CHAPTER 3

Ira went home and checked online for the application for local tournaments that would be held in the next couple of months. There was a tournament being held in the mid of April which was a district level tournament. There was precisely one and a half months left for the tournament. If Arjun won the tournament then he would directly get qualified to play at the state level representing his district. But if he did not win it then he had to play qualifying rounds to make it into the main draw and then into the state level which was a much bigger process. So Ira was determined in making Arjun win at the district level. She knew she had to act quickly and get Arjun into coaching as soon as possible because they didn’t have much time left. So Ira planned on meeting him on the day after the next day, after his office hours. She wondered if she was being selfish but then Arjun’s wish of wanting to be a player told her she was not being selfish, just hopeful. She also made up her mind that if Arjun turned down her proposal, she would never force him or bother him after that.

But then the last day to enroll for the tournament was that weekend, so she was worried about being unable to register on time yet she had no other option but to wait till Friday evening. The much awaited evening was finally right in front of Ira as she saw Arjun coming out through his office gate on his bike which was a Yamaha RX 100. Ira had a thing for that bike since her childhood. She followed Arjun until they had to stop when the traffic sign went red. “Hey Arjun” She called out, the words tumbled out of her mouth in excitement and Arjun turned to his left to see her. Once she grasped that she got his attention, she right away asked, “Can you spare a minute for me, I have something to talk about.” The jiff she completed the sentence, she got the picture of how she just sounded like an idiot by all means to ask someone for their time in the worst way possible. Arjun was a little shocked about the blunt request of Ira but he was sweet enough to accept it.

They went into a cafe which was small, cozy and silent, just ideal for talking.

“Hi Ir..Uh hi ma’am, you said you wanted to talk to me.” Arjun spoke, breaking the awkward silence in which Ira was thinking how to start the conversation.

“Ma’am? I am sure we are just a few months front or back in age. Just call me Ira, please”

“Oh! Am sorry. So Ira what do you have to tell me?”

“Hmm well, I live just a few minutes away from the badminton court you play in. Uhm I happened to be there one day when you were playing. I was blown away by your talent and skill in playing badminton. It looked like you were a born champion.” Ira spoke unsure, if it was the right way to approach.

“Okay...but I don't get where this conversation is heading to.”

“Arjun there is a badminton tournament in April. If you win it or at least be the runner up, you will get qualified to the state level”

“Why are you talking to me about that? I am genuinely satisfied playing at club levels and with my mates. I don’t think I want to take it any further if pursuing me to take part in that tournament is what you are here for. ”

“You don’t want to take it any further or your dad won’t allow you to? Don’t you think you deserve to follow your heart?”

“This is getting personal. I respect you a lot but I’m not sure if I am pleased with you budging into my life like this.” he said, standing up to leave “I think I have to go now”

“Arjun, I am very sorry. I realise I crossed the line but please hear me out. Please Arjun, not everyone gets an opportunity to live their dreams or bring colours to them. And even if they did grab the opportunity, they might not be lucky enough to live in that blissful state of dream-turned-reality because life’s being cruel to them.”

“What do you mean” he asked really confused

“My cancer, it assassinated my dreams forever. My passion for badminton got thrown into blackness.”

“Wh-what? Your cancer, isn't it cured? I thought you seemed to convey the impression of being completely healthy when I met you that day. ” The concern tarnishing his voice.

“It did get cured but it had already worked its part wisely. Laid hold of one-fourth of my lung capacity as it left my body.” she said, her voice cracking.

“Am so sorry.” Arjun responded, not knowing what else to say.

“It’s alright Arjun because it is not about me anymore. It is about you. I didn’t want your talent to go wasted. My father wanted to see me play at the international level but I failed him. I just have this feeling that I will be able to see that victory I wanted through you. I apologize if I am bothering you, but all I request is, please give it a thought. If at all you honestly dreamed of being a badminton player ever, trying to have a talk with your dad isn’t a bad idea. And I assure you that you will also get that settled life your dad wants you to have. Here, have my number and feel free to call at any time if you decide something. And please don't give up without trying. You already seem to be a winner to me. The last day for enrolling is the day after tomorrow.” Ira said, smiling as she got up to leave.

Arjun who was seated by that time nodded in response and watched her walk out of the cafe.

Arjun went home that day very confused and nervous about everything Ira had told him. He thought she did make sense, and Arjun always wanted to become a professional player. He made up his mind that he would at least give it a try to have a conversation with his dad about it. He opened his laptop and checked for the tournament and its related details. As Ira had said, the tournament was to be held in the next forty five days and the winner as well as the runner up would get selected for the state level.

His household was used to early dinners so by 8 pm his sister, dad and he were seated at the dining table. He could not think of a better time to start the talk.

“Uhm ah dad. Can you pass the curry bowl.” he said, being too scared to start the talk about badminton straight away.

As his dad passed the bowl of curry, Arjun said, “Dad I came across an article by chance today. It was about badminton tournaments being held in our district.”

“So, what is so great in that? People who want to play will participate.” his dad responded in a serious tone.

“Dad I thought...Ah I would just give it a try. It is not that I want to continue it and all, just play for fun with whatever knowledge I have in that sport. You know I have played it in the past.”

“Are you asking me for permission or giving me information that you are going to participate?”

“No dad, it's not like that, I am asking for your permission.”

“Then it is a no from me. I still remember the madness you had for badminton. You used to play all the time and I know you even won that inter school badminton tournament at school but then you failed in all your exams that year. I am not making that mistake again by letting you play.” his dad said, very stubbornly.

“Dad I was just in class six then so I was being a fool. I won’t get obsessed with it again like that.” he said, trying to convince his dad.

“Dad, let him play. I am sure he won’t mess up with his job for the match.” his sister said, trying to support her little brother.

“But I find no necessity to participate, so NO.” their dad replied, with the seriousness in his voice at the top.

“Dad plea..”

“That’s enough Arjun. I don't want to hear another word about this topic. No means no. And that's the end of this conversation.”

With that his dad got up as he was done with his dinner and said lastly,

“Arjun, remember this, if I get to know you played in that tournament, you better not enter this house after that.”

Arjun had given up by this time. He got up half a way through the meal and went to his room to call Ira to let her know that he won’t be participating. And that he was sorry about it. Arjun never understood why his father hated badminton that much. Rightly when he was about to ring her, his sister walked into the room.

“Aju, you go ahead and participate in that tournament.” his sister, Kavya, said.

“Sis, what are you saying? If dad finds out, his anger will turn this house to smoke.”

“Aju, if mom was here today, she would have asked you to do the same.”

“But what about dad? You know he hates badminton.”

“I am sure he will one day understand the reason behind your hunger for badminton. You always did everything to be a perfect son and a brother, Aju. Now I think it's time for you to live your life for yourself and not us. And I will help you to keep this a secret.” Kavya said, winking.

“Are you sure about this?”

“Hundred percent.” his sister said, giving him a reassuring smile.

“Thank you so much. I love you.” Arjun said, hugging his sister with happiness.

“I’ll register immediately.” he said.

“Okay, you carry on, I am going off to bed.” his sister said, leaving the room and shutting the door behind her.