Twin Melodies Class 9- Summary & NCERT Solutions

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At a Glance

Playwright	Mitra Phukan
Genre	Three-Act Play (Drama)
Setting	Iqbal’s room and Shruti’s home, in the town of Parbatpuri
Main Characters	Shruti Sharma, Guru Nabin Sharma, Leela Devi, Avinash, Iqbal, Peter
Central Conflict	Shruti’s wish to play Indo-Western fusion music, set against her father Nabin’s devotion to classical Hindustani music
Number of Acts	Three (Act I, Act II, Act III)
Central Theme	Tradition versus modernity, and the power of honest communication in resolving inter-generational conflict
Message	Respect for tradition and openness to new artistic expression can coexist; empathy and honesty help bridge generational gaps

NCERT Solutions

Reflect and Respond

I. Given below are some stringed musical instruments. Work in pairs and identify them by the first letter of the spellings of their names.

Answer: The instruments in the first row

 Santoor,  Sarangi,   Sitar , Sarod.

The instruments in the second row,

Mandolin,  Violin, Guitar,  Banjo.

II. Do you play a musical instrument? If given a choice, which one would you choose and why?

Answer: ‘I enjoy playing the keyboard, and if I were given a choice, I would like to learn the guitar because I admire its versatility across different genres of music and the ease with which it can be carried and played anywhere.

III. Is there any difference in the choice of music between children and elders? If yes, why? If no, why not?

Answer: Yes, there is often a noticeable difference in musical preference between children and elders. Elders tend to prefer classical, devotional, or nostalgic music that is closely tied to their own upbringing and memories, whereas children are usually drawn towards contemporary, fusion, or globally popular genres that are shaped by today’s media, films, and technology. This difference arises because each generation grows up surrounded by different cultural influences, much like the divide that is explored between Shruti and her father in the play.

IV. Work in pairs to complete the paragraph by choosing the correct phrases given in the box, and discuss whether the phrases have a literal meaning or a figurative one.

Answer:

 1. winding up, 2. wearing a look of distress, 3. lost in his thoughts, 4. bring it up, 5. bite the bullet, 6. come around, 7. found words, 8. throw a party.

Check Your Understanding Act I

I. Complete the table given below based on Act I of the play: Setting, the children and the instruments they play, and the Speaker/Words/Reason table.

Setting

• Where: Iqbal’s room
• Description of the room: a small rack and a wooden table stacked with books
• On the wall: posters of flautists Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and Shashank Subramanyam

Children and the instruments they play

1. Iqbal: flute
2. Avinash: tabla
3. Peter: keyboard
4. Shruti: violin

Speaker	Words of the Speaker	Reason
Avinash	“Oh ho! Wow Shruti! You are a sensation now! The least you can do is throw a party!”	He is teasing Shruti about becoming famous after the newspaper report.
Shruti	“There is need to worry Iqbal! You don’t know papa.”	She is worried about her father’s reaction because of his strict views about music.
Peter	“That’s the spirit!”	He is encouraging Shruti to speak to her father.

II. Do you think Shruti will gather the courage to speak to her father? Give a reason.

Answer: Yes, Shruti will gather the courage to speak to her father. Her friends encourage her and help her overcome her fear. Their support gives her the confidence to face her father and explain her feelings.

III. What might be Shruti’s father’s reaction? Why?

Answer: Shruti’s father may initially react with disapproval because he has strong views about music and believes that a serious musician should follow classical Hindustani music. He may therefore find it difficult to accept Shruti’s choice.

Check Your Understanding Act II

I. Complete the summary of Act II by choosing the correct words from the box given below.  There are two extra words that are not needed.

Answer:

1. absent-minded, 2. courage, 3. disapproval, 4. plea, 5. firm, 6. scolded, 7. clash, 8. setback.

(‘Surprised’ and ‘relief’ are the two extra words not required.)

II. Will Shruti’s father go for the rehearsal? Support your answer with a reason.

Answer: No, Shruti’s father is not willing to go for the rehearsal at first. He strongly disagrees with Shruti’s musical choice and does not want to encourage her participation. However, his later decision to attend shows that he is beginning to reconsider his view.

