It so happened on one warm afternoon, when the sun was directly over head like a third degree torture by the police man to extract information, Rohan was greeted by his cousin Rajat.
"Hi, Rohan! How are you? I am here with my mom. And guess what? I am going to stay here for full 2 days.. I am so excited" said Rajat smiling from one ear to another with his red cheeks and round face like a football he was holding in his hands. His half pants were as big as of a tree trunk.
Rohan smiled weakly and greeted Rajat half heartedly, as he was afraid of his heavy built.
Though both were in the same class, but, Rajat was younger by an year and two months, yet, he was always towering over Rohan like a light house. Be it in physical built or emotional. Rajat excelled in all areas. Even in school he was good.
Rajat came near and hugged Rohan with full force. Rohan's felt his bones crushing under the tight embrace of his cousin, and, with his bones he felt even his confidence was breaking.
Rohan was a skinny boy, who was sick almost every month. Sometimes was attacked by viral fever, sometimes cold and cough or anything. When he was 5 years old he felt sick and no doctor could find what was bothering him. He had high fever for five to six months which converted him to a stick figure. His legs were as thin as 'Agarbatti'(incense stick) that was offered to God everyday by his grandmother. Finally his disease was diagnosed by a family doctor and he was cured after a long treatment. His sixth Birthday had also crossed by then and he had to miss his school that year. And this resulted him to stay in class 1 for another year.
Even after his recovery he was to take medicines for a longer duration. That was the time when he was introduced to TONICS. TONICS which could help build his immunity system. Initially he did not liked those tonics, but his mother explained "this will help you grow stronger. You can be so strong that you can move a mountain also just like Lord Hanuman.*"
" Ahaa.. this seems good. Okay 'maa' I will drink it. I want to grow strong." Rohan fell in love with tonics and happily started consuming them every day without fail. He felt growing stronger each day with its consumption.
While playing with Rajat,as always, Rajat started bullying. Rohan was furious as he was certain that he kicked the ball right in the goal post. In Rajat's dictionary defeat was not printed, hence he was not ready to embrace his defeat. In a rage he slapped Rohan hard on his cheek. Rohan tried to hit back but was caught by Rajat's strong hands mid way, he grabbed his shirt and kicked him in his stomach. Rohan cried with pain and could see stars in broad daylight.
Suddenly, he remembered that he felt weak today as he had not taken his daily dose of 'Tonic'. He rushed inside and gulped down a spoonful of tonic like a thirsty lion, and rushed outside to bash his opponent. The moment he reached the ground, he barked high and growled and challenged Rajat once again.
Hearing this Rajat got up and rushed towards Rohan. Without wasting a moment he jumped towards Rohan and hit him again in his belly. Rohan was stunned and shocked with the blow.
"How could you hit me this time? I just had my tonic?" Confused Rohan cried "This tonic is no good, moving a mountain is far away, I cannot even defend myself. "
And that was the day his love and faith for Tonics shattered forever.
