Shades Of Purple

Chapter 23 - You'll die of poverty soon

@SHREE CHATRAPATI SPORTS COMPLEX, PUNE

10:05 AM

RAGHVANSH'S POV:

I dab the towel over my forehead.

It's been a few minutes since we finished our mat session. It was chill one as few people from the board and also our coach had come to Pune today for an inspection or visit, whatever.

I place my towel back in my kit as I see coach approach me.

Apoorv Bharatwaj, the 47-year-old coach of the Indian Kabaddi team and former Kabaddi player. He has guided our team for three years now and still another one till the contract ends.

Without him our team wouldn't be where it is now, whether it was trusting the players or giving advice or even teaching us through his experiences, he's been the best coach anyone could ask for.

"Hello Raghvansh, a great session there. Your game just seems to improve every single day. Let me tell you that you're way ahead of this lot or anyone in general and Indian Kabaddi feel so lucky to have someone like you out there to guide the youngsters and be a role model to them." He says giving a pat to my arm.

"Sir, I'm no one great. Kabaddi's my first love and I'll do every single thing in my will for its bright future. This game has given anything and everything, so why won't I give it my all?" I grin.

"Don't be modest, Raghvansh. You've played a large part in getting the sport where it is now." He reassures. "The squad for the next tour will be announced by 4 o'clock as you have been informed prior. So captain, all the best to you and your team, I'll see you next week." We shake hands as he engulfs me in a formal hug.

Another two weeks and we'll be facing Malaysia. It's a 5 match tour with three in Malaysia and two in UAE as the last series we had was a home tour.

I groan. After years Pune has felt like home and now to my dismay, we have away games with neutral ones' which will last for 20 days.

I join the rest of the members standing beside the sitting block.

"Hey skipper, we were just talking about you." Darshan, captain of our domestic team says.

Yup, we practice together. As in the domestic players who live in Pune and a few of us who play in the national squad.

"I hope it was in a positive way," I say crossing my arms across my chest. "Anyway, I'll be leaving now...so all the best, the squad will be announced this evening, I hope you don't take it to your heart if you don't make it. There's a reason if management did, there are still many series to go until the world cup. Hmm?"

They nod.

"See y'all later." I take my leave and head towards the dressing room.

Why can't we just have a home game? I want to stay in Pune itself.

A smile meets my lips as I think of the reason behind my behaviour- Piha. Nothing too big, just her mere thought lighting my day up.

My daydreams automatically drift to our talk yesterday. Our little chat was all about her apologizing to me.

Why??

Because she called me a tree.

I let out a chuckle. That's new, no one has ever called me that, why would anyone? Well, not in the literal sense, I know she didn't say that purposely.

I'm a bit disappointed though. I wish I could snake my arm around her waist.

What?? To prevent her from falling, guys. Nothing else.