CHAPTER 6

It had been nearly a month since Arjun started training for the district tournaments. Another fifteen days were left for the match. By this time he was excellent in his strokes and shots under Ira’s guidance.

So far everything was good. Even his diet was going on alright. His dad didn’t get any doubt on him, his sister was thrilled and excited for his match. Ira and Arjun got into a good healthy space for training and they were comfortable around each other but didn’t reach a point of friendship where they could share their feelings or secrets.

Training Arjun was not as tough as Ira thought it would be. Within a couple days, Arjun proved worthy of Ira’s trust in him with his dedication in becoming better. Seeing Arjun play was like a rebirth to Ira and her unfulfilled dreams.

Ira’s fear of being a bad coach was wiped away with Arjun’s strong improvement. She could see the confidence he had on her in his eyes, so no matter what Ira was ready to go all out to give the best guidance to Arjun.

It was a Sunday and the timings for the practice was morning 10 am to 7 pm. Last four Sundays when Arjun was out of home at a stretch for that long, his dad was little concerned because Sundays were usually Arjun’s alone time at home with his family, chilling. But Kavya convinced their dad that he had gone out with his friends, and it was normal for boys of his age to spend extra time outside. His dad was a little unsure but then thought it was fair enough as Arjun had been working exceedingly hard for the last two years and rarely got a chance to go out with his friends.

This time Arjun thought it would be hard for him to convince his dad that he would be going out with his friends again, as he had not spent time with his family for quite a long time now which was what he usually enjoyed, but he had no other choice. Right then his dad called him and asked if he could join him and his sister to a family function because he would anyway be at home as it was a Sunday.

“Dad, I really wish I could but I don’t think I can join in. I’ve got some office work to complete and after that I guess I will be fine at home watching movies. You both go and come back soon.” he said, realizing god had heard him and it was an easy opportunity for him to go practice for his match without being questioned by his dad.

“Okay fine Aju, just take care. We will be leaving in another thirty minutes and will be back only after lunch, that is around 4 O’clock.”

“Sure dad, you guys have fun.”

As soon as his dad and sister left the house, which was around 9:30 am, Arjun got ready to leave. He received a call from Ira just as he was about to leave.

“Hello coach.” Arjun spoke into the phone.

“Arjun, see you at Central Badminton Court.”

“Okay coach. But why change of court?”

“I’ll tell you once we meet.”

Arjun quickly started off to the Court Ira mentioned on the phone. He got there a little late because of traffic and also that place was a bit farther than the usual court they practiced in.

When he arrived at the court, Ira hadn’t reached yet. So he waited for her to reach as he started goggling around the court. There were only a few people inside similar to the number of people he met daily in his usual court. Ira too reached there shortly.

“Hey Arjun, sorry it was some terrific traffic jam.”

“It is a Sunday. So this excuse is totally acceptable.” he said, in a funny tone.

“Well, I called you here because the tournament is going to be held here. I just got the information from an insider.”

“Perks of being a champion, is it.” Arjun said, mockingly.

“Yeah, we can say that. And yeah, I thought we could practice here for a week, so that you can get familiar with this place.” Ira said.

Then they both kicked off the practice session. They practiced specific drills for all the shots and swings. Arjun had improved greatly with his power and underarm swings. After taking a break, they played a full match.

Always Arjun was just a little away from winning Ira.

“Why is it that I always lose at a close call?” Arjun asked.

“You might be an evergreen conifer but you can’t be the Christmas tree until you are decorated. Let your hard work and dedication nurture your talent, they are your tinsel and garland.”

The two of them ordered some food and had a light lunch.

“By the way, how did you manage to lie to your dad today?” Ira asked, taking a bite of her food.

“Dad and Kavya have gone out for some family function. So I didn't have to manage today.”

“But don’t you need to be at home when they come back?” she questioned.

“Oh god, I totally forgot about that. They will be back by four. Can I go home before that?”

“I am sorry Arjun, we need to practice. We have only two more weeks left.”

“Hmm right. Give me an idea, coach. What reason would I give my dad for being out of home when they come back?”

“Ah..What if you tell him your friends called you up for a movie newly released? So you just left home by the time they were about to reach as it was an evening show. “

“Awesome. But they can’t get inside home because they forgot to take the extra set of keys.”

“You can’t afford to waste your time. So if you don’t mind, I’ll go to your home and keep the keys in the spot you say. Meanwhile you can practice on yourself.”

“It is okay for me if it's okay for you.”

“Cool. And don’t forget to find the name of the movie you supposedly watched and read the plot of the movie too. Just in case.”

“Wow, you complete my lies.” Arjun said, laughing

Later Ira left for Arjun's house as soon as she was done eating. Arjun put down the route to his place in Google maps on her phone. But Ira actually knew his house which Arjun didn’t know. As Ira left, Arjun got into his warm ups.

Ira came back after an hour. Then till 7 pm, she made sure Arjun practiced to his fullest. After that they both left for their respective homes.

It was smooth at Arjun’s house. His dad did ask Arjun the story of the movie he watched which Arjun managed well as he had read the story online. Thanks to Ira, he thought.

Ira was as usual home alone. She missed her family a lot. Over the years, with her busy life she just managed to make a few friends. She didn’t have any good friends from her professional side except her coach, Mr. Selvan, who was more like a father figure to her.

The days passed by at the speed of an electric train, even though Arjun took sick leave from his office so as to get extra time for practicing. Tomorrow would be the day before the tournament. Both Ira and Arjun were nervous as well as excited for the tournament awaiting.