The first attack

CHAPTER 11

The first attack

One day, Anand was getting ready to go to the academy. Rekha brought hot milk.

Sipping hot milk, Anand said, “Mummy, I have a bad pain in my legs since morning.”

Rekha looked at Anand’s legs and pressed his knees. Anand winced with pain. Rekha was worried. She asked, “What happened?”

Anand shook his head and said, “I don’t know. My legs have been paining badly since morning.”

Rekha brought a bottle of pain balm and rubbed it on his legs. The pain reduces a bit. Anand relaxed.

Looking at him with worry, Rekha said, “Today, you take rest. Don’t go to the academy. I will phone Raghuram and tell him that you will not be attending today. Let us go to the doctor.”

Anand shook his head. “No, mummy; I have to go today. Abijit Kunte and other top coaches are coming today to give us training. We have to play rapid chess with them.”

Rekha got up. “I will also come with you. On the way, we can go to the doctor.”

Anand shook his head. He said, “No, mummy; it is not so serious. Anyway, you have put balm on my legs. Soon the pain will disappear. I will go and come back soon.”

Anand took his bicycle and went away. Rekha stood watching him go.

Anand entered the chess academy and sat at a chess table. He had great pain in his legs. He kept pressing his knees. Suddenly Abijit Kunte came and sat down in front of him. Anand smiled. The chess game started Anand got engrossed in the game and forgot the pain in his legs. He impressed everyone with his moves. He went on winning all the games. Everyone clapped.

Impressed with Anand’s game, Kunte said, “Mr.Raghu; this boy will definitely become the world champion one day.”

Raghuram agreed fully. “Yes I know that.”

Kunte shook hands with Anand. “Wish you all the best.”

Anand Kunte got up. Anand tried to get up. Suddenly he started feeling the pain in his legs. He was unable to get up. He was shocked. He cried out in pain. Immediately coach Raghuram came running near Anand.

Anand cried, “Sir, I cannot get up. I have a very bad pain in my legs.”

Raghuram was shocked. He immediately called the academy doctor. The doctor examined Anand and advised that they admit him in the hospital for check-up. Raghuram phoned to the hospital and requested for an ambulance.

Ambulance came and Anand was put inside. Raghuram sat beside Anand. Ambulance moved towards the hospital.