Comprehension Passage
In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given.
After my job was over, I went to Mumbai and returned after ___(1)___ six months. I had barely taken ___(2)____ my clothes when I saw Ratan standing ___(3)___ a new baby. He was ___(4)____ with joy. Even my daughter could not have ____(5)____ such joy on finding her younger brother after several years.
Select the most appropriate option that will fill in the blank number 1.
1
nearly
2
rarely
3
hardly
4
merely