In his short story “The Kitemaker,” author Ruskin Bond makes the reader feel sad for Mehmood in several ways. For example, the narrator mentions that Mehmood is old and sick and that at the time of the story, his days are “drawing to a close.” The narrator also discusses how times in Mehmood’s past were better than they are now. He notes that people used to have time to put aside and appreciate the “dancing strip of paper” that is a kite. But in the present day, everyone is always in a rush and they no longer appreciate what was once Mehmood’s craft. These details may make many readers sad, as they think of this lonely, dying man whose best days are behind him. It is a relatable story that is similar to to many people’s real life experiences.

The narrator goes on to explain that Mehmood is alone, saying, “no one visited him.” The reader learns that he is by himself because most of his friends have died and that one of his two grown sons is not able to see his family because of the partition separating India and Pakistan. In the end, Mehmood’s grandson cannot wake him up, suggesting that Mehmood might have died. This ending might also make readers feel sad for Mehmood, knowing that he left in a way that scared his grandson.