Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
He had always wanted to work for himself; so, last year he _________ his job at the bank and is now running a tool business.

Correct option is C

The correct option to fill in the blank is (c) left.
Explanation: The sentence talks about a past event — "last year", and so the past tense of the verb “leave” is appropriate here: left.
(Hindi meaning: छोड़ दिया)
Example: He left his job to pursue his dream of becoming a writer.
Why other options are incorrect:
· (a) cleft: Split or divided. (फटना/बंटना) – incorrect in context.
· (b) halted: Stopped abruptly. (रुकना) – not relevant here.
· (d) bereft: Deprived of. (वंचित) – used for emotions or people, not suitable in this sentence.