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I wish something could be done to keep the air cleaner. The number of such cases

is on the increase,’’ said an agitated Dr Bose. Then he turned to Ashok, ‘‘and Ashok, at
least during the treatment, avoid going out much.’’

Ashok felt that the whole world had crashed around him. His head bent down, he
walked out of the doctor’s office.

That evening when the boys came to call Ashok for practice he told them about his
visit to the doctor.

The boys were flustered.
‘‘But Ashok, you are the team captain, without you, how can we play?’’ wailed Rahul.

‘‘Maybe, I will be all right in a few days, then I will join you. But all of you carry on
with the practice.’’ The boys were upset, yet they decided to practice.

They then went to Raju’s house. There too, they were greeted by an ailing Raju. He
was also affected by pollution.

The best player being laid up was too much to take. The boys went to the field, but
no one had his mind on the game. While on the field the smoke from the factory once

again blew over the field affecting the players.
They all went back to Ashok’s house, and told him about the thick smoke blowing

over the field. Most of the players were coughing. Ashok felt depressed.
‘‘I feel really bad, especially when we have come this far, and for the first time,’’

moaned Ashok.
‘‘But this smoke is making it impossible for us even to practice,’’ Sunil was angry.

‘‘We have to do something about the smoke or we cannot play the match.’’
‘‘Let us meet Mr Pradhan, in the morning. I will come with you,’’ suggested Ashok.

They all went to the factory to see Mr Pradhan.
Mr Pradhan was standing on the verandah. On seeing Ashok and his team-mates,

Mr Pradhan came forward to greet them.
‘‘I hope the field is in good condition and you boys are practising hard,’’ he said.

‘‘Though we would like to practise hard, we are not able to do it,’’ said Ashok.
‘‘Sir, the smoke from the factory is affecting all of us,’’ added Sunil.

Mr Pradhan went into the details of the past couple of days. He was deeply concerned.
He said after a pause, ‘‘We do have plans for putting in air-filters and planting trees

around the colony, but somehow they got postponed. I think now I will press the matter.’’
‘‘But these are long-term measures, sir. What about the match on Saturday?’’ asked

Sunil.

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