Chandan's Tooth

The children were eagerly awaiting the recess. As soon as the bell rang, everyone rushed to the playground.

- Dr K Rani

Aryan, Varun, Dhruv, and Chandan quickly opened their lunch boxes. But as soon as Chandan took a bite of his apple, he winced in pain, clutching his mouth

"What happened?" Dhruv asked, concerned.

"My tooth hurts," mumbled Chandan.

"Did it hurt before, or did it start hurting after eating the apple?" Aryan asked.

"It wasn't hurting before; it just started now."

"Try wiggling it. Maybe your tooth is loose and about to fall."

"What are you saying, Varun? Eating an apple can't break a tooth?" asked Chandan.

"Teeth fall out on their own, not because of eating apples," Varun said.

"But my tooth can't fall out!"

"Why not? All children lose their milk teeth. It'll be fun when you have a gap in your mouth. You used to tease me when you saw mine. Now it's your turn!" said Varun

Chandan was worried.

"Don't worry, Chandan! Now eat your food. You'll be hungry when the bell rings," Aryan comforted him.

Chandan started eating his apple and sandwiches, chewing with his back teeth instead of his front teeth.

But Varun's words bothered him. He remembered how he had teased Varun when he lost his tooth and came to school with a gap in his mouth.

Varun's tongue would stick out from the space while talking, and Chandan would burst into laughter. Poor Varun would cover his mouth when talking to someone. After a few days, a new tooth grew, and Varun had been relieved.

Since then, Chandan didn't feel like going to school. He wanted to go home as soon as possible. The recess bell rang, and Ma had come to pick him up at the gate. Upon seeing his sullen face, Ma asked, "What happened? Why do you look sad?"

"Ma, my tooth hurts," Chandan replied.

"Don't worry! If the milk tooth falls out, the pain will go away too," Ma assured him.