III. Do you think Shruti and her parents would understand one another? If yes, why? If no, why not?

Answer: Yes, Shruti and her parents are likely to understand one another better when they communicate openly. Shruti wants her parents to respect her musical choice, while her father is mainly concerned about her future. By listening to each other and recognising these concerns, they can bridge their differences and reach a better understanding.

Check Your Understanding Act III

I. Work in pairs. Identify the true statements.

1. During the rehearsal, Shruti’s parents enter the room and are overjoyed at her performance.
Answer: True

2. Shruti initially considers telling her friends that she can’t join them for the performance, after practising one last time.
Answer: True

3. Shruti’s father expressed that she had sung a few notes incorrectly during her performance.
Answer: False

4. Shruti’s father had followed the family’s tradition of being a violinist and worked very hard to achieve all that he did.
Answer: False

5. Shruti’s mother helped her husband realise why he should support their daughter.
Answer: True

6. Shruti’s father accepts that he underrated the potential of classical music.
Answer: False

Critical Reflection

Extract 1 (Shruti and Iqbal, Act I)

(i) Select the option that correctly identifies Shruti’s situation:

(A) confident

(B) indifferent

 (C) content

(D) in a dilemma.

Answer: (D) — in a dilemma

(ii) What does Shruti mean by ‘the right way’, in the sentence, ‘I just don’t know how to tell him in the right way!’?

Answer: By ‘the right way’, Shruti means finding words that will convey her wish to try fusion music without making her father feel that she disregards or does not care about his opinions and beliefs.

(iii) Complete the following with a suitable reason: We can say that the extract reflects the generational gap in understanding art and tradition because ____.

Answer:  because Shruti, representing the younger generation, wants to explore a new musical form, while her father, representing the older generation, holds firmly to a single traditional view of what ‘worthy’ music is, which makes Shruti afraid of how he will react.

(iv) Explain how Iqbal’s words were meant as an assurance to Shruti.

Answer: Iqbal’s words were meant as an assurance because he reassures Shruti that no matter which way she chooses to approach her father, her father will ultimately understand her, since he loves her. This takes away some of Shruti’s anxiety about finding a ‘perfect’ way to break the news to him.

(v) Fill in the blank with a phrase from the extract: The critics argued that only films which provoke thoughtful discussion are ____.

Answer: The phrase from the extract that fits the blank is ‘of any worth’.

Extract 2 (Nabin’s final speech, Act III)

(i) Select the suitable option to complete the sentence.

Nabin’s breakthrough in his understanding of artistic freedom highlights a bridge between ______.

Answer: B. traditional values and modern expressions

(ii) Fill in the blank with a suitable phrase.

The extract uses the word ‘lost’ both in the sense of losing a connection with her family and physical separation.

Answer: a connection with her family

(iii) In the line, ‘Shruti hugs her parents’, which word from those given below does not show what it conveys?

Answer: duty

The hug expresses reconciliation, harmony, acceptance and understanding, whereas ‘duty’ does not describe the emotional meaning of the gesture.

(iv) What can be inferred about Shruti’s future in music following her father’s expression of trust and support?

Answer: Shruti is likely to pursue music with greater confidence and determination. Her father’s change of attitude gives her the freedom and emotional support to continue developing her musical abilities.

(v) Identify the phrase that refers to the uniqueness of each artist’s journey and style.

Answer: Each bay, its own wind.

Vocabulary and Structures in Context

I.

1.  What is ‘aside’ used for?

(i) enables characters to talk about the story

(ii) shows what a character thinks or feels

(iii) makes a direct link between the audience and the character

 (iv) (i), (ii), and (iii)

Answer: The correct option is (iv)

II. Read the following words from the text. Ahem ahem, I … er…

Now, select the correct answer for the question given below.

Answer

1. to fill gaps while speaking ✔️

Picture	Answer
1	whew
2	argh
3	ahem-ahem
4	hmmm
Extra word	err

III. Music-related word matching

Column 1 (Word)	Column 2 (Meaning)
1. rhythm	(iii) the pattern of beats or time intervals in music
2. tempo	(iv) the speed or pace at which a piece of music is played
3. bass	(i) the lowest tone or part in music
4. baritone	(v) a male voice that falls between the higher and lower ranges
5. cacophony	(ii) a mixture of loud, unpleasant sounds
6. pitch	(vii) the perceived frequency of a sound — how high or low it is
7. scale	(vi) a series of musical notes moving upwards or downwards

IV. Meanings of underlined phrases

1. you drown your individual style.

