CHAPTER XXIV
The day of the football match had finally arrived, and all I could think about was winning. For Mon's sake, I had to win; losing was not an option. Fear crept in, making me wonder what the outcome would be, but I pushed it aside, putting on a brave smile as I headed towards the ground with my team. Ranav and his team were already on the field, their confidence radiating like a palpable force.
The sky had a strange, calming chill to it, as if it was trying to soothe our nerves. My team consisted of all girls, most of whom were new to football, just like me. On the other hand, Ranav's team was made up of boys who had been playing for a year or two and had already won at the state level. The contrast was stark, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of determination. We might be the underdogs, but I was determined to prove ourselves.
As I looked at my teammates, I saw a mix of emotions – excitement, nervousness, and anticipation. We knew we were in for a tough match, but we were ready to give it our all. I took a deep breath, feeling the cool air fill my lungs, and focused on the game ahead. This was it; this was our moment. We would either emerge victorious or learn from our defeat. Either way, we would give it everything we had.
The atmosphere was electric, with the crowd cheering and chanting for their favorite team. I glanced at Ranav's team, and they seemed confident, but I wasn't intimidated. We had our own strengths, and I was determined to use them to our advantage. It was time to put our skills to the test and show the world what we were capable of.
As I looked at my team, I could see the doubt in their eyes. Ramya, Krishna, and Rani were all staring at me, their faces filled with concern. They were gazing at the opposing team, who were indeed champions, and I knew it was natural for them to feel intimidated. Krishna spoke up, her voice laced with uncertainty, "Sam, don't you think we shouldn't play this match? If we lose, it'll be embarrassing, and to top it off, your reputation as a student minister will be at stake."
I took a deep breath and tried to reassure them, maintaining my calm demeanor. "We'll be defeated without even playing if we give up this opportunity to play at the state level and potentially at the national level. We can't let fear hold us back."
Rani chimed in, her voice tinged with worry, "Sam, if we have to pay a heavy price because of your personal interests, look at them – they're boys. We're at a disadvantage."
Manya, our team's skilled player who had recently won a district-level match, stepped in. "Rani, do you know why we worship Goddess Durga in our Indian culture?" Rani replied, "Because she's Lord Shiva's wife." Manya smiled and corrected her, "That's not the reason. We worship her because she's a symbol of strength. There's no challenge she can't overcome."
Ramya added, "But she's a goddess, and we're just normal humans. We can't compare ourselves to her." Manya's eyes sparkled with determination. "Ashlata Devi, one of the most capped players for the India women's national football team and the current captain, is a great example. If she can achieve so much, why can't we?"
I couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration for Manya's confidence and conviction. "Wow, Manya, you're truly talented," I said, and Manya smiled, her eyes shining with determination. Devi, our teammate, nodded in agreement. "Alright, I think I understand what you're all trying to say. Let's go out there and show them what we're made of. Let's make them proud and prove ourselves."
The moment of truth had finally arrived. My team and Ranav's team stood facing each other, the tension palpable in the air. Ranav's team had strategically positioned four players as midfielders, four as forwards, and three as defenders. Observing their formation, I decided to set up my team with four defenders, three midfielders, and four forwards, anticipating their strong offense.
As we took our positions, I felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins. My forwards, Manya, Disha, and Aarushi, were ready to take on Ranav's team. On the other side, Ranav's forwards, Dhanush, Danish, and Lucky, looked confident and determined.
The umpire's whistle pierced the air, and the match began. The crowd erupted in cheers as the ball rolled onto the field. I felt my heart racing with excitement and nerves. This was it – the moment we had been preparing for. Our team's strategy would be put to the test, and I was ready to give it my all.
As the game commenced, both teams clashed, each trying to gain control of the ball. The atmosphere was electric, with the crowd cheering and chanting for their favorite team. I focused on the game, my senses heightened as I anticipated every move. This was more than just a match – it was a battle of skills, strategy, and determination.
The match began with both teams vying for control, but Ranav's team quickly asserted their dominance. Their forwards, Dhanush, Danish, and Lucky, worked seamlessly together, creating scoring opportunities. Despite my team's solid defense, Ranav's team managed to break through in the 15th minute, with Dhanush scoring the first goal. The crowd erupted in cheers as Ranav's team celebrated their early lead.
