This is a short story about the Life and chess of a chess player “Syed Mahbubur Rashid”.
A young man named Arafat lived in a small town. He had a keen interest in chess from childhood. Chess was not just a game for him, it was a reflection of life. Every move was a symbol of life to him—where the right decision could propel him forward, and a wrong decision could turn the whole game around.
Arafat’s father was a chess player, but at one point he had to give up chess due to the burden of the world. Arafat learned from his father, “Chess teaches life patience, intelligence and planning. Just as every move in life has to be carefully thought out, so are the moves in chess.” It was this education that set Arafat apart from everyone else.
One day a big chess tournament was organized in the city. Arafat knew that this competition was very important for him. He had a burning desire to do something—not just to fulfil himself, but also to fulfill his father’s dream.
Game day has arrived. Arafat arrived at the venue on time.
The opponent was a skilled player with a lot of experience. Conflict in Arafat’s mind—how to win against such a big player? Dad’s advice kept coming to mind, “In chess, as in life, you have to know when to attack and when to defend.”
Arafat’s first few moves were defensive, as he tried to understand his opponent’s strategy. At one point the opponent launched an attack with all his might, but Arafat remained slow, fending off those attacks as well as paving the way for counterattacks. Just like in life many times danger comes, but you have to be patient to deal with it. Similarly, Arafat gradually began to take advantage of the weakness of the opponent’s moves.
In the end, Arafat arranged his plan in such a way that the rival king was completely cornered inside the fortress. Just like in life at that moment, Arafat made a bold decision. He surprised everyone by sacrificing the Queen and Bishop in succession to defeat the opponent.
By winning the tournament, Arafat not only receives the championship trophy but also uplifts life’s greatest lesson—that life and chess are built on the same formula. No matter how many storms come, patience, intelligence and the right decision at the right time can bring us the desired victory.
