The next day, all the villagers gathered at the riverbank.
The Pradhan had already arranged everything there. All the preparations were complete.
Those villagers who wanted to participate stepped forward, although some joined out of greed. About half of the village had arrived — even children were present.
The Pradhan formed a team of ten people for safety. Boats were placed in the river so that if anyone started drowning, they could be rescued immediately.
The villagers were happy, but the participants in the swimming competition had both excitement and tension on their faces.
Everyone was clearly informed about the rules.
Then all the participants came to the riverbank and got ready.
The Pradhan announced once again:
"Whoever comes first will receive ₹5000 and one year of ration.
Whoever comes second will receive one year of ration.
And whoever comes third will receive ₹1000.
Now, let the competition begin."
All the participants jumped into the river at the same time and started swimming, trying to overtake one another.
The competition was going very well. Everyone competed strongly, but gradually they began to feel tired.
Somehow, they managed to cross the river.
In the first round, the village fisherman, Henry, came first.
Then it was time for the second team. They also jumped into the water together and faced similar difficulties. From the second team, Ramu came first.
From both teams, no one secured second or third place because many had to stop midway due to exhaustion. The water was very cold, and the sudden physical effort affected their bodies. Some even began to drown but were rescued in time.
Then came the third group.
There were twelve people in this group. They all jumped into the river together. Surprisingly, two participants reached the other side at the same time. Their names were Raunak and Golu.
After some time, a semi-final round was organized among the winners from Groups A, B, and C.
At that moment, I also arrived there.
I asked the Pradhan, "Pradhan Ji, may I also participate?"
He laughed and said, "Yes, of course. Go and get ready. This is the semi-final round. Join them."
He added, "As soon as you hear the whistle, start swimming."
I joined the semi-final round. There were four others, and I was the fifth participant.
Soon the referee called out, "Is everyone ready? One, two, three!"
The whistle blew, and everyone jumped into the water.
I also jumped in and started swimming. I was behind everyone. To reach the final round, I needed to secure at least second place.
So I used my mind. I decided to swim calmly underwater and conserve my energy. When the others became tired, I would increase my speed.
The strategy worked.
I finished second in the semi-final and secured my place in the final.
But in my desire to win, I forgot that the fish-shaped mark on my shoulder might be noticed by the Pradhan.
After crossing the river, we returned to the village by boat and took a two-hour break. Everyone had snacks and rested so they could perform better in the final round.
When the final round was about to begin, the Pradhan noticed the fish-shaped mark on my shoulder from a distance.
He called me near and said gently, "Son, come here. There's something on your shoulder. Let me clean it."
I realized that in my focus on winning, I had forgotten that the Pradhan was very observant.
He saw the fish mark and smiled mysteriously. He said, "Take some rest. The round will start soon."
It seemed he had understood that I possessed some unusual powers.
He said softly, "You will win. I have full faith in you."
The final round was about to begin. I stood near the river, ready.
The referee counted, "One, two, three!"
The whistle blew loudly.
We immediately jumped into the river.
With my very first dive, I swam underwater and quickly moved far ahead — nearly twenty strokes before the others could catch up.
The three competitors behind me were still far back.
As I approached the riverbank, I was exhausted. Gathering all my remaining strength for one final effort, I pushed forward —
—and I came first.
I had won the match.
I was brought back to the village by boat. In front of the entire village, the Pradhan honored me. As promised, he awarded me one year of ration and the prize money.
After some time, everyone returned to their homes.
I also left with the Pradhan toward his house.
On the way, he said to me:
"From today, you will stay at my house.
You have brought great honor to my name.
I am proud of you."
"That is why I want you to consider my house as your own home and stay there from today," the Pradhan continued.
"After seeing your bravery today, I was reminded of my son. I hope you will not refuse. Today, I saw my son in you."
I replied, "Alright, Pradhan Ji. As you say, I will bring all my belongings today."
After that, I left for my house and started packing all my things.
The Pradhan was showing me a lot of affection, but I already understood everything.
After packing my belongings, I went to the Pradhan's house. He welcomed me with great respect and honor.
He offered me food and then said, "From today onward, instead of working in the fields, you will handle all my accounts and financial matters.
First, observe the accountant carefully. After that, you will take over the responsibility."
I replied, "Alright, Pradhan Ji, as you think is best."
However, I remained fully alert because I understood what was happening.
I knew that if I was being treated with so much importance and respect, something significant was going to happen in my life.
Just then, the Pradhan called me and asked, "What are you thinking about?
I have been calling you for a while. Where are you lost?
Tell me, why are you smiling to yourself?"
I quickly replied, "Nothing, Pradhan Ji. I was just remembering a childhood friend of mine.
I remembered his funny actions and the mischievous things he used to do."
That was all I said. I did not think much — I simply said whatever came to my mind at that moment.