Para  4 

Sentences  and  expressions  that need explanation 

•  And then Swami gave a lurid account of Samuel’s violence 

        lurid - sensational, shocking

Ravi gave a lurid account of the strange happenings at school, to his mother.

• press to his forehead like a vermilion marking

vermilion  marking  means  something like  a 'bindi'  which married Indian women (especially, Hindus) wear permanently on their forehead  
 

• But Father’s behaviour  took an unexpected turn.

The  teacher's comment made an unexpected turn in his life

• No amount of protest from Swami was of any avail.

The students protested against the increase in bus-fare.

• Swaminathan asked  apprehensively. 

apprehensive  -  uneasily fearful

Sam asked a doubt to the teacher apprehensively.

• You must bring an acknowledgement from him in the evening

acknowledge -  confirm the receipt of (a letter etc.)