Answer: This phrase means to lose one’s unique identity or personal style within a larger group.

2. his sense of musicality.

Answer: This phrase means having a natural feel for, and understanding of, music.

3. would go down the drain.

Answer: This phrase means that something, such as effort or practice, would be wasted or would come to nothing.

V. Read the dialogues given –

1.‘Oh, how much I enjoy performing this piece!’

2. ‘Wah, how soulful! You all have done a wonderful job!’.

Answer: Sentences 1. and 2. are exclamatory sentences.

Now, convert the exclamatory sentences given above to declarative sentences.

I exclaimed with delight how much I enjoyed performing that piece.

He exclaimed that it was very soulful and that they had all done a wonderful job.

VI Write the sentences given below in reported speech. One example has been done for you.

1. “Wow Shruti! You’re a sensation!” suggested Avinash.

Avinash exclaimed with wonder that Shruti was a great sensation.

2. “What an incredible achievement! I can’t believe we pulled it off!” said Iqbal.

Answer: Iqbal exclaimed with that it was an incredible achievement and that he could not believe they had pulled it off.

3. “Bravo! Each note was executed perfectly, and the performance was flawless!” said Shruti’s mother.

Answer: Shruti’s mother applauded that each note had been executed perfectly and that the performance had been flawless.

4. Iqbal: I basically have a little bit of scolding for breakfast every day!

Answer: Iqbal remarked that he basically had a little bit of scolding for breakfast every day.

5. Shruti: Sorry mummy, won’t hide from you again. I promise!

Answer: Shruti apologised to her mother and promised that she would not hide anything from her again.

6. Avinash: You are a sensation now! The least you can do is throw a party!

Answer: Avinash exclaimed that Shruti was a sensation and that the least she could do was throw a party.

VII Report the following dialogue in the indirect form of speech.

Answer:

Asma exclaimed excitedly that she 1. had had a unique experience at the art studio that day. Deepa urged her to tell her, as she was eager to hear about it. Asma said that 2. she had accidentally spilled paint all over her canvas. Deepa pitied Asma. However, Asma replied to her not to worry, as 3. the painting now looked better than her original plan. Deepa exclaimed that 4. it was incredible.

Listen and Respond

I. Look at the given stringed musical instruments and decide which one could be the yazh (yāḻ).

Answer: 2️⃣

The yazh was an ancient Indian harp, so instrument 2 is the appropriate choice.

II. Check your choice after listening to the musician’s description.

Correct choice: 2️⃣

III. Complete the notes below with not more than three words.

1. Type of instrument – The Indian ______

(i) Was used in: ancient Tamil music
(ii) Earlier version of: modern day veena

2. Design

(i) stem tip – shaped like the head of mythological animal
(ii) resonator
A. shape of a wooden boat
B. material – wood

3. Design variety

(i) peacock, crocodile, fish, and bow string

Writing Task

I. Read the beginning of a story given below. Anuradha, a teenager, has been learning tabla at school since her primary years and is an extraordinary tabla player. Her father, a vocalist, is a music teacher in a school. He has never been supportive of her learning the tabla and rather feels she should focus on becoming a vocalist. She has been invited to perform at a prestigious event, and decides to participate in it, despite her father’s disapproval. However, Anuradha’s mother and brother have always rooted for her. Anuradha sat wondering.

In groups of four, create a play script based only on the beginning of the story given above.

Answer:

The Rhythm of a Dream

Characters: Anuradha, Father, Mother, Brother
Setting: At home, in the evening

Anuradha: (looking at her tabla) I have practised for years, and I really want to perform at the prestigious event. It would mean a lot to me.

Father: Anuradha, I know how much you love the tabla, but I still believe that you should concentrate on becoming a vocalist.

Anuradha: (hesitantly) I respect your opinion, Papa, but playing the tabla is also a part of who I am. I have worked hard to become a good player.

Mother: She has been learning it since primary school. We have seen how seriously she takes her practice.

Father: I am not against music. I simply feel that her future would be better if she developed her voice and trained as a vocalist.

Brother: But Papa, shouldn’t Anuradha have a chance to show what she has learnt? She has been selected to perform, and she is excited about it.

