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The lesson "The Fight" is an exciting story written by Ruskin Bond. The lesson opens with the narrator introducing a young boy named Ranji to his readers. After introducing him, the narrator stated that it had not even been a month since Ranji came to Rajpur, and he had encountered a pool in the forest. It implies that Ranji had recently moved to Rajpur, and from there, he had spotted a pool in the forest.
 
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Ranji encountered a pool in the forest

After explaining Ranji's exploration of the pool, the narrator then highlighted the season in Rajpur. The narrator stated that Rajpur was in the midst of summer, and Ranji's school hadn't even started again. The statement implies that Rajpur was experiencing a warmer climatic change, and meanwhile, Ranji was enjoying his vacation in Rajpur.

Moreover, the narrator claimed that Ranji had no friends in Rajpur because he had recently arrived in the town. Later the narrator stated that Ranji was an active boy, and he used to spend his daytime wandering in the hills and forests. Also, the narrator pointed that as he had no companionship, he would wander alone in the steep areas and woodland, exploring the endless hills and forests on both sides of the town. It signifies that the hills and trees are spread across all over the town. Moreover, the narrator described Rajpur as a "semi-hill station" because of the mountainous regions and trees covering the entire town.
 
Even though the narrator had earlier pointed out the season in Rajpur, he went on to say that the time of year Ranji resided in Rajpur was extremely hot. It implies that the weather was harsher at the time of Ranji's stay in Rajpur. Moreover, Ranji did not bother about the summer season, and he would roam around the forest and hilly areas wearing a vest and shorts. As he walked on the ground, his brown feet turned white because of the chalky dust that flew from the ground.
 
On the other hand, the narrator explained the impact of the heat in Rajpur. He went on to say that the sun's heat rays had caused the earth to dry out. He also mentioned that the green grass turned brown, and the trees appeared dull or lacking energy. The plants did not receive enough water due to the summer season, and the sun rays that fell on them dried them thoroughly. Furthermore, he claimed that the plants and trees in the hilly regions were barely moving. It implies that they were hoping for a cool breeze to blow on them or that they were eagerly waiting for the arrival of the rainshower that would revive them.
 
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Dried land and green grass turned brown due to the summer season
 
The narrator later revealed to his audience how Ranji discovered the forest pool. Ranji had come across a pool in the jungle on a hot, exhausting day while wandering through it. In the meantime, the narrator described the pool's cleanliness and appearance. The pool's water was so clear that one could see the small rounded pebbles covering the pool's bottom. It implies that the pool looked very clean without any impurities in it. The reason behind the pool's freshness was because the water oozed out from the rocks.
 
Later, the narrator mentioned how the pools got filled and from where the water comes to the pool. At first, the water comes out from the cluster of rocks, and then a stream emerges and forms into a pool. In this paragraph, the narrator used the phrase "feed" to describe how water from the stream fills the pool. In addition, the narrator stated that the small stream was helping the pool to fill water in it.
 
Furthermore, the narrator stated that the water in the same stream flows suddenly or violently during the rainy season, and the water flows down from the cluster of rocks like a waterfall. On the other hand, during the summer season, there was only a thin flow of water. It implies that the water flows from the hill remain slow during the summer season, whereas during the rainy season, the water flows from the hill as if cascading from a massive waterfall. At last, the narrator claimed that the rocks preserved the water in the pool, and it did not dry out like the other pools in the plains. It implies that the water in the forest pool did not drain as the pools in the plains.
 
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Water oozed out from the cluster of rocks
  
The narrator then stated that Ranji couldn't stop himself from diving into the pool after seeing it. When he encountered the pool, he thought of jumping into it.
 
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Ranji jumped into the pool

Later the narrator revealed to his readers that Ranji came from the "Rajputana desert". Ranji lived in the middle of the Rajputana desert with his parents. While he was living there, he frequently went swimming, either with his friends or alone. From there, one can understand, Ranji would do things on his own, without the assistance of others. Furthermore, the narrator described the dwelling place of Ranji as a "thirsty town." His statement was based on the fact that it was a desert and there would be an insufficient supply of water. As a result, it was referred to as a parched town with a scarcity of pure water.
 
In addition, the narrator mentioned that Ranji had only seen sticky pools filled with mud in his town. Furthermore, buffaloes used to roll about or lie relaxed in the pool, whereas women used to wash their clothes in it. The pool appeared to be sticky as a result of this. Ranji was reminded of his hometown's muddy water pool upon witnessing the pool with clear water. He had never seen such clean pools anywhere else.
 
