The author says that Iswaran seemed to more than make up for the absence of a TV in Mahendra's living quarters because Iswaran's storytelling and presence filled the void that might have been created by the lack of a television. Mahendra, who lived alone, relied on Iswaran not only as a cook and assistant but also as a source of entertainment and companionship. Iswaran’s engaging and vivid stories provided Mahendra with a form of entertainment that was as compelling, if not more, than watching television.
Iswaran had an exceptional ability to tell stories that were not only interesting but also entertaining and sometimes even thrilling. His stories, ranging from adventures to ghostly encounters, captivated Mahendra’s attention and offered him a form of distraction from the monotony of daily life. In a sense, Iswaran's storytelling took the place of TV shows or movies, giving Mahendra the same kind of entertainment and engagement that one would typically expect from a television. His tales, full of drama and excitement, were vivid enough to make up for the lack of other forms of entertainment.
In addition to his storytelling, Iswaran also provided companionship to Mahendra. His presence made Mahendra feel less lonely, and his ability to entertain and engage through stories made the living quarters more lively and vibrant. This sense of comfort and connection that Iswaran provided helped Mahendra adjust to living in a remote place without feeling the absence of more conventional sources of entertainment, like a television.
In conclusion, the author highlights that Iswaran’s ability to tell captivating stories and offer companionship more than compensated for the absence of a TV in Mahendra’s living quarters. Iswaran’s engaging narratives and lively presence brought a sense of excitement and comfort to Mahendra’s otherwise quiet and solitary life, effectively filling the gap left by the lack of television.