Prize money goes missing

CHAPTER 5

Prize money goes missing

That day Anand was eager to return home. He had Avinash’s problem in mind. He entered the house and removed his shoes in a hurry. Then he kept his school bag in the bedroom and entered the kitchen. Rekha was pouring hot milk into a glass. As he entered the kitchen, she handed him the glass of hot milk. Anand drank the milk. He gave the empty glass to her and then looked up at her anxiously. He had to tell her about what had happened.

Just as his mother was about to leave with the glass, Anand pulled her hand and said, “Mummy, without asking you, I have given a word to Avinash. I hope you will not mind.”

Rekha looked at her son in surprise. “Tell me. What did you promise him?”

Looking at her face, Anand said, “Mummy, Avinash has not paid the fees since past 8 months. Now they are going to remove him from the school. His father died 8 months back and his pension is not yet settled. I have promised to pay the fees for him.”

Rekha was surprised. “But my son, how are you going to pay the fees?”

Anand smiled at her happily. “You know, I got Rs. 5000/- as prize money. Avinash has to pay only Rs 2500/-.Please mummy, can I pay his fees? I know you will never say no.”

Rekha patted her son’s head lovingly. She was proud of her son. She felt so happy on hearing about his intention. “You are such a good boy. I am proud of you.” She hugged him.

Anand was very happy. “Thanks mummy. You are so nice. “

He went to his bedroom and ran to the cupboard. The cover was kept next to the trophy. Anand took out the cover. He opened it but it was empty. Anand was shocked. Rekha had followed him to the bedroom.

Anand showed the empty cover to his mother and said, “Mummy, I had kept the money in this cover. Now it is missing.”

Rekha was shocked to hear this. She looked around searching for the money. Anand also looked around the place. But the money was nowhere to be seen. Both were shocked.

Rekha approached her son with a worried face and asked, “Anand, did you show the money to your father?”

Anand was shocked to hear this question. He said worriedly, “Yes, mummy. In the morning, when I showed him the cup, I showed him the prize money too.”

Rekha put her hand on her head sadly thinking of her husband, who was a heavy drinker. She looked at her son and said, “Anand, you better forget about your prize money. Your father must have already spent all of it by now.”

Anand was shocked. He had promised to pay the fees. Now what to do? If Avinash does not pay tomorrow, he will be removed from school. This cannot happen. Principal had given Avinash one day time only because Anand had promised that he will pay tomorrow. Anand became desperate.

He said, “No mummy. I want my money. I have promised to Avinash that I will pay his fees. I will go immediately to papa and bring the money back.”

Rekha tried her best to make Anand understand. “No Anand, you must not go there. Even if you go, you will not get the money anyway.”

Anand was not ready to listen to her words. He was adamant. “Mummy, please don’t stop me. I must go for the sake of Avinash.”

Anand went out and took the bicycle. Rekha stood on the balcony watching him sadly and helplessly.