Father: (thoughtfully) I understand that she is excited. I am only concerned that she may be choosing a path that will not support her future.

Anuradha: I understand your concern, Papa. But I would like you to trust my ability and allow me to try.

Mother: Sometimes, supporting a child also means allowing the child to discover her own strengths.

Father: (pauses) I will think about it. I can see that this matters deeply to you.

Anuradha: Thank you, Papa. That is all I am asking for, a chance to prove myself.

Brother: (smiling) Then let the music speak for itself!

[The family looks at Anuradha as she gently places her hands on the tabla.]

Anuradha: (with confidence) I am ready to give my best.

Learning Beyond the Text

I.

1. Why do we not use inverted commas to convey the dialogues?

We do not use inverted commas because the dialogue is presented as part of a play script. The speaker’s name is written before the colon to show who is speaking.

2. Where do we use colons?

A colon (:) is used after the speaker’s name to introduce the words spoken by that character.

Example:
Iqbal: Shruti!

3. What is written within the brackets? What do these convey?

The brackets contain instructions or stage directions for the actors. They tell the actor how to speak the dialogue or what action to perform.

Examples:

• (a little loudly) tells Iqbal how loudly to speak.
• (very loudly) shows that Avinash should speak with greater volume.
• (calmly but firmly) tells Nabin the manner in which he should deliver his words.
• (picking up a newspaper from his desk) and (getting up) describe the actions of the characters.

4. How does it help the actors?

These directions help actors understand how to deliver their lines and what actions to perform. They also help them express the intended mood, tone and behaviour of their characters clearly.

Short Chapter Summary

‘Twin Melodies’ follows Shruti Sharma, a young violinist who has been secretly rehearsing Indo-Western fusion music with her friends Avinash, Iqbal, and Peter. Fearing her father Nabin’s strict devotion to classical Hindustani music, she hesitates for a long time to tell him about an upcoming concert. Encouraged by her friends, she eventually informs him, but Nabin firmly disapproves, dismissing fusion music as a dilution of individual artistry. Later, he and his wife Leela secretly witness one of the group’s rehearsals and are deeply moved by the performance. Nabin then reveals that he too had once defied his own family’s tradition in order to become a violinist, and he realises that his fears for Shruti were baseless. He offers her his blessing and support, and the play closes on a note of warm reconciliation.

Author Biography & Literary Style

Mitra Phukan

Mitra Phukan is an Assam-based Indian author and columnist who is known for her novels, short stories, translations, and writing on Hindustani classical music. Her work frequently explores themes of art, culture, gender, and identity within Indian family and social settings. In ‘Twin Melodies’, her familiarity with the world of classical music lends authenticity to Nabin’s character and to the play’s portrayal of the tension between tradition and artistic freedom.

Detailed Explanation

Act I – The Hidden Practice

The scene opens on a fusion music rehearsal taking place in Iqbal’s room, and it ends with the group packing up their instruments. Iqbal reads out a newspaper report that praises Shruti’s recent performance with her father, and this prompts the boys to tease her about her fame and jokingly demand that she throw a party. Shruti, however, is distracted and troubled, and she does not respond until the boys call her name loudly. She then admits that she has not told her father about the group’s practice sessions or about the upcoming fusion concert, and she explains his strict, traditional views on classical music, as well as her fear of seeming disrespectful towards his opinions. Avinash and Iqbal reassure her that her father will understand, and that the worst possible outcome is a scolding. Encouraged by their support, Shruti resolves to tell her parents about the concert that very night.

Act II – The Confrontation

At the dinner table, Shruti is visibly distracted, which her mother Leela notices with gentle humour. Shruti eventually musters the courage to tell her father about the fusion concert. Nabin responds with calm but firm disapproval, citing his own rule of performing only once every six months, and his belief that group performances dilute an individual artist’s style. On learning that it is specifically an Indo-Western fusion concert, he reacts with visible disappointment, dismissively referring to it as ‘phoo’ music, and he leaves the room without giving his consent. Leela then mildly scolds Shruti for not seeking her father’s permission before starting the practice sessions in the first place, and Shruti promises that she will not hide anything from her mother again.

