MP Board · Class 10 · Hindi · Kshitij Prose: Lakhnavi AndaazAnalyze the Nawab's act of throwing away the cucumber slices out of the window after smelling them. What does it symbolize?

The act of the Nawab throwing the exquisitely spiced and prepared cucumber slices out of the window one by one after merely smelling and relishing their aroma is the climax of the story and a profound symbol of empty showmanship. After taking all the trouble to wash, peel, slice, and season the cucumbers with aromatic spices, one would naturally expect him to consume them. Instead, with a deep sigh of satisfaction, he throws each piece out into the rushing wind, wiping his hands with a handkerchief as if he had performed a great, noble deed. This bizarre action symbolizes the bankruptcy of the feudal mindset, where outward show, vanity, and superficial manners take precedence over genuine substance and utility. The Nawab wanted to preserve his false prestige by convincing himself and the world that he was above consuming a petty snack, yet his inner craving forced him to prepare it. By discarding the food, he highlights the absurd nature of a social class that survives entirely on illusions, artificial customs, and hollow grandeur, completely detached from the practical realities of life.