In a small town surrounded by hills and rivers, lived a boy named Salman. He wasn’t the tallest in his class, nor the strongest, but when he ran, he flew like the wind. Even at a young age, he could run faster than most adults. His passion was athletics, and his biggest dream was to win the prestigious Best Athlete Award, a title given only once a year to the fastest and most skilled athlete in the region. Salman trained every single day. Rain or shine, he would lace up his shoes and run around the muddy tracks, up the steep hills, and through the narrow village paths. People watched in awe as he dashed past trees and buildings like a blur. His dedication, discipline, and unmatched speed made him the favorite to win the award that year. But not everyone was happy with Salman’s rise. There were other young athletes in the town—boys and girls who also dreamed of glory but had been overshadowed by Salman’s incredible talent. Some admired him, but a few began to envy him. Among them were three boys named Rishi, Manav, and Karan. They had trained hard too, but no matter how much they practiced, they couldn’t outrun Salman. The more people praised Salman, the more bitter they became. “It’s not fair,” Rishi grumbled one evening as they sat near the racing ground. “He gets all the attention. We work just as hard.” “And everyone’s already calling him the next Best Athlete. As if we don’t even exist,” Manav added, clenching his fists. Karan, who had always been the most cunning among them, narrowed his eyes. “Then let’s make sure he doesn’t get to run.” “What do you mean?” Rishi and Manav asked together. “I have a plan…” The next day, Salman arrived early at the racing ground to practice. The Best Athlete competition was just one month away, and he wanted to be at his best. He began with stretches, followed by sprints. As he raced forward, feeling the wind rush past his ears, he didn’t notice the trap that had been laid right in the middle of the track. It was subtle—a hidden pit covered with leaves and loose soil. As his right foot landed in the trap, Salman lost balance and tumbled forward. A sharp pain shot through his leg. He cried out in agony as he clutched his knee. Villagers came running and quickly rushed him to the hospital. The doctor’s face was serious. “He’s broken his leg. He needs complete rest for at least six weeks.” Salman’s world shattered. The Best Athlete competition was exactly a month away. He wouldn’t even be able to walk properly by then, let alone run. His dreams—everything he had worked so hard for—were crushed in an instant. He lay in bed every day, staring at the ceiling, his heart heavy with disappointment. His parents tried to cheer him up. His friends came to visit and brought him fruits and books. But nothing helped. Every night, he cried silently, asking the stars why this had happened to him. One night, as he drifted into a restless sleep, something magical occurred. In his dream, the sky turned golden, and the room filled with a soft glow. A beautiful fairy, dressed in shimmering silver robes, appeared at his bedside. Her wings sparkled like diamonds, and her voice was as gentle as a whispering breeze. “Salman,” she said with a warm smile, “your heart is pure, and your determination is strong. What was taken from you unjustly shall be returned.” Salman blinked in disbelief. “Who... who are you?” “I am the Guardian of Hope,” she said. “And I have come to bless you. Tomorrow, when you wake up, you will find your leg healed. But remember, the true strength lies not in your legs, but in your spirit.” She touched his forehead gently, and everything faded into a peaceful darkness. When Salman woke up the next morning, sunlight streamed through the windows. He sat up slowly, expecting pain—but there was none. Confused, he lifted the blanket and gasped. His leg looked perfectly fine. He stood up, then walked, then ran—without any pain at all! It was as if the injury had never happened. Tears of joy filled his eyes. He rushed to his parents, who were equally stunned and overjoyed. Without wasting a moment, Salman returned to the track. Though a month of practice had been lost, he trained harder than ever. He remembered the fairy’s words and focused not just on speed, but on discipline, balance, and heart. He ignored the whispers and stares of the other boys, including Rishi, Manav, and Karan, who were shocked to see him running again. The day of the Best Athlete Competition finally arrived. The whole town gathered to watch. Athletes from all over the region had come, and everyone was talking about one thing—Salman was back. The races began. First were the short sprints, then the long-distance runs, hurdles, and relays. Event after event, Salman performed with grace, power, and unmatched speed. His feet barely touched the ground as he raced through the tracks, and with every finish line he crossed first, the crowd erupted into cheers. In the final event—the 400-meter dash—Salman stood at the starting line beside his biggest rivals. The whistle blew, and the racers burst forward like arrows. Rishi tried to match Salman’s pace, Manav pushed himself beyond his limits, and Karan gave it everything he had. But Salman was unstoppable. With every step, he remembered the pain he had felt, the nights of despair, the blessing of the fairy, and the determination that kept him going. As he crossed the finish line, arms raised high, the stadium exploded with applause. His parents hugged each other, tears streaming down their faces. Later, during the award ceremony, the Chief Guest lifted a golden trophy—the Best Athlete Award—and handed it to Salman.
“You are not just the fastest runner,” the Chief Guest said into the microphone. “You are an example of strength, patience, and heart. This award belongs to you, Salman.” The crowd roared. Confetti flew in the air. Salman stood on the podium, holding the trophy close to his chest, a wide smile on his face. His dream had come true. As for Rishi, Manav, and Karan, they stood quietly in the shadows. Guilt crept into their hearts. They had tried to destroy someone’s dream but had failed. Watching Salman win despite everything made them realize the power of true determination. Days passed, and Salman continued to train—not just for himself, but for other kids too. He started helping younger athletes in his village, sharing his techniques and inspiring them to dream big. His life had changed forever—not just because he won, but because he had learned the true meaning of strength. And from that day on, every time someone ran on that ground, they remembered the boy who never gave up. Salman, the fastest boy who raced against fate—and won.
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