Act III – The Resolution

During another rehearsal in Iqbal’s room, Shruti privately plans to tell her friends that she cannot join the performance, after one final practice session with them. Midway through the performance, her parents quietly enter the room and gradually become absorbed in the music, with Nabin even tapping his feet along with the rhythm. When the piece comes to an end, they applaud warmly; Nabin praises the group’s musicianship and commends Shruti for remaining faithful to the raga even while playing fusion music, and he offers the group the use of the school’s music room. Shruti then steps aside with her parents, where Nabin credits Leela with helping him reflect on his own past — he too had once defied his own family’s vocal tradition in order to pursue the violin, and he had faced his own father’s disapproval as a result. Realising that his fears for Shruti were baseless, he promises to support her at the concert, and the play closes with Shruti embracing both of her parents.

Word Meanings

Word/Phrase	Meaning
Crescendo	A piece of music that gets louder and louder.
Desecration	Disrespect shown towards something sacred.
Ragas and aalaaps	Elements and structures used within Hindustani classical music.
Contempt	A strong feeling of dislike and disrespect.
Hubbub	A loud noise; a confused mixture of sounds.
Iterated	Repeated.
Painstakingly	Done with great care and effort.
Bite the bullet	To face a difficult situation with courage and determination.
Worked his fingers to the bone	Worked extremely hard.
Root for	To support or encourage someone enthusiastically.
Each bay, its own wind	A saying meaning that every individual has their own unique path in life.

Literary Devices & Terms

Device / Term	Example from Twin Melodies	Explanation and Effect
Aside	Shruti’s aside in Act III	An aside allows a character to share private thoughts or feelings directly with the audience. It helps the audience understand what the character is thinking without the other characters hearing it.
Stage Directions	“(a little loudly) Shruti!”, “(very loudly) SHRUTI!”, ‘(calmly but firmly) No is the answer.’	These directions tell the actors how to speak or what action to perform. They help convey the tone, expression, movement and mood of a scene.
Mime	The silent interaction between Shruti and her parents in Act III	Mime conveys meaning through actions and expressions without spoken words. It helps the audience understand the characters’ feelings and reactions through their behaviour.
Non-lexical Fillers	‘Ahem ahem, I … er…’	Sounds such as “ahem ahem” and “er” are used during pauses or moments of hesitation. They make the dialogue sound natural and can reveal nervousness or uncertainty.
Idiom / Figurative Expression	‘Each bay, its own wind.’	This expression suggests that each person may have a different path or way of finding their place. In the play, it reflects Nabin’s acceptance of Shruti’s individual musical journey.
Three-act Structure	Act I – introduction and developing conflict; Act II – conflict; Act III – understanding and resolution	The play is organised into three acts. This structure allows the situation and conflict to develop gradually before leading to a satisfying resolution.
Dialogue	‘I trust you Shruti and I will root for your group at the concert!’	Dialogue is the spoken exchange between characters. It reveals their thoughts, feelings and relationships and moves the action of the play forward.
Conflict	Nabin’s disagreement with Shruti about her musical choice	The disagreement creates the central tension in the play. As the characters express their views and listen to one another, the conflict gradually moves towards understanding.

Character Sketches

Shruti Sharma

• Shruti is a sincere and talented violinist who has a strong interest in exploring fusion music.
• She respects her father, but she also wishes to make her own choices about her musical journey.
• At first, she feels nervous and hesitant to tell her father about her plans because she fears his disapproval.
• With the support of her friends, she gathers the courage to speak honestly and express what she wants.
• By the end of the play, Shruti becomes more confident, open and willing to communicate with her family.

Guru Nabin Sharma

• Nabin is a disciplined and accomplished musician who has great respect for classical Hindustani music.
• He is initially strict and unwilling to accept fusion music, as he believes strongly in the musical tradition he follows.
• His concern for Shruti comes from his desire to protect her musical future, although he does not initially understand her choice.
• After witnessing her performance and reflecting on his own experiences, he reconsiders his earlier views.
• Nabin finally accepts Shruti’s choice and supports her, showing that understanding and trust can help people change their views.

Leela Devi

• Leela is a warm, understanding and sensible member of the family.
• She listens carefully to both Nabin and Shruti and understands the feelings behind their disagreement.
• She uses gentle humour and thoughtful advice to deal with difficult situations.
• She helps Nabin look at Shruti’s choice from her point of view and reminds him of his own experiences.
• She acts as a link between father and daughter, helping the family move towards greater understanding.