As the game progressed, my team struggled to find their footing. Ranav's team continued to press their advantage, with Danish scoring another goal in the 30th minute. The score was now 2-0 in favor of Ranav's team. My team didn't give up, though. They regrouped and continued to push forward, determined to get back into the game.
Despite their efforts, Ranav's team scored again in the 45th minute, with Lucky netting the third goal. The score was now 3-0 at halftime. My team came out strong in the second half, determined to stage a comeback. We managed to contain Ranav's team, but it wasn't until the 85th minute that we finally scored our first goal, courtesy of Manya's precise shot.
The goal sparked a surge of energy in our team, and we continued to push forward. In the 90th minute, Aarushi scored a stunning goal, bringing the score to 3-2. The momentum had shifted, and our team sensed victory within their grasp. With the clock ticking down, I took matters into my own hands. In a thrilling finale, I scored the equalizing goal in the 92nd minute, silencing the opposition and energizing my team.
But i wasn't done yet. With a fierce determination in my eyes, i led my team forward, creating one final scoring opportunity. And in the 95th minute, Disha scored the winning goal, securing a 4-3 victory for our team. The crowd went wild as my team celebrated their dramatic comeback win.
As we celebrated our hard-fought victory, my teammates and I hugged each other, basking in the joy of our triumph. My eyes scanned the crowd, searching for Mon's familiar smile. But she was nowhere to be seen. Just as I was starting to worry, I felt a warm touch on my shoulder. I turned around, and my heart swelled with happiness as I saw Mon standing behind me, a beaming smile on her face.
I threw my arms around her, excitement bursting out of me. "Mon, our team won! I'm directly selected for the state level now!" Mon's eyes sparkled with pride as she congratulated me, her voice filled with genuine warmth. "I'm so happy for you, Sam. Congratulations!"
Just then, Malvika appeared beside us, a radiant smile on her face. As soon as she caught my eye, I let go of Mon and Malvika quickly took advantage of the moment, wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug. "Sam, I'm beyond thrilled for you. I just can't express how happy I am," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion.
Mon's expression changed, and she looked slightly uncomfortable, perhaps feeling a bit left out or even hurt by the sudden display of affection. Without a word, she turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd. I watched her go, feeling a pang of guilt, but I didn't stop Malvika from hugging me. I didn't push her away either, letting the moment linger.
As our sports teacher approached our team, Malvika stepped aside, giving him space. The teacher beamed with pride as he congratulated us on our win. "Sam, Manya, Aarushi, and Disha, I'm sending you all to the state-level football match. And if you win at the state level, your team will get a chance to play at the national level next year!" His words sent waves of excitement through us, and we all burst into cheers and hugs.
The teacher's announcement was followed by another surprise: he had arranged a party for us at the girls' hostel, courtesy of the warden. We were over the moon with joy, and in the midst of our celebration, I suddenly realized that Mon was nowhere to be seen. I felt a pang of worry and wondered where she could have gone.
Just then, Mahi and Aarvi approached me, both looking serious. "Sam, we need to talk to you about something important," Mahi said, her voice low. Aarvi nodded in agreement, and Mahi gently took my arm, leading me away from the celebratory crowd. I followed them, my mind racing with possibilities. What could they possibly want to talk to me about? And why did it seem so urgent?
As I walked with Mahi and Aarvi, they led me to the park, where the evening sun cast a warm, golden glow. The park, always beautiful, seemed even more breathtaking today. Our special spot, where the three of us often hung out, was decorated with care, and a tent house had been set up. Mahi grabbed my arm and said, "Go to your room and take a shower. We'll wait for you in the tent. It's a surprise!"
I hesitated, curious about what was going on. "Can I take a peek inside first, please?" I asked. Aarvi firmly shook her head. "No way." Mahi chimed in, playfully scolding me, "Just go, Sam. It's for your own good." I said then. "Please Aaru."
As we bantered, Mahi affectionately tugged on my ear, saying, "And please, call her Aarvi, not Aaru. She's my Aaru, not yours." I laughed and playfully complained, "Ow, that hurts! Let go of my ear." Mahi released her grip, but before I could sneak a peek into the tent, she grabbed my clothes and held me back. "You're not going in like that," she said with a smile.
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "How did you know?" Mahi just smiled and said, "Let's get you to your room." Mahi dropped Aarvi back at the park and took me to the hostel. After dropping me off at my room, she headed back to the park. Following their instructions, I headed for a shower, wondering what the surprise could be.
To be continue.....