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Muddy pool
 
The narrator also tried to convey to his readers that the pools in the middle of the Rajputana desert had become filthy due to the use of laundry and buffaloes. The pool in the forest, on the other hand, would be pure because it was not utilised for such reasons, and the water flows directly from the cluster of rocks. It was the reason behind the pool in the forest looked neat and clear.
 
While seeing the clear pool, Ranji was attracted to it because of its cleanliness and coolness. As a result of it, he jumped into the water. After diving into the pool, Ranji felt that his legs were moving flexibly in the cool water. Also, the narrator mentioned that as he was swimming freely on the pool's surface, his limbs were free of fat. In addition, the term "free of any fat" implies that as Ranji was a thin boy who did not have any fat on his body and swimming was meant to be easy for him. However, when he swam in the pool, his brown body glowed in the sunlit water. It implies that his dark body seemed to be shinning when the sunlight fell on the water.
 
From the above paragraphs, one can easily understand what made Ranji jump into the water without a second thought. He jumped into the water because it was clear and calm, and he wanted to enjoy swimming and get away from the heat of the summer season.
 
Ranji revisited the pool the next day to relax his body in its cool water. As usual, he dived into the pool, and for almost an hour, he moved smoothly in and out of the clear green water. It implies that Ranji enjoyed diving deep into the pool and floating on the water's surface while swimming. Moreover, he swam pleasantly in the cool, clear water without any disturbance. After swimming, he came out of the pool. Later he thought of resting for a while. So he came near to the smooth yellow rocks and stretched himself out on it.
 
While he was resting on the rocks, the large leaves of the sal trees provided him shade. Later, Ranji noticed a boy standing a little far away from him; he was gazing at him in an unfriendly manner.
 
Later the narrator stated that the boy seemed a little older than Ranji. In addition, the narrator described the appearance of the other boy to his readers. The narrator stated that the boy had a well-built body, a big nose, and thick red lips. It indicates that he appeared to be a muscled youngster.
 
The narrator then stated that the boy had seen Ranji at that time when he arrived at the spot. Ranji remained silent after seeing the youngster, so the boy volunteered and asked him what he was doing there. On the other hand, Ranji had expected to make a new friend but was taken aback by the bitterness of the other boy. It implies that Ranji had no friends in Rajpur; while noticing the strange boy, he thought of making him a friend. But he did not do it because the boy's harsh tone had made him feel strange and unfriendly. It seemed that the boy hated Ranji for being there.
 
However, Ranji thought of responding to the other boy's question. So he said that he came for swimming. He further asked the boy to join him. On the other hand, the boy rudely told him that he always swim alone in the pool. In addition, the boy stated that the pool belonged to him, and Ranji had come there uninvitedly. The statement implies that the boy thought that it was his pool, and he believed that no others had the right to swim in his pool except him.
 
The strange boy stepped towards Ranji, who was still resting on the rock. He thumped his broad feet on the ground as he approached Ranji, giving him the impression of a tough boy.
 
Then, the strange boy stated that he was a Warrior. The reason behind the statement was that the strange boy thought that Ranji would run away from his place as soon as he saw his rugged appearance and realised he was a Warrior. Later the strange boy stated that he would not respond to the villagers like Ranji. He said that because he considered himself to be a strong person.
 
Later in response to the strange boy's unfriendly and rude remark, Ranji asked him whether he liked to fight with the villagers. In addition to his previous question, he added that he was not a villager but a fighter instead.
 
Furthermore, Ranji and the other youngster began to praise themselves as "Fighter" and "Warrior". They both found themselves in a situation where progress was impossible because they did not agree with each other. The reason behind the statement was that Ranji and the other boy seemed to be praising themselves rather than ending their argument. Both of them believed they were superior to others. As a result, they continued to indicate that one was a Fighter and the other a Warrior. Beyond the words "Warrior" and "Fighter," they had nothing further to say.
 
Then the boy continued repeating that he was a Warrior, thinking that his statement hadn't reached Ranji's head or else he was not clear with what he meant. Later Ranji replied that he heard the strange boy saying that thrice. It implies that Ranji did not bother to stay away from him after hearing the strange boy said that he was a Warrior.
 
After hearing Ranji's response, the stranger asked him why he was not running away from him. Ranji said that he had been waiting for him to run away. After listening to Ranji's funny replies, the strange boy felt very angry. Then in an aggressive tone, the stranger, as he showed Ranji the palm of his hands, said he would beat him if he didn't leave the place. It showed the arrogance of the strange boy.
 
