s patience with Toto highlights his deep love for animals.
- Economic Reality: The disparity between the joy of a pet and the cost of maintaining it.