Anand goes to the chess academy

CHAPTER 9

Anand goes to the chess academy

Anand came home from school as usual. He removed his shoes and entered the hall. Rekha was sitting on the sofa fully dressed. Anand was surprised to see her fully dressed.

Anand asked his mother, “Mummy, are you going out somewhere?”

Rekha got up smiling at her son. “First you drink hot milk and then I will give you good news.”

Anand looked at her in surprise. Rekha went into the kitchen and brought a glass of hot milk. Anand was excited. He immediately drank up the milk and returned the empty glass to his mother.

Looking at his mother eagerly, Anand asked, “Now tell me. What is the good news?”

Patting his head, Rekha said, “Your principal had phoned today at 6 pm. We have to go to Raghuram’s chess academy. So, get ready soon.”

Anand was very happy. He immediately went into the bedroom and changed his clothes.

Anand came out of the bedroom ready to go to the chess academy. “Mommy, I am ready. Let us go.”

Rekha took Anand to the chess academy by auto rickshaw. They entered the academy hall. They were surprised to see the photos of world champions like Boby Fisher, Kasranov and others hanging on the walls. Anand was filled with inspiration. He went around telling his mother about the champions.

Pointing to the photos, Anand said, “Mummy, these are all world champions.”

Rekha patted his back happily. Then she pointed to one particular photo. “Yes. But look at that photo. That is your favourite Vishwanath Anand.”

Anand went and stood near the photo looking up at it happily. “Yes Mummy. He is my favourite hero.”

Next they see the photos of junior champions like Harikrishna, Saikrishna and Koneru Humphi. Rekha patted her son’s head and said, “If you want your photo to come up like this, you have to work hard.”

Anand looked at her face with determination.

By that time, they came to a room with a sign board ‘Academy Chairman, Raghuram’. They gave a slip to the attendee. He went in and came out immediately. “You may go in. Chairman is waiting for you.”

Rekha and Anand entered the room.