Avinash, Iqbal and Peter

• Avinash, Iqbal and Peter are supportive and caring friends who encourage Shruti when she feels worried about speaking to her father.
• Iqbal is reassuring and encouraging, helping Shruti feel less anxious.
• Avinash is direct and lively, using humour to lighten the situation.
• Peter is cheerful and supportive and encourages Shruti when she decides to face the situation.
• Together, the three friends show the importance of friendship, encouragement and emotional support when someone is facing a difficult situation.

Important Exam Questions (NEP 2020 Aligned)

Section A: Extract-Based Questions

Extract 1

“There is need to worry Iqbal! You don’t know papa… I just don’t know how to tell him in the right way!”

1. What does Shruti fear about telling her father?

Answer: Shruti fears that her father will consider fusion music a disrespect of the violin and will disapprove strongly, since he firmly believes that only classical Hindustani music is worthy of a serious artist’s attention.

2. Identify the tone of Shruti’s speech in this extract.

Answer: The tone of Shruti’s speech is anxious and troubled, revealing her inner conflict between her love for her father and her desire to pursue fusion music.

3. What does ‘the right way’ suggest about Shruti’s state of mind? (Very Short Answer)

Answer: It suggests that Shruti is caught in a dilemma, wanting to be honest with her father without hurting or disrespecting him.

Extract 2

“After all each bay, its own wind. I trust you Shruti and I will root for your group at the concert!”

1. Who says these words, and what change do they reveal in the speaker?

Answer: These words are spoken by Nabin, Shruti’s father. They reveal that he has changed from being rigid and disapproving of fusion music to becoming supportive and trusting of Shruti’s artistic choices.

2. Explain the meaning of ‘each bay, its own wind’ in this context.

Answer: This saying means that every individual has their own unique path in life, and Nabin uses it to explain that Shruti’s musical journey does not need to mirror his own in order to be valid.

3. What does this line suggest about the play’s central message? (Very Short Answer)

Answer: It suggests that tradition and individual artistic freedom can coexist once there is trust and mutual understanding within a family.

Section B: Short Answer Questions (40–50 words)

1. Why does Shruti keep her fusion-music practice a secret from her father?

Answer: Shruti keeps her practice a secret because she fears her father’s strict, traditional views on music. She believes he will consider fusion music a desecration of the violin and worries that revealing her interest might upset him or make him feel she does not value his opinions.

2. How do Shruti’s friends help her find the courage to speak to her father?

Answer: Avinash, Iqbal, and Peter reassure Shruti that her father will eventually understand and that the worst outcome is a mild scolding. Their encouragement, along with Iqbal’s reminder that all ways are right ways, gives Shruti the confidence to finally speak to her father that night.

3. What is Nabin’s initial reaction when he learns about the fusion concert?

Answer: Nabin reacts with calm but firm disapproval. He cites his rule of performing only once every six months, argues that group performances dilute individual style, and dismissively refers to fusion music as ‘phoo’ music before leaving the room.

4. How does Leela help resolve the conflict between Shruti and Nabin?

Answer: Leela reminds Nabin of his own past, when he had defied his family’s tradition of vocal music to become a violinist. This parallel helps Nabin realise that his fears for Shruti mirror the very disapproval he once faced himself, prompting him to reconsider his stance.

5. What role does the newspaper report play in Act I?

Answer: The newspaper report praises Shruti’s recent performance with her father and leads her friends to tease her about her fame. It also highlights the pressure of living up to her father’s reputation, which adds to her anxiety about confessing her interest in fusion music.

6. What does Nabin mean when he says ‘familiarity breeds contempt’ in Act II?

Answer: Nabin uses this saying to argue that performing too often can lessen the value or respect an artist has for their own art. He cites it as his reason for limiting himself, and by extension Shruti, to only one performance every six months.

Section C: Long Answer Questions (120–150 words)

Extrapolation Questions

1. Imagine Nabin had not secretly watched the rehearsal in Act III. Write, in about 120–150 words, how you think the story might have unfolded instead.

