MY BROTHER’S GREAT INVENTION : STORY

My Brother’s Great Invention

Author: Anita Rau Badami

1. About the Story

“My Brother’s Great Invention” is a humorous and imaginative story narrated by Anita, a fourteen-year-old girl. The story centres on her younger brother Anand, who is thirteen and considers himself a scientist and inventor.

Anand is fascinated by gadgets, wires, tools and electrical equipment. He constantly invents things, although his inventions do not always work as he expects. His experiments create amusing situations at home and sometimes cause considerable trouble.

The two major inventions described in the story are:

• A burglar alarm
• A supposed time machine

The story combines humour, suspense, imagination and mystery.

2. Main Characters

Anita

• She is the fourteen-year-old narrator of the story.
• She is Anand's elder sister.
• She is sensible and practical but also supports Anand in his experiments.
• She sometimes becomes involved in his inventions even when she would rather be doing something else.
• Her narration is humorous and affectionate.
• She is frightened when a real intruder enters the house but remains observant and helps Anand.

Anand

• He is Anita's thirteen-year-old younger brother.
• He considers himself a scientist and inventor.
• He is extremely curious, imaginative and enthusiastic.
• He loves experimenting with gadgets, wires, tools and household objects.
• His inventions often create unexpected problems.
• He does not give up after failure.
• He is quick-thinking when the real burglar enters the house.
• He remains convinced that his time machine actually worked.

Papa

• He is Anand and Anita's father.
• He is strict and becomes annoyed by Anand's troublesome experiments.
• After the burglar alarm accidentally soaks him, he is angry.
• Later, he dismantles the time machine because he considers it unsafe.

Ma

• She is the children's mother.
• She is caring and cautious.
• She worries about Anand's experiments and keeps an eye on household appliances because Anand often takes things apart for his inventions.

Boppa

• Boppa is the man who has recently started sweeping the compounds of the houses in their row.
• He is eventually revealed to be the burglar responsible for the thefts.
• He enters Anita and Anand's house when their parents are away.
• His mysterious disappearance at the end of the story creates the central mystery.

The Sharmas and Dr Mohan

• They are neighbours who come to help Anita and Anand after they call for help.
• They search the house after Boppa apparently disappears.
• The adults do not accept Anand's explanation that the time machine transported Boppa into the past.

3. Complete Plot Sequence

A. Anand—the Inventor

The story begins with Anita describing her younger brother Anand. Anand is fascinated by inventions and believes that he is a scientist.

He frequently experiments with wires, gadgets, tools and other objects. Unfortunately, many of his inventions do not work properly and often cause trouble at home.

Anita has become accustomed to Anand's experiments and is frequently drawn into them.

B. The Burglar Alarm

There had recently been a series of thefts in their colony.

Anand decides that the solution is to build a burglar alarm.

He prepares an elaborate system involving wires, bells and a water bag.

His idea is that when someone opens the door stealthily, the alarm will be activated and a loud clanging sound will be produced. At the same time, the water bag will fall on the intruder.

Anand believes that this will frighten the burglar and alert the family.

Anita is sceptical but gets involved in the project.

C. The Burglar Alarm Goes Wrong

Anand's invention does not work in the way he expects.

Their father, Papa, has the habit of opening the door gently. When he comes home, the mechanism is triggered.

Instead of a burglar, Papa becomes the victim of the alarm and gets soaked by the water.

Papa is furious.

This is an important humorous moment because Anand's invention, which was designed to catch a thief, ends up attacking his own father.

Anand keeps away from inventing for some time after this incident.

4. The Idea of the Time Machine

Later, the family watches the film Back to the Future, which features time travel.

The film inspires Anand.

He decides that he must build a time machine.

This time his project is much bigger.

Anand begins collecting materials and parts from around the house.

5. Anand's Room Becomes a Workshop

Anand starts taking apart various household objects to obtain the components he needs.

His parents become worried.

Papa locks away his toolbox and hides the key.

Ma keeps a careful watch on household appliances such as the oven and mixer.

Anand nevertheless continues his work.

His room becomes filled with:

• wires
• springs
• levers
• bulbs
• switches
• other mechanical parts
• There is constant hammering, sawing and clattering.

Anand becomes so absorbed in his work that he neglects his appearance and spends almost all his time working on the machine.

6. The Time Machine Is Completed

After about a fortnight of intense work, Anand announces that his time machine is ready.

He is extremely excited and wants to test it.

