It’s raining almost everyday for the past 1 week in Chennai. It has certainly made the climate bearable from the famous Chennai heat. Rains sometimes make our heart soft and made to remember past incidents and memories. A thing from the distant corner of heart comes out. One such incident I recalled today when I was wet in Pondy Bazaar. It was a rainy season in the late 90’s. It was a year of the Football World-cup. And expectedly the whole locality was engulfed in the football fever. And it was the only game which can be played during rain. To be honest I was never a good football player. I always feel I always lack the force which can make the ball carry a long distance. It just happened that a small tournament of under 13 years was being organised. And we decided to participate in it. Our team compose of boys from my locality. So hardly with any practice we had our first league match. I remember it was raining heavily. I was wearing in a new shorts just bought for the tournament. The ground was a small one. We called it the “Super Market” ground. I don’t know if it is still there or some man-made construction has taken its place. I have many memories attached to this play ground. It was here that I hit my first century in a cricket match. It was like a second home to me. If I was not at my home then I would be here even when I am not playing.
Coming to the football match, it was against some team from other locality. They were considered the favourites for they have many good players in their team. Ours was a team made for the name sake. Only three of us including me were the main players. Some of the members didn’t even know the rules of the game properly. We were up to a difficult task. So we had a simple strategy. Do not let them score against us. Rain has made the ground wet and slippery filled with mud and water. The playing conditions help in reducing the difference in the skills of the two teams to a certain extent. So we made our mind not to make them score against us. The match was to be played for 30 minutes. It all started with a bang. They were trying to penetrate our defence. We were hardly trying to score goals. They made many attempts but could not succeed. It was a game with 7 a side. As time passed on, they came with full attack. 5 players were put forward to score gaol. They were desperate to score a goal. We were saving the goal like the Dragon in one of the Harry Potter movies trying to defend the Golden egg. It was in the 27th minute that we turn the game upside down. When they were trying to score, I signalled our Goal Keeper to pass the ball to me the next instant. Most of their players were in our half. Taking the advantage, I dribbled the ball to their half. Only one player was defending the goal. I knew if I could pass through him, we have a good chance to score. Then suddenly I did something that the guy would have never thought. Dribbling the ball quickly using both the feet. Thus I manage to pass through him. The next moment something clicked and I made an attempt for the goal. It was not a good shot in any way but it came off my feet with just the adequate force to reach the Goal. It went straight to the Keeper. When he tried to collect the balled, he slipped and fell on the ground and I saw the ball rolling though the Goal post. The whistle blew and in the next few minutes, we had won the match. Even today I cherish the moment…….Thing like this happen very rarely in our lives.
15 Oct 2008
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The accident:
I had always feared that turn on the GST road.There was something wrong at that point. It was the point where vehicles from the other road joins the GST road.The day had started well and I had started for office a little early so that I can complete my pending assignments.I remember I was humming a song and when I was about to take the right of the road when a car at a high speed came by and I had to adjust myself to a little left.Thats where it went wrong.A bike with a pillion was behind me and his front tyre kissed my bike's rear.I felt a jerk at that moment but I controlled and took left.The next moment what I saw was heartening.I could see the bike losing balance and rolling with the rider and the pillion atlleast two 360 degrees on the middle of the road.At that moment what I said to myself "Tiken aaj to gaya tu!". I could have started my bike and at once run away from there.But my conscience stopped me and I went to help them.Many people on the road have gathered to lend their help. The rider seems to have an injury on his right forehand. The pillion rider seems uninjured except few scratches on his right hand.No blood spilt.
The aftermath:
There is a simple rule whenever an accident happens. The one who is injured is always considered innocent.Thats how the verdict was made. People who had gathered decided that I should take them for first aid. I agreed though I do not agree that I was wrong.
What I lost:-
1.Time. I had to take leave.
2.Tension. Unnecessary tension.
3.Money. A few hundreds, I had to pay for the hospital charge.
But I thank God for nothing was serious about the injury. It was a minor dislocation in the forearm.I took him to his house with his bike.I gave few bucks for the damage to his bike(I could have said no to this).But it was me who was uninjured...
Few things in our life is out of our control and it was one such thing that happened.
14th July 08.
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Life is strange and sweet at times.Sometimes simple things can bring the spark needed in our lives.When we were young, we dream of conquering the world. Everything seems to be achievable. When you see someone singing, you decided to become a singer. When someone dances, you wanted to become a dancer. When you watch a patriotic movie, you decide to become a soldier. Things seems to be clear and easily understandable.But you need a moment to ignite the spark. I called Satya after a long time(after a week I guess). He is a gem of a guy.Believe me. I have reasons for saying that. This guy has immense curiosity for knowing something. His curiosity keeps him going. His quality of showing interest in others make him easy to make friends wherever he goes. He started with how things went today. Then I asked him if he had listened to the songs of "Rock on". He started with "Tana na nana tana ......Meri Laundry ka ek bill". Then we sang Kiska Rasta dekhe. We sang numerous songs together.We cherished the time we spent in school. These moments have helped me today in many ways. I hope I will wake up tomorrow with a smile.
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