THE CHAMP

We rarely do come across people who are willing to help others. Such people can change the world with their love and care. Here is an interesting story of a village girl. Let’s read and see how her timely action helps someone in need.

TO THE SWIMMING POOL

 ‘You swim freestyle?’ asked Ranjit.

‘Or backstroke?’ enquired Aman.

‘Or butterfly?’ questioned Ranjit.

‘Or breaststroke?’ Aman queried.

‘No, I don’t know any of these. I just swim,’ replied Radha nervously.

‘It means you can just float or crawl, not swim properly,’ Ranjit said in a condescending manner.

‘No, my dear Ranjit, she can swim and swim very well.

Don’t forget that she lives on the banks of River Sarayau.

She learnt swimming even before she could walk,’ said Radha’s aunt who had come to the drawing room when she heard this inquisition of her niece by her sons. ‘You better take her with you to the club,’ she ordered.

The boys didn’t say anything. It was clear that they didn’t want to take their cousin from a small town to the club where they were going with their friends. But they didn’t dare to disobey their mother either. They thought hard to come up with some excuse. Suddenly, Aman said, ‘Ok Radha, pack your swimming costume and come,’ and he winked at Ranjit.

‘Swimming costume! But I don’t have any. Back home I swim in my salwar kurta,’ Radha said innocently.

‘But you can’t swim in your salwar kurta in the club’s swimming pool’. Aman said and looked triumphantly at Ranjit. Just then, they heard cycle bells ringing outside indicating that their friends had arrived and they rushed out.

Radha watched them going. She saw her aunt running after the boys with a frown.

‘Oh, don’t brother about me, aunt. I’m not keen to go. I would rather watch TV with you,’ Radha said with a hollow laughter.