(i) A source of unending joy for Valli was the sight of the bus that travelled between her village and the nearest town. She loved watching it pass through her street each hour, filled with a new set of passengers every time.

(ii) Her strongest desire was to ride on that bus, even if just once. Day after day, as she watched the bus, this tiny wish crept into her head and grew until it became an overwhelming desire. She would stare wistfully at the passengers, which kindled her longings and dreams.