Answer:

Had Nabin not witnessed the rehearsal himself, he might have continued to rely solely on his own assumptions about fusion music, without ever hearing how faithfully Shruti preserved the essence of the raga within it. Shruti may have faced a harder choice: to defy her father openly and perform without his blessing, risking a deeper rift in their relationship, or to give up the concert altogether and quietly resent the missed opportunity. Leela’s intervention alone, without the direct experience of the music, might not have been powerful enough to change Nabin’s mind, since his objection was rooted in principle rather than mere ignorance. The story would likely have taken longer to resolve, and the reconciliation, if it came at all, would have depended more heavily on repeated conversations and compromise rather than the immediate, emotional impact of hearing the performance himself.

2. If Shruti’s fusion group performs successfully at the concert, write a short newspaper report (120–150 words) describing the event, in the style of the Parbatpuri Daily Clarion mentioned in Act I.

Answer:

NEWSPAPER REPORT

Theme and Character Questions

1. Discuss how the play explores the theme of tradition versus modernity, with reference to Nabin’s and Shruti’s attitudes towards music.

Answer:

The play explores tradition versus modernity through the contrasting attitudes of Nabin and Shruti towards music. Nabin represents tradition, believing that only classical Hindustani music, with its ragas and aalaaps, is worthy of serious artistic pursuit, and he initially views fusion music as a desecration of the violin. Shruti represents modernity, wishing to explore Indo-Western fusion music alongside her Western-instrument-playing friends, without abandoning her respect for classical training. The play does not present these positions as irreconcilable; rather, it shows that tradition and modern expression can coexist. Nabin’s eventual change of heart, prompted by witnessing Shruti’s fidelity to the raga even within a fusion setting, demonstrates that innovation need not come at the cost of one’s roots. The play’s resolution suggests that true respect for tradition includes trusting the next generation to carry it forward in their own way.

2. Analyse the character of Nabin Sharma and describe how his attitude towards music evolves across the three acts.

Answer:

In Act I, Nabin is portrayed indirectly through Shruti’s description as a strict, traditional musician who firmly believes that classical Hindustani music is the only music of any worth. In Act II, this is confirmed directly: he refuses Shruti’s request calmly but firmly, citing his rule about limited performances and his fear that group performances dilute individual style, and he leaves the room without consenting. By Act III, however, his attitude has evolved considerably. After secretly witnessing the group’s rehearsal and being moved by their musicianship, he praises Shruti’s performance, offers the group the school’s music room, and admits that he had underestimated the power of their own music. His journey from rigid disapproval to genuine support shows a character capable of self-reflection, particularly once he reconnects with his own past experience of defying family tradition to pursue the violin.

3. Explain how Shruti’s internal conflict reflects the broader theme of duty towards family versus personal passion.

Answer:

Shruti’s internal conflict throughout the play centres on her wish to honour her father’s wishes and reputation while also pursuing her own passion for fusion music. She repeatedly expresses that she does not want her father to feel that she disregards his opinions, even as she seeks the freedom to try something new. This tension reflects a broader, universal theme of balancing familial duty with personal ambition. The play resolves this conflict not by having Shruti abandon either her father’s wishes or her own passion, but by showing that honest communication allows both to be honoured together. By the end of the play, Shruti remains devoted to her father’s teachings and guidance while also gaining his blessing to pursue fusion music, suggesting that duty and passion need not be mutually exclusive when approached with honesty and mutual respect.

Section D: Case-Based Question (Competency-Based)

I. Read the following situation and answer the questions that follow.

Rohan wants to join his school’s rock band, but his parents insist that he focus only on his violin lessons in the Carnatic tradition he has trained in since childhood. Rohan feels torn between his loyalty to his family’s musical heritage and his growing interest in contemporary music.

1. Which character from ‘Twin Melodies’ does Rohan’s situation most resemble, and why?

Answer: Rohan’s situation most closely resembles Shruti’s, since both are trained in a classical tradition by family expectation and both wish to explore a more contemporary form of music without losing their parents’ approval or their own connection to their training.

2. Based on the play, suggest two steps Rohan could take to address his dilemma constructively.

Answer: First, following Shruti’s example, Rohan could speak to his parents honestly about his interest in the rock band rather than hiding it, making clear that he still values his Carnatic training. Second, he could invite his parents to watch or listen to a rehearsal, since direct experience of his playing, as with Nabin in Act III, may do more to change their minds than words alone.

