Working through Class 8 English Notes Chapter 12 Waiting for the Rain Summary in English simplifies the understanding of long chapters.
Class 8 English Waiting for the Rain Summary
Waiting for the Rain Summary in English
The story “Waiting for the Rain” revolves around a farmer named Velu who anxiously awaits the monsoon rains to nourish his parched land. Despite his hard work and dedication, the rains do not arrive as expected, leaving Velu and his fellow farmers in despair. Some people suggested consulting astrologers who could predict when the rains would arrive. Velu disagreed, arguing that they had never sought such advice in previous years and had still received good rains, so there was no need to consult astrologers now. Instead, he suggested asking the weather office. Velu went to the weather office, but they were unable to provide an answer. Disappointed, Velu was returning home, feeling thirsty and tired, and decided to rest under a tree. As he approached the tree, he noticed an old woman already sitting under it.

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As Velu approached the tree, the old woman smiled upon seeing him. Curious, Velu asked her the reason for her smile. He then shared his concern, explaining that he had worked hard all these years, but if the rains did not come, he would struggle to feed his family. After listening to his worries, the old woman offered him wisdom about nature.
She explains that the land, like humans, needs rest to rejuvenate. The absence of rain, she suggests, is nature’s way of allowing the earth to recover from constant cultivation. Initially puzzled, Velu begins to understand her perspective. As he returns home, he feels a cool breeze and notices dark clouds forming in the sky. The story ends with Velu rejoicing as the first raindrops fall, bringing hope and relief.
The narrative highlights the deep connection between farmers and nature, emphasising the importance of patience, respect for natural cycles, and sustainable farming practices.

Waiting for the Rain Word Meanings
Page 186
- Crimson – of a dark red colour, गहरे लाल रंग का
- Scanned – looked carefully, ध्यान से देखा
- Encouraging – making you feel more confident, प्रोत्साहनकारी
- Muttered – spoke quietly, धीरे से बोला
- Cultivated – prepared land for crops, खेती की
- Harvesting – gathering crops, फसल काटना
- Crusted – having or forming a hard outer layer, एक कठोर बाहरी परत होना या बनाना
- Barren – not good enough for plants to, बंजर
- Forlorn – grow on not cared for, उपेक्षित
Page 187
- Astrologers – people who predict future, ज्योतिषी
- Heavens – (here) sky, आकाश
- Consultations – a discussion between people, लोगों में विचार-विमर्श
- Weather – the climate at a certain place and time, मौसम
- Exclaimed – said loudly, जोर से कहा
- Favourable – good/suitable, अनुकूल
- Odd – strange, अजीब
- Dejected – very unhappy when you are, हतोत्साहित
- Sheltering – disappointed to find protection, सुरक्षित जगह पर पहुँचना
Page 188
- Wrinkled – having folds/lines, झुर्रियों वाला
- Sparkled – shined brightly, चमका
- Deserve – be worthy of, लायक होना
- Honestly – sincerely, ईमानदारी से
Page 189
- Bitterly – with anger, कड़वाहट से
- Sown – planted seeds, बीज बोया
- Ploughed – turned soil, जोतना
Page 190
- Puzzled – confused, हैरान
- Staring – to look at something for a long time, टकटकी लगा कर देखना
- Ceaseless- never stopping, निरंतर
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Page 191
- Approached – came near, नज़दीक आया
- Breeze – a light wind, समीर
- Lightning – a bright flash of light that appears in the sky, बिजली चमकना
- Thunder – the loud noise in the sky, गड़गड़ाहट
- Fragrant – pleasant smell, सुगंधित