Choose the option which best completes the sentence. When her son failed to return from the camp with the other boys, Mrs Sharma was ____, fearing something terrible had happened.

Explanation

The correct option is (a). The correct option to fill in the blank is (a) at her wits' end. Explanation: “At one’s wits’ end” means being extremely worried, confused, or distressed and not knowing what to do next (Hindi meaning: अत्यधिक परे शान/हैरान होना, उपाय न सूझना). In the sentence, Mrs Sharma fears something terrible, which clearly indicates anxiety and helplessness. Therefore, this idiomatic expression fits perfectly. Example: After searching for hours without any clue, she was at her wits' end. Why other options are incorrect: Option B: On cloud nine – extremely happy (बहुत खुश); opposite of the worried context. Option C: In seventh heaven – extremely delighted (अत्यंत प्रसन्न); does not match fear and anxiety. Option D: On the same page – in agreement or understanding (एक ही विचार पर); not related to distress. So the correct answer is (a)