3. How might Rohan’s parents’ own musical background, if similar to Nabin’s, influence their eventual response?

Answer: If Rohan’s parents had themselves once faced resistance while pursuing an unconventional musical path, recalling that experience, as Nabin does through Leela’s reminder, could help them empathise with Rohan’s situation and become more open to supporting his interest in the rock band.

Section E: Higher-Order Thinking Questions (HOTS)

Analytical Thinking

1. Analyse why Nabin’s change of heart occurs only after he personally hears the music, rather than through Shruti’s earlier explanation. What does this suggest about the limits of verbal persuasion alone?

Answer: Nabin’s change of heart occurs only after he hears the music himself because his objection to fusion music was based on an assumption about what it would sound and feel like, rather than on direct experience of it. Shruti’s verbal explanation could not overturn a deeply held belief formed over years of dedication to classical music, since words alone could not demonstrate that fusion music, in this case, still honoured the discipline of the raga. This suggests that verbal persuasion has real limits when a person’s objection is rooted in identity and long-held values; direct, lived experience is often required to shift such convictions, as it engages emotion and understanding in a way that argument alone cannot.

Evaluation-Based Questions

1. Evaluate whether the play’s resolution feels realistic or overly convenient. Support your answer with reasons.

Answer: The play’s resolution can be seen as largely realistic rather than overly convenient, because it is carefully grounded in Nabin’s own backstory rather than arising from a sudden, unexplained change of heart. His reflection on his own past defiance of family tradition provides a believable emotional trigger for his newfound empathy. However, some readers might feel that his transformation happens somewhat quickly once he hears the performance, within the course of a single scene, which is a natural constraint of the play’s short, three-act structure. On balance, the resolution remains convincing because it is consistent with the play’s broader message: that direct experience and honest dialogue, rather than assumption, are what dissolve conflict.

Application-Based Questions

1. Suppose a friend of yours is hesitant to tell their parents about a personal passion they fear will be disapproved of. Using lessons from ‘Twin Melodies’, suggest how they might approach the conversation.

Answer: Drawing on the lessons of ‘Twin Melodies’, I would suggest that my friend first choose an honest, calm moment to speak to their parents, rather than continuing to hide their passion, since secrecy tends to make the eventual conversation harder, as it did for Shruti. I would also suggest that they make clear to their parents that they still value and respect their parents’ opinions, even while wanting to explore something new, and that they consider inviting their parents to see or experience the passion directly, since this had a far greater effect on Nabin than words alone. Finally, they should be prepared for an initial negative reaction, as Shruti was, without letting that discourage them from having the conversation at all.

Assertion-Reason Questions

Assertion (A): Nabin ultimately supports Shruti’s decision to play fusion music.

Reason (R): Nabin recognises a parallel between Shruti’s situation and his own past defiance of family tradition.

 Choose the correct option.

 (A) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason correctly explains Assertion.

 (B) Both are true, but Reason does not correctly explain Assertion.

(C) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.

 (D) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.

Answer: (A). Both the Assertion and the Reason are true, and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.

(since it is precisely Nabin’s recollection of his own past rebellion against his family’s musical tradition, as recalled in the extract above, that leads him to understand and ultimately support Shruti’s choice.)

Section F: Language and Literature (Competency-Based)

1. Rewrite the following as reported speech: Peter said, “That was a good rehearsal. Well done guys!”

Answer: Peter remarked that it had been a good rehearsal and praised everyone, saying well done.

2. Identify and explain one instance of contrast in tone between Act I and Act II of the play.

Answer: One clear contrast in tone occurs between the light-hearted teasing among friends in Act I, where Avinash and Peter jokingly celebrate Shruti’s newspaper fame, and the tense, serious confrontation in Act II, where the same subject of Shruti’s musical activity leads to her father’s firm disapproval. This contrast highlights how differently the same news is received depending on the generation and context in which it is shared.

3. Use the phrase ‘bite the bullet’ in a sentence of your own that is unrelated to the play.

Answer: After weeks of hesitation, Meera finally decided to bite the bullet and speak to her manager about the mistake in the report.

4. Convert the following exclamatory sentence into a declarative one: “What an incredible performance that was!”

Answer: Declarative form: That was an incredible performance.

Back to Class 9 English Notes

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