Anushka Rides a Bicycle

Anushka Rides a Bicycle

One day Anushka was very bored. 

It was Sunday and there was nobody to play with. She was tired of reading a book and watching TV. She was even tired of playing Bowling-Game on computer.

She was just thinking of going to Mama and doing some “Bhun-bhun” and the phone rang.

He was Appu Hatti (Appu – the Elephant).

“Anushka, what are you doing? Can you come to my house?”

“Oh! I would love to. But you live far away. How can I come?” said Anushka.

“Why? You can come on your new bicycle.”

“Oh! But I cannot ride it. And my Dad is also not here to push me.”

“O.K. I will come and we will ride a bicycle.”

After some time Appu Hatti came to Anushka’s house and he, Anushka and Saya went to the playground. Anushka took her new bicycle with her. 

In the ground, Saya tried to climb on Appu’s back. But he was very, very big. She couldn’t climb on his back. So Appu gently lifted her with his trunk and kept her on his back. 

Then he gave her a long ride. She was very happy. She was clapping her hands and was laughing.

Anushka Climbed on her bicycle and was waiting. 

“Anushka, why are you not riding the bicycle?” Appu asked.

“I am waiting for you to push me.” Anushka said.

“Why? You will not fall down. There are two supporting side-wheels. You just paddle it.”

“Yes. But, you know, my legs are weak. I cannot paddle the cycle.”

“You can walk and jump and can do all other things. And you climbed a hill when you went to trip.”

“But our Teacher was with me.”

“But you climbed on your own.”

“Yes. But I am weak. My legs are weak.”

“But I know you are very strong.”

“My Dad is also not here to push me.”

“Oh, Anushka! But you don’t need your Dad to push you. He told me you are the strongest girl he know.”

“Why he said that?”

“I don’t know. But he said, she will know it and understand it one day.”

“But, … I get tired early.”

“And your Mama told me once that you were the bravest girl she knew. She must be right, because she knows you since birth.”     

“But, …”

“Why don’t you just try?”

“You really think I will be able to paddle the cycle?”

“Yes, of course! Why not? … and you have a strong will power. You try and then practice, practice and practice.”

Saya was also waiting for her Didi to ride the bicycle.

Then Anushka started to paddle the cycle and Wow! … She could do it. Yes!!! … And then ZZUUuuuuuuK~~~~~~

It was very easy. Once she started to paddle the cycle she could do it very fast. And fast and fast she went. Yes!!!

Saya was too small to ride a bicycle. So she ran behind Anushka. She was also learning to run. But once she started, it was very easy. She also ran fast and fast and fast.

       

“Let me draw your picture, just as you have drawn me as Multicolor Appu.” Appu Hatti said.

Then, taking a brush in his long trunk, Appu drew Anushka as a Winner in a Cycle Race.

After some days, Anushka and Saya went to Appu Hatti’s Home. They went on bicycle. Appu was surprised.

“You came all the way here, paddling a cycle?” Appu asked.

“Yes, I can do it easily. Thanks Appu! … Your picture, ‘Anushka Wins a Cycle Race’, always reminds me that I am strong and I can do anything. Thanks again!!”

“Oh! But really I am thankful to YOU for drawing my picture as ‘Multicolor Appu Hatti’. You taught me to be proud of what you have and what you are.” Appu said. 

Rajan Aaba

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