Join Anshu on an unforgettable journey of courage and self-discovery! This heartwarming story follows a young boy's thrilling adventure on Anshupa Lake, where he learns the true meaning of bravery and the power of presence of mind. A tale of overcoming fear and finding strength within, perfect for young readers.
During the Puja holidays, the sky of Odisha looked bright and festive. Anshu, a cheerful student of Class 9, was eagerly waiting for a small unforgettable adventure during his vacation. One morning, he convinced his parents to take him to Anshupa Lake near Cuttack. This beautiful lake is famous for its calm water and the birds flying gracefully above it. As soon as they reached the lake, Anshu was mesmerized by its beauty. The soft rustling of trees, the gentle waves in the water, and the cool breeze increased his excitement and joy. He noticed some boats tied near the shore and immediately wished to go for a boat ride. At first, his father hesitated, but when the boatman assured them that everything was safe, Anshu happily climbed into a small wooden boat. For the first few minutes, everything was exactly as he had imagined. The boat smoothly glided through the sparkling water. Anshu laughed as he dipped his hands into the cool water and enjoyed watching the sunlight dance on the waves. But when they reached the middle of the lake, he heard a strange sound of water beneath his feet. Curious, he leaned inside the boat — and his heart sank. Water was seeping into the boat through a small hole! Fear gripped him as the water level slowly started rising. He tried to throw the water out with his hands, but it was useless. The boat started sinking gradually. Anshu’s heart began pounding fast. He didn’t know how to swim properly. The shore seemed miles away, and there was no one nearby to hear his cries for help. In that desperate moment, he suddenly remembered a television broadcast of the Olympics he had watched months ago. He recalled how the professional swimmers moved their arms powerfully, pushing the water backward, their faces calm and focused. He thought, “If they can do it, maybe I can too.” Gathering all his courage, Anshu took a deep breath and jumped into the lake. The cold water shocked him for a moment, but he remembered what he had seen on TV. He began moving his arms in big strokes, pushing the water behind him. His first attempts were clumsy. Water splashed over his nose and mouth, but he did not stop. Slowly, stroke by stroke, he started moving forward. His clothes felt heavy, and his muscles burned, but he continued. After what felt like an eternity, Anshu finally felt the ground beneath his feet. He had reached the shore. Exhausted but alive, he collapsed on the bank, breathing heavily, the lake shimmering behind him. Some villagers rushed to help him, shocked by what they had witnessed. When his worried and tearful parents reached him, they hugged him tightly. That evening, as the sun set over Anshupa Lake, Anshu sat silently, watching the orange reflections in the water. He had faced his fear and discovered the bravery hidden within him. The lake that almost took him away also gave him a valuable lesson — in times of danger, presence of mind and strong determination help a person stay afloat.
