CHAPTER 3 : "SORRY MISS"

Sana worked incredibly hard for the competition. She would get up early in the wee hours and go for runs, lasting until nine in the morning. Then from around 5 p.m. to 8 o'clock at night. Finally the wait was over, the tournament was next day. It was the first time she looked so tense. To lighten her mood she went out for a walk. Her mother was in the bakery and her father seemed to be preparing for dinner. Suguru was at his house he was preparing hard to get into a good high school. She didn't wanted to disturb him. 

She was just goofing around in the market holding a soft serve in her hand. It may seem like a normal tournament to others but sports were her life. You might know quite well that a human have desires and dreams maybe they are not so extraordinary still they are their own. 

  She collided with a fairly tall boy who was close to her age as she was walking down a narrow street. He appeared to be chasing after someone in a hurry. He swiftly dragged her aside by her arm and blurted out, "Sorry, Miss."

Sana soon realized her soft serve was spoiled; perhaps it was due to her clash with that boy. He didn't have a common face that would be easy to forget. 

  When she got back home, her parents were waiting for her for dinner. After eating, she went to her room. She got dressed into her night suite. As she was laying down gazing at the ceiling, the face of that boy flashed before her eyes. It was the first time she responded in this way, and an instant smile sprang on her face. Since she was still a teenager and such faces are not frequently seen, it wasn't her fault. She didn't realized when she slept. It was already morning, it was the first time she woke up at once hearing the ring of her alarm. Well it was the day she had been waiting for so it was natural.As she prepared, she double-checked her shoes and tracks. Had a filling breakfast and received an electrolyte drink from her mother. Her parents had to get ready as well because they were going to the tournament as well. She opened the door and found Suguru waiting outside. She smiled at him and Suguru took one of her bag and they headed towards the school. She was smiling unconsciously while walking which grasped Suguru's attention. "What are you smiling for?" he inquired as it was not like her. She would usually burst with energy before any event like this. " You know when I went out in the evening, I saw someone. Like I'm unable explain, his aura was so charming. His voice was so musical and his hair were so different. He had the face that of a prince in a fantasy novel would have I guess" she told Suguru. His brain was not able to process her words as he was not habitual of hearing such words from her. 

"Are you sure you have not gone crazy because of the stress, it's not like you." He said like after a minute. 

She gave him a confused stare and added " you're just jealous." 

"like hell" he replied. They almost reached their school. She went straight to the field , Suguru took her bags to the class. 

*** *** * ** ** ** * * ** The sports event was going on, it was almost time for Sana's race. ****** * ** *** ****

She was already on the field. Suguru wished her luck and went to sit with the audience. Her father was screaming her name at top of his voice. Sana was happy to see that but Suguru was feeling embarrassed. 

everyone lined up for the race. They took their running stances. 

" three ... Two ... . One ... GO" upon hearing these words there was a dust cloud on the field for some time. As it was a 400 m so there was no saying who would win at last. This was not the only thing Sana participated in but this was the deciding factor as it takes speed, strength, stamina, endurance and strategy to win a long race. She expelled at previous sports she took part in without much efforts. ( Things seem quite easy in middle school and become tougher at next levels as you have to compete with most talented and refined people) 

Sana was giving her best she could she was quite exhausted from the prior events but still you could she how determined she was. 

It was the first time her Dad saw her so determined and serious. Only 100 m meters were left but there were only two girls who were competing for the first place. This girl was always competing with Sana. And Sana would always be happy to see her as there was someone to compete and it didn't felt unfair on the field. Even though she gave Sana tough competition still Sana finished the race 5 sec before her. It was Sana's win. Despite having proper training from a coach she lost just by five sec. ( What's so different about extraordinary people? Nothing... No one's extraordinary.. It's just you don't realize what you are made for,,, Doing things that make you happy and curious are what make you extraordinary. And then rest depends on hard work. Enjoying what you do is rather more important than grieving over being second. It's not permanent, like cracking a competition with top position doesn't mean you would be the best doctor. The one who has talent for it would even rise to top from the bottom)

****** ***** IT WAS SANA'S WIN ***** Her father ran to her as soon as the race was over and lifted her up. *** * **

Her father would do anything for her. There was nothing else she would want in her life. She had the most loving parents in the world who would support her in any situation. And a friend who is always there for her and never let her feel alone. 

***** **** Everyone congratulated her. She asked her parents to go home first as she would come later with Suguru. *** *** **  * ******* They left early so that they could throw her a party and make her day even more special. 

  She met everyone and then went to where Suguru was waiting for her to go back home. It was a beautiful evening as if sky was grieving alone wearing an orange kimono with violet flowers. 

Sana was very happy she was back in her usual nature dancing like a happy dog. As they were walking back home along the riverside she jumped on Suguru's back. He giggled a bit and then he carried her home.The paper fragments from the party cracker were all over them both as Suguru opened the door. Sana was amazed to see that. ( yeah she's the type to do that, it was surprise for her).

Today Suguru's mom was also there to congratulate Sana. They all had a great party. Today they even danced. Sana's dad danced both with his wife and Suguru's mom. Sana and Suguru danced together. Their day ended well and Sana's happiness was over the clouds. She went to sleep but couldn't sleep because of happiness.