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The winning shot

3 runs required of 1 ball, the scorecard said.

It was the final of a small cricket tournament in the locality. Lots were at stake for 14 year old Sonu, as he was popularly called. His performance in the tournament could be best described as mediocre. He had never been above average in studies, extra curricular activities and even sports. No one ever praised him for he hardly did anything praiseworthy. Not even little encouragement came his way. He always wondered what was his fault. After all, he was not that bad either. But that was the way it always was.

He never desired much. But like all, he wished to be admired, praised, be like others who were so much liked. Today was the day to prove his worth; to make the world sit and take notice of him. One good hit over the boundary rope and he would be a instant hero. A hero in eyes of his friends, teachers, all uncles and aunts and most importantly his parents, who were somehow never satisfied with his performance.

The bowler came all charged charged up as if he would uproot al the three stumps. Sonu had prayers in his lips. A bit of nervousness creeped in. The same kind of nervousness which caused the earlier batsman to panic and lose his wicket. But, if he lost cool this time then it would be all over. This was his only chance. But what would happen next? Maybe he would miss the ball and it would go crashing into the stumps. Maybe he would faint before the bowler has bowled. He was surrounded by all kinds of emotions ranging from excitement to nervousness to fear of the worst kind.

The ball his his bat and he slogged it using full might he could. The ball hit the edge and flew high up in the sky. Maybe it would sail safely across the third man and cross the boundary rope. Naah! It wasn't going that far. Maybe it would fall inside. Damn! There was a fielder moving towards it. Maybe he would be out ... Caught. Sonu could see the ball landing into hands of Ravi. He wouldn't drop the catch. They were arch rivals. And Ravi was the best fielder in the town. Meanwhile, he started running for the second run. And without seeing where the ball has landed, he would run for the third run.

The ball landed into Ravi's hands ... and came out of it. He had dropped the catch. It was a tough chance as there was a lot of running to do. But as they say, fortune favors the brave! With some luck on his side, Sonu had won the match. His teammates carried him on their shoulders. He completed the victory lap on their shoulders. It was a moment of great glory. It seemed to be the best day of his life. Maybe, it would be a new beginning for him. Maybe it would silence all his critics for few days, or few weeks or even ... forever.
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Comments

  1. Beth9:54 PM, June 02, 2008

    That was lovely. Everyone should have their moment of victory....

    ReplyDelete

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