On the other hand, Ranji did not step back. Instead, he told him that he was waiting for that moment. The reason behind the statement was that Ranji was waiting for a fight to prove him as a Fighter. The other boy cautioned him that he would beat him, and soon Ranji was going to see that.
 
Ranji then waited for the other boy to start fighting. On the other hand, the Warrior made a weird sound, perhaps to signal the start of the fight or to terrify Ranji to run away from there. After that, they both stared at each other for about a minute. The Warrior started the fight by slapping Ranji in the face with all of his might. Feeling unsteady, Ranji almost lost his balance and felt a sensation that he was spinning around. As a result of the slap, thick red finger marks formed on Ranji’s cheeks.
 
Later the Warrior remarked, “There you are”. It implies that after getting a slap from the Warrior, Ranji felt unsteady, and so he came up with a statement that this was only the capacity of Ranji. He portrayed him as a weak one and asked him to leave his place. Within a quick moment, Ranji raised his arm and gave a punch in the Warrior's face with his strong, bony fist.
 
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Ranji gave a punch in the boy's face
 
The next moment both of the boys began to fight with each other. The narrator later explained the fight between the two boys. Initially, the two boys fought each other by moving back and forth on the rock. It suggests that they were competing to prove who was the best. They then fell and rolled over each other on the sand. Later, their arms and legs were locked against each other in a desperate and brutal wrestle.
 
On the other hand, Ranji and the Warrior used many offensive words while rolling about in the shallow pool. In addition, they had trouble while breathing. Meanwhile, they took a rapid, deep breath through their mouth while battling. It implies that they could not breathe normally due to the constant fighting; thus, they would gasp in between the fights. At last, both of them kept fighting and panting and rolled into the shallows of the pool.
 
After rolling into the water, Ranji and the Warrior continued to fight by throwing mud at each other, and as a result, they were completely covered in dirt. Later, with their hands, they blindly searched for each other's throat and head. It means that they were aiming for each other's throat and head while fighting in order to suffocate them. After five minutes of uncontrollable and illogical wrestling, none of them had won the fight. As a result of the fight, they began to breathe heavily and became exhausted. Later they took their hands off each other and made an effort to talk. They could not communicate with one another due to their frequent battle and difficulty in breathing.
 
While the Warrior and Ranji were relaxing after their fight, he asked whether Ranji would agree with him as the Warrior. Ranji, on the other hand, did not react to the boy's question. With difficulty, Ranji also questioned the youngster if he had made it very clear that he was a Fighter. From the above statements, one can easily understand that both did not stop their fight even after struggling a lot. All they wanted was they should win the fight. But neither of them was willing to agree with their argument or admit their failure.
 
Later Ranji and the Warrior took some time to consider each other's responses. Only their heavy breathing and rapid heartbeats could be heard during the time of silence. They sat silently for a while, and they could hear the rhythm of their heartbeats and the sound of heavy breathing at that time.
 
Then, Ranji agreed that they could continue the fight. However, both of them did not take the initial steps to begin the fight. It implies that both were already tired and didn't have enough energy to continue the fight. After a while, the Warrior asked Ranji whether he would not leave the pool. On the other hand, Ranji responded that he would not leave the pool. The reason behind Ranji's statement was that if he left the pool, the boy would consider that Ranji had failed in the fight. So he disagreed with the boy's statement. After hearing Ranji's response, the boy stated that he would continue the fight if he failed to leave the pool.
 
At that time, the Warrior got an idea. He said that they should postpone their fight for the next day. In addition, the Warrior stated that if Ranji returned to the same spot, they would battle again. Furthermore, the youngster cautioned him that he would not treat him with the same tenderness or leniency that he did on that specific day. It implies that he would hurt him as much as he could. Ranji later responded that he would come to fight with him the next day. Later, in anger, both of them turned aside and made their way to the rocks to wear their clothes. Finally, they both exited the jungle and walked in opposite directions. It implies both of them went to their dwelling place. At last, the fight ends in a draw. It implies that both of them had equally won the fight.
  
After the fight, Ranji returned home. While he reached home, he found himself in a difficult situation where he couldn't explain all of the cuts, scratches, and injuries on his body to his mother. Also, he thought it was not good to reveal that he had been involved in a fierce fight with a stranger. The reason behind the statement was that when his mother learnt about his fight with an unknown person in the new town, she would not allow him to go outside. After seeing the injuries on his face and body, his mother asked him to stay at home.

