Answer:
1. Difficult
Step-by-step explanation:
Santha's home life appears to be quite difficult, as evident from her interactions with her family members. Her mother seems to be quite strict and unsympathetic towards her daughter, as she is seen scolding Santha for not finishing her chores properly. For example, in the text, Santha's mother says, "I told you to sweep the floor, not just push the dirt around!" This suggests that Santha's mother has high expectations from her daughter and is not very understanding of her feelings.
Similarly, Santha's sister Premila is also not very supportive of her, as she is seen teasing and taunting her. For instance, when Santha is trying to read a book, Premila snatches it away from her and says, "What are you reading? Some silly storybook?" This indicates that Premila does not respect Santha's interests and belittles her.
However, Santha seems to share a warm and affectionate bond with Ayah, the family's domestic help. Ayah is shown to be caring and nurturing towards Santha, as she is seen comforting her when she is upset. For example, in the text, Ayah says, "Don't cry, little one. Ayah is here." This suggests that Ayah is a source of solace and support for Santha amidst her difficult home life.