However, an important event changes the situation.

Anita and Anand's parents have to go away to attend a wedding in Kharagpur.

They plan to return the following evening.

Before leaving, their mother is concerned about leaving the children alone.

The children assure their parents that they will be responsible.

Anand is told not to test the time machine while the parents are away.

7. Anita and Anand Are Alone

After their parents leave, Anand goes to sleep.

Anita stays awake because she wants to finish reading her novel.

It is late at night when she begins to hear strange noises at the front door.

At first, she thinks that the sounds may be her imagination.

But the noises continue.

She hears sounds such as scratching, rattling and clicking.

She becomes frightened and wakes Anand.

8. The Burglar Arrives

Anita and Anand soon realise that someone is trying to enter the house.

Before they can call for help, the door opens.

A rough-looking man enters.

He is wearing a green scarf.

Anand immediately recognises him.

The man is Boppa, the person who has recently begun sweeping the compounds of the houses in their row.

The siblings realise that Boppa is the burglar who has been responsible for the thefts.

Boppa threatens them and asks where their father keeps his things.

9. Anand's Quick Thinking

The situation is dangerous and frightening.

Boppa wants to know where Papa's room is.

Anand quickly thinks of a way to protect himself and Anita.

Instead of directing Boppa towards Papa's room, Anand misleads him and directs him towards his own room, where the time machine is located.

This is an important example of Anand's presence of mind and quick thinking.

10. Boppa Enters the Time-Machine Room

Boppa enters Anand's room.

Suddenly, strange sounds come from the room.

There are loud and frightening noises, followed by unusual sounds from the machine.

Anita and Anand become alarmed.

They shout for help.

The neighbours hear them and come to the house.

11. Boppa Disappears

The neighbours enter Anand's room.

The time machine is still humming softly.

But Boppa is nowhere to be seen.

The adults search the house.

There is no sign of him.

Then Anand notices something on the floor.

It is Boppa's green scarf, near the panel of switches.

This makes the disappearance mysterious.

12. Two Different Interpretations

Anand immediately reaches a conclusion:

• His time machine has worked.

He believes that Boppa has been transported into the past.

However, the adults do not believe him.

Mr Sharma thinks Anand has an extraordinary imagination.

The adults suggest that Boppa may simply have escaped.

But the evidence is puzzling because:

• Boppa is missing.
• His green scarf remains behind.
• The time machine is still humming.
• No one actually sees him leave.

Thus, the story deliberately leaves the mystery unresolved.

13. The Ending

Boppa is never seen again.

Papa later dismantles Anand's time machine because he considers it unsafe.

Therefore, the family never gets an opportunity to test whether the machine really worked.

Anand remains completely convinced that his invention succeeded and that Boppa disappeared into the past.

Instead of giving up, Anand begins working on another invention—a telephone to contact creatures in outer space.

The ending is humorous because Anand's confidence and imagination remain completely unaffected by what has happened.

14. Why Is the Ending Interesting?

The ending leaves the reader with a question:

Did Anand's time machine really work, or did Boppa escape in some unexplained way?

The story does not provide a definite answer.

This makes the ending mysterious and open-ended.

Anand believes in his invention, whereas the adults believe that he is imagining things.

The reader is left to decide what might actually have happened.

15. Major Themes

• 1. Creativity and Imagination

Anand has a highly imaginative mind. He is always thinking of new inventions and possibilities.

• 2. Curiosity

His curiosity motivates him to experiment with machines and understand how things work.

• 3. Perseverance

Even when his inventions fail, Anand does not stop experimenting. After the burglar alarm fails, he moves on to the much more ambitious time machine.

• 4. Learning Through Experimentation

The story shows that experimentation involves mistakes and unexpected results.

• 5. Presence of Mind

Anand demonstrates quick thinking when Boppa enters the house. He cleverly directs the burglar towards his own room.

• 6. Family Relationships

The story presents the affectionate relationship between Anita and Anand. Anita may complain about his inventions, but she remains involved in his adventures.

• 7. Imagination versus Reality

The adults consider Anand's explanation unbelievable, whereas Anand is certain that his machine worked. This contrast creates much of the story's humour and mystery.

16. Humour in the Story

The humour mainly arises from Anand's inventions.

Example 1: Burglar alarm

The alarm is meant to catch a burglar but instead soaks Papa.

Example 2: Anand's workshop

His room becomes a chaotic collection of wires, springs, bulbs and mechanical parts.