On the other hand, Ranji disobeyed his mother's orders and walked out of the house unnoticed. Later, he went to the bazaar in the evening. From the bazaar, he ordered the lemonade and hot jalebis. The bazaar's brightly coloured lemonade and hot, sweet jalebis served on a banana leaf provided him with warmth and pleasure. It implies that the lemonade and tasty jalebis gave him comfort to get rid of his sadness or pain.
 
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Lemonade and Jalebis

Later, Ranji saw his enemy approaching down the road as he finished his lemonade. While seeing the boy, Ranji's mind wandered with different thoughts. His first thought was to spin around and look in the opposite direction. Secondly, he had the notion of throwing the lemonade bottle at his approaching enemy. However, he resisted and did not act on his foolish thoughts. Ranji made the statement because he knew it was not a good act. As a result, Ranji remained silent in the bazaar.
 
On the other hand, Ranji stared angrily at his enemy. Later, the Warrior walked straight past Ranji, giving him angry glances accompanied by equal aggressiveness. It implies that they were expressing their hatred and vengeance towards one another.
 
The narrator later stated that the weather on the very next day was the same as the previous day. Ranji became exhausted because he lacked the strength and willpower to fight against his enemy. His body felt aching and rigid because of the previous day’s confrontation. Despite how he felt, he couldn’t afford to back down from the challenge. It suggests that he couldn’t withdraw from the challenge. In addition, the narrator stated that if Ranji did not go to the pool that day, it would mean that he had accepted his defeat.
 
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Ranji felt weak and tired

Furthermore, Ranji knew that he would lose in the violent fight if he fought in this situation. On the other hand, Ranji couldn’t sit quiet and watch himself failing in the battle. As a result, Ranji thought that he had to defeat his enemy to achieve his self-respect. It implies that Ranji knew clearly that if he fought with the youngster in such a situation, he would face his failure.
 
Moreover, Ranji knew that if he gave up in between, he would have admitted his defeat for the rest of his life. In addition, Ranji thought that if he tried to battle with the other boy, it would set him free, and he would be able to fight again. It implies that he would be given a chance to fight again if he never gave up. If he voluntarily quit the fight, it would be considered a failure. At last, he knew that if he won the fight, he reserved himself a right to swim in the pool in the forest; the fight decides whether Ranji had the right to swim in the pool. To get the rights of the pool, Ranji had to remain in the battle.
 
Later the narrator stated that Ranji thought of going to the pool where the fight happened on the previous day. While he was going there, Ranji was in a semi-hope that the other boy would have failed to remember the challenge. The reason behind the statement was Ranji did not have enough strength to fight with the opponent. Unfortunately, all his hopes were shattered when he saw his enemy sitting on a rock on the opposite side of the pool. The Warrior had removed his dress till the waist and was rubbing oil on his body. It implies that the boy was getting ready for the fight by applying oil to his strong body. Then the boy saw Ranji standing underneath the sal trees and challenged him from right across the pool.
 
The Warrior then shouted from the other side of the pool and told Ranji to come over to his side and fight. On the other hand, Ranji wasn't going to surrender to the conditions that his enemy was laying down. It implies Ranji was unwilling to accept the strange boy's command. As a result, he responded with equal vigour and told him to come to his side instead. The other boy asked him to swim across and fight with him. He even humiliated Ranji by claiming that Ranji was not coming to the other side because he could not swim the entire length of the pool.
 
Ranji, on the other hand, was an expert swimmer. However, the Warrior was unaware of Ranji's swimming ability. The narrator then claimed that Ranji could swim the length of the pool several times without tiring. As a result, Ranji decided to demonstrate his superiority to the Warrior by swimming. Ranji removed his vest and dived right into the pool, cutting through it like a knife and came smoothly onto the surface. After seeing Ranji's performance, the Warrior's opened his mouth in surprise.
 
Later, the Warrior remarked that "You can dive!" After hearing the boy's statement, Ranji told him that it was quite simple to dive into the pool. Ranji asked the Warrior whether he knew how to dive into the pool. On the other hand, the Warrior said that all he knew was to jump directly into the water. The boy then asked Ranji if he could teach him how to dive in the pool. After hearing the boy's statement, Ranji assured him that learning to dive was simple. He told the Warrior to stand on the rock, stretch his arms out, and let his head move his feet.
 
