The third attack

CHAPTER 20

The third attack

Days passed and Anand was discharged from hospital. One day, coach Raghuram came to Anand’s house with Dr.Reberio. Raghuram gave a bouquet to Anand.

Introducing Reberio, Raghuram said, “Anand, this is Dr. Reberio. He is a psychotherapy doctor, and has been appointed by the sports authority of India to train you.”

Anand smiled at Dr.Reberio saying, “Thank you so much for coming. You are all so nice to me.”

Smiling at Anand, Raghuram said, “He will train you using scientific methods. Moreover, from Russia, Kasrov, the famous coach is arriving to coach you.”

Anand was most excited.  “Thank you, Uncle.”

Proudly, Raghuram said, “With all your efforts and god’s grace, you will one day become the world champion.”

Rekha brought coffee for the guests. The chess game started.

Days pass by with Dr. Reberio from America; a sports doctor giving Anand training. Anand was taken to the park everyday. Dr. Reberio used to throw a ball at Anand, who used to catch it with his right hand. Kasrov played chess with Anand.

One day, Anand was lying on the bent stretcher in the complex park. Dr. Reberio was throwing ball to him. Anand was catching it with his only good arm. Suddenly, his hand became stiff. His whole hand shook and he fell down. The disease had attacked him once again. Anand was immediately admitted to the hospital.

Anand was lying in the operation theatre and the doctors were examining.

Parents and coach were waiting outside the OT.

News in TV, “The chance of the champion surviving is now very bleak. His whole body is crippled.”

Shrikanth came out of the OT. Everyone crowded around him. Shrikanth calmly went into Dr. Ravi’s room and then came out with Dr.Ravi. The TV crew surrounded them.

With a heavy heart, sadly, Shrikanth said, “The chance of the champion surviving is now very bleak. Even the only hand which was functional has now been attacked by the disease. So now his whole body is crippled.”

Rekha cried loudly. Coach was in deep thoughts. The news flashed on TV.

Next day morning, Rekha entered Anand’s room. Anand was not able to even turn his head to look towards her. Rekha went and sat near him on the side of the bed. She took his head on her lap and cried. The tears fell on his face.

Lovingly, Anand asked, “Mummy, why were you crying? I still have 3 months to live. I will become the world chess champion and present you the trophy as my memory. After all, there is only one month left for the championship.”

Rekha caressed his cheek and said, “I don’t want any trophy. I just want you to be happy.”

Sadly, Anand said, “Mummy, please don’t cry. Now I can’t even wipe your tears. I have lost my only arm. But I have the strength to win the championship. I will live for that.”

Tears fell from Rekha’s eyes on hearing this.

 Looking at Raghuram, Anand said, “Uncle, I have lost my hands but I will tell you the pawn movements and we can still play.”

Raghuram was shocked. With a heavy heart, he looked at Anand and said, “More than anything, I want you to survive.”

The doctors come in and requested, “Please do not disturb the boy. Let him take rest now.”

Everyone left the room with a heavy heart.