Example 3: His confidence

Even after several unsuccessful experiments, Anand continues to consider himself a brilliant inventor.

Example 4: The ending

After the mysterious disappearance of Boppa, Anand does not stop inventing. He immediately starts another project to communicate with creatures in outer space.

17. Significance of the Title

The title “My Brother's Great Invention” refers primarily to Anand's time machine.

• The title is appropriate because:
• Anand is the narrator's brother.
• He is passionate about inventions.
• The time machine is his most ambitious invention.
• Its apparent connection with Boppa's disappearance makes it the most mysterious invention in the story.
• Whether it actually works remains uncertain.

The title also reflects the story's playful tone because what Anand considers a great invention is viewed with doubt by the adults.

18. Message / Lesson

The story suggests that curiosity, imagination and the courage to experiment are valuable qualities.

At the same time, it shows that inventions should be accompanied by care, responsibility and practical thinking.

Anand's failures do not discourage him. His willingness to keep trying reflects the spirit of scientific curiosity.

The story also reminds us that sometimes mistakes and unexpected results can lead to new discoveries.

Exam ready Summary 

“My Brother’s Great Invention” by Anita Rau Badami is a humorous story narrated by fourteen-year-old Anita about her thirteen-year-old brother Anand, who considers himself a scientist and loves making inventions. After a series of thefts in their neighbourhood, Anand makes a burglar alarm using wires, a bell and a water bag. However, the alarm cannot distinguish between a burglar and a family member, and when Papa opens the door gently, the water bag falls on him and soaks him. Later, after watching Back to the Future, Anand becomes fascinated by the idea of time travel and spends about two weeks secretly building a time machine in his room. When their parents go to Kharagpur for a wedding, Anita and Anand are left alone. During the night, a man named Boppa, who has been working as a sweeper in the neighbourhood, enters the house as a burglar. Anand cleverly directs him towards his own room, where the time machine is kept. Soon, strange noises come from the room. When the neighbours arrive, they find that Boppa has disappeared, while his green scarf is left behind and the machine is still humming. Anand is convinced that his time machine has transported Boppa into the past, although the adults are not convinced. Papa later dismantles the machine, but Anand remains enthusiastic about inventing and begins planning another invention—a telephone to communicate with creatures in outer space. The story humorously celebrates Anand’s curiosity, imagination, creativity and determination while leaving Boppa’s mysterious disappearance unresolved.

 Competency-Based / HOTS Questions with Model Answers

1. Why can Anand be called an inventor even though many of his inventions do not work as intended?

Answer:

Anand can be called an inventor because he is highly curious, imaginative and willing to experiment. He tries to create solutions to problems and does not become discouraged when his inventions fail. His burglar alarm and time machine show his interest in experimenting with machines and finding new possibilities. His willingness to keep trying is an important quality of an inventor.

2. How does the failure of the burglar alarm contribute to the humour of the story?

Answer:

Anand designs the burglar alarm to protect the family from thieves, but it does not distinguish between a burglar and a family member. When Papa enters the house, the alarm is triggered and he gets soaked. The situation is humorous because an invention meant to protect Papa becomes the cause of his trouble.

3. What does Anita's attitude towards Anand's inventions reveal about their relationship?

Answer:

Anita sometimes finds Anand's inventions troublesome and is not always enthusiastic about participating in them. However, she remains involved in his activities and helps him when necessary. Her attitude suggests that although she may be irritated by Anand's experiments, she cares about him and shares a close sibling relationship with him.

4. Why was Anand inspired to build a time machine?

Answer:

Anand was inspired after watching the film Back to the Future. The idea of travelling through time fascinated him, and his curiosity encouraged him to try creating a machine of his own. This shows how imaginative ideas can inspire a young person to experiment and explore possibilities.

5. What does Anand's persistence after the failure of his burglar alarm tell us about his character?

Answer:

It shows that Anand is persistent and optimistic. Instead of giving up after his first invention causes trouble, he undertakes an even more ambitious project—the time machine. His ability to continue experimenting despite failure reflects determination and curiosity.

6. Why did Papa try to prevent Anand from getting access to tools and household appliances?

Answer:

Papa was concerned that Anand's experiments might damage household objects or create unsafe situations. Anand often used tools and parts from household equipment for his inventions. Therefore, Papa locked away his toolbox and took precautions to prevent further trouble.

7. Anita and Anand are left alone when their parents go to Kharagpur. How does this situation become important to the plot?

