Question

Why did Nicola say just plans when the author asked them what their plans were?

Answer 1

Nicola said just plans when the author asked them what their plans were because they didn't want the narrator to know about their little secret.The secret was that their sister was admitted in the hospital due to tuberculosis of the spine. 

Answer 2

Nicola said ‘just plans’ shyly to the narrator because he did not want to reveal the sacred secret to him. Their plan was to save their sister, Lucia. She was the only family member who had survived the ravages of war; the war had left them orphaned and homeless. The severe cold and deprivation took their own toll; she was suffering from tuberculosis of the spine. They had willingly shouldered the responsibility of having her treated at the best hospital. The medical expenses were quite high. So they worked day and night to earn enough money to pay the medical bills. They spent all their earnings on her treatment. They had not shared this plan with anyone; nor were they willing to share it with the narrator.