The narrator’s grandfather loved animals. He had his own private zoo. He bought a baby monkey from a tonga-driver and named it Toto. He wanted Toto to add to his collection for the zoo. The narrator’s grandmother did not like his pets. So, Toto’s presence was kept a secret.
Toto was a mischievous monkey. It was kept in a little closet which opened into the narrator’s room. Toto tore off author’s school blazer. He peeled off the plaster too. Toto was kept with other animals. There he did not allow them to live peacefully. The grandfather had to collect his pension from Saharanpur. He took Toto with him. He had to pay extra fare for Toto. Toto was ultimately accepted by the family. He was put into a stable with Nana, the family donkey. Toto teased Nana. As a result, Toto and Nana never became friends.
Once Toto nearly boiled himself alive. He used to take bath in warm water. One day, a large kitchen kettle had been left on fire to boil water for tea. Toto entered the kettle. Soon the water began to boil. Toto raised himself. It was cold outside. He sat down again. He continued hopping up and down till grandmother came to rescue him.
Toto did not give up his mischiefs. He tore things to pieces. He tore up the dresses of the aunt. He broke plates and utensils. One day he entered the dining room and ran out with a plate of pulao. After finishing the pulao, he threw the plate at the grandmother. Toto caused much loss to the family. They could not tolerate him anymore. In frustration, grandfather sold Toto back to the tonga-driver and heaved a sigh of relief.