Answer:

Their parents' absence creates the situation in which the main mystery occurs. While Anita and Anand are alone at night, Boppa breaks into the house. Anand then directs Boppa towards the room containing the time machine. This eventually leads to Boppa's mysterious disappearance.

8. How does Anand demonstrate presence of mind when Boppa enters the house?

Answer:

Anand does not panic when Boppa demands information about their father's room. Instead, he quickly thinks of a way to protect himself and Anita. He deliberately misdirects Boppa towards his own room, where the time machine is located. This shows that Anand can think quickly under pressure.

9. Why is Anand's decision to direct Boppa to his own room significant?

Answer:

Anand's decision is significant because it keeps Boppa away from his father's room and gives Anita and him an opportunity to get help. It also places Boppa near the time machine, which becomes central to the mysterious events that follow.

10. What clues make Boppa's disappearance mysterious?

Answer:

Several clues make the disappearance mysterious:

• Boppa enters Anand's room.
• Strange noises come from the room.
• The time machine is found humming.
• Boppa is nowhere to be found.
• His green scarf is left near the machine.

These details make Anand's explanation seem possible, although the story does not prove that the time machine actually transported Boppa.

11. Do you think the story proves that Anand's time machine worked? Give a reasoned answer.

Answer:

No, the story does not prove that the time machine worked. Anand believes that Boppa was transported through time because Boppa disappears when he is near the machine. However, the adults do not accept this explanation, and another explanation for Boppa's disappearance remains possible. Thus, the ending deliberately leaves the matter unresolved.

12. Why is the green scarf important to the story?

Answer:

The green scarf is an important clue because it is the only visible object belonging to Boppa that remains after his disappearance. It connects Boppa directly with the time machine and strengthens the mystery surrounding what happened to him.

13. How does the author create suspense in the final part of the story?

Answer:

The author creates suspense by gradually increasing the tension. Anita hears someone trying to enter the house, Boppa appears, and he enters Anand's room. Then strange crashes and sounds are heard. When the adults arrive, Boppa has disappeared, leaving only his green scarf. The unexplained disappearance keeps the reader curious.

14. Compare Anand's reaction to failure with the adults' reaction to his inventions.

Answer:

Anand responds to failure with enthusiasm and determination. He continues experimenting and moves from one invention to another. The adults, however, are more concerned about safety, damage and practical consequences. Thus, Anand represents curiosity and imagination, while the adults represent caution and practicality.

15. What does Anand's next project after the time machine reveal about his personality?

Answer:

Anand's decision to begin working on a telephone to contact creatures in outer space shows that he is imaginative, curious and persistent. Even after his time machine is dismantled, he does not lose interest in invention. He immediately begins thinking about another extraordinary possibility.

16. “Anand's failures are as important as his successes.” Explain.

Answer:

Anand's failures help reveal his determination and willingness to learn through experimentation. His burglar alarm does not work as planned, yet he continues inventing. Even the uncertain result of his time machine does not discourage him. The story therefore suggests that failure can be part of the process of creativity and discovery.

17. How does the story balance humour with suspense?

Answer:

The story begins with humorous situations, particularly Anand's inventions and the burglar alarm that accidentally soaks Papa. Later, the mood changes when Boppa breaks into the house. The strange noises and his disappearance create suspense. Thus, the author combines comedy in Anand's experiments with mystery during the burglary.

18. What is the significance of the title My Brother's Great Invention?

Answer:

The title refers mainly to Anand's time machine, his most ambitious invention. It is significant because the machine becomes connected with Boppa's mysterious disappearance. The title also reflects Anita's perspective as Anand's sister and highlights the central role played by his inventions in the story.

19. What important qualities of an inventor does Anand display? Which one is most important?

Answer:

Anand displays curiosity, imagination, creativity, persistence, confidence and resourcefulness. Among these, persistence is especially important because he continues experimenting even after his inventions fail. Without persistence, his curiosity and creativity would not lead him to attempt new inventions.

20. “The story is not only about invention; it is also about the power of imagination.” Discuss.

Answer:

The story presents Anand as a boy whose imagination allows him to think beyond ordinary possibilities. He first creates a burglar alarm and later attempts to construct a time machine after watching a film about time travel. Even after the machine is dismantled, he begins thinking about communicating with creatures in outer space. His imagination drives his curiosity and creativity. At the same time, the mysterious ending allows the reader to wonder whether his imagination might have some connection with what actually happened to Boppa.