Why did the River laugh when Jahnavi said she would be scared at school?
The River laughed because it found it ironic that Jahnavi was afraid of going to school when she showed no fear of other potentially dangerous things.
The River points out that Jahnavi is not afraid of the green lizard, the snake in the bamboo clump, or the big trains rattling past the bridge.
The River finds it amusing that someone who is brave enough to be near snakes and trains is scared of something as safe as going to school.
The laugh was meant to gently challenge Jahnavi's fear and encourage her to see that her fear was unreasonable compared to the real dangers she already faced without fear.
Explanation
On Page 4, the River says 'You? Scared?' and laughs, pointing out all the things Jahnavi is not afraid of. This comparison is meant to show Jahnavi that her fear of school is irrational compared to the real dangers she faces daily.
Solution Steps
The River found it ironic that Jahnavi feared school but not dangerous things
Jahnavi shows no fear of the green lizard, snake in bamboo clump, or big trains
The River finds it amusing that a brave person fears something safe like school
The laugh was meant to gently challenge Jahnavi's fear and encourage her