Later, the Warrior did as the Fighter had advised. He then tightened and erectly stood up before spreading his arms and plunging into the water. Unfortunately, the Warrior landed on his belly, causing a crash that scared the birds away, leading them to scream and leave the trees. It indicates that instead of diving, the Warrior leapt into the pool with his belly forward, causing the water to splash out. As a result, the birds screamed out in fear. Ranji burst out laughing after witnessing the Warrior's attempt at diving.
 
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The Warrior swimming on water
 
The Warrior came to the pool's surface with the splashing of water like a small whale. At the same time, Ranji asked him whether he was trying to drain the pool. It suggests that when he jumped into the pool without knowing how to dive, the water splashed out, and he could not swim properly.
 
The Warrior, on the other hand, was thrilled with how he completed the dive. He was curious about what Ranji had to say and asked whether he thought it was good. Ranji told him it wasn't good enough and that he needed more practice. It means that Ranji encouraged the boy to succeed. He told the Warrior that he was going to do it again. Later Ranji stood up on the rock and performed another perfect dive.
 
The Warrior then waited for Ranji to float on the pool's surface. Ranji, on the other hand, instead of reaching him directly, circled him and approached him from behind while swimming underwater. Ranji's act astounded the boy, and he asked him how he did it. Ranji asked the Warrior whether he could not swim underwater. On the other hand, the boy said that he didn't know how to swim underwater but would try anyhow. As a result, the Warrior summoned all of his strength and swam to the pool's bottom.
 
On the other hand, the Warrior thought he'd made it to the bottom, but his bottom remained just above the surface, like a duck's. It means that the Warrior believed he had reached the pool's bottom but was unaware that he remained on the pool's surface. Ranji then thought that he should not discourage the Warrior. As a result, he told him that it wasn't bad but still required a lot of work.
 
Later, the Warrior inquired if Ranji would teach him to swim underwater. On the other hand, Ranji informed him that he would teach him if the youngster were eager to learn from him. Then, the boy told him that Ranji must teach him to swim or else he would beat him.
 
The Warrior then asked Ranji to come to the pool regularly to teach him. Ranji agreed that he would if the Warrior liked to learn swimming from him. Later, they got out of the water and sat by each other’s side on a smooth grey rock.
 
After sitting on the rock, the Warrior introduced himself to Ranji and asked his opponent’s name. Ranji told his name to the Warrior. After exchanging names, Suraj stated that he was powerful and asked Ranji what he had to say about his fitness as he bent his arms so that his muscles stood out, stretching out of his white flesh. Later Ranji claimed that Suraj was a real wrestler.
 
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The Warrior stretching out of his white flesh

Suraj, after that, slapped his legs and declared that he would one day become the world’s champion wrestler. He looked at Ranji’s small and hard body with judging eyes and told him that he was also powerful but had a slender body. Suraj then stated that people like Ranji didn’t eat enough. It implies that the ordinary would not eat like the wrestlers. He further called Ranji to have food with him and said he would drink one seer of milk every day. He told Ranji about their cow. He offered to help Ranji become a wrestler if Ranji agreed to become his friend.
 
Suraj said that if Ranji taught him how to dive and swim underwater, he would help Ranji become as strong as a wrestler. It means that he would help Ranji to become like him. Later he asked Ranji whether it was a good idea. Ranji then agreed that it was fair, although he doubted he was getting more benefit from it.
 
Later, Suraj put his arm around Ranji and said that they were friends. The reason behind Suraj’s statement was that Ranji had agreed that he would help him to learn swimming. When Suraj intimated that they were friends, both of them looked into each other’s eyes with complete honesty and without blinking. At that particular moment, love and understanding emerged between the two boys. Ranji then replied that they were friends, indeed. By that time, the birds flew from the tree had come back to the branches, and the pool was still and clear under the shade of the sal trees. It implies that the pool was free from human existence, and the water became clear, so the birds came back to their place to rest under the trees.
 
Suraj exclaimed that it was their pool from now onwards, and no one else could use it without their permission. Later, Ranji agreed with Suraj’s thoughts. Through Suraj’s statement, one can understand what Suraj said to Ranji when he met him. At first, Suraj asked him to leave the pool, but when Ranji became his friend he gave permission to use the pool. Even after hearing Suraj’s agreement, Ranji repeated after him and said, “Who would dare?” Later, Ranji smiled with the thought that he had conquered the day.
 
Through this lesson, the narrator tends to say that Ranji had won the battle because of his perseverance. Also, the narrator stated that Ranji and Suraj realised that the best solution lies not in fighting with each other but fighting together for something. The term “fighting for something” implies that fighting together to achieve a good thing in life.