The Dodgeball Sweetheart

Epi 10: Court to Heart

What do you wish for on your birthday?

You get rich, happy, get a boyfriend, lottery today, from middle class wishes to fancy ones like own up a business, get into top college, money and what not, not forgetting some heartfelt letters or gifts also but what I always craved for the most was, Family.

A family might seem like a pathetic gift, but it mattered but yet I would never admit to it, what if I expected too much and they abandoned me?

We never spent time with one another, I grew up to learn the distance, I was not a child anymore. The only thing that mattered to me was my work, inherited from my parents maybe.

I was too afraid of love or care, that felt like a nonsense talk in my ears. I mean who would believe in the forever or happily ever after crap? Until I met him, who genuinely cared for me and in secret details as if he thought I never realised when he looked after me.

The table was not only full of food, but also of fondness and happiness. I could see how they changed the topic and diverted my attention while Mummy fixed the burnt cake by uncles. Not to exclude that they sang the whole happy birthday in 3 different languages, English, Hindi, and hinglish.

I was on the verge of tears, but I controlled them, I was good at that, they came in and hugged me together, it felt like family. Aunties were fighting over some crafted handicrafts that they got for me but forgot it at the store. While the uncles gave me lottery tickets saying good luck and patting my head.

While mummy hugged me and fed me my favourite potato stuffed parathas, they were way too delicious to mention, my happy dance came to halt when I realised today might be one of the last days to bid goodbye.

Postman delivery for ravan maam, everyone busted in laughter but I was way too excited for the mail, it was from mom and dad, they had sent me a printed happy birthday card with a VIP restaurant voucher and a smiley. This was the first time; it was enough for the lost birthdays.

Maya whispered," I have the best gift for my bestie right here." She went inside and within 5 seconds she came with her head ribboned looking like a gift box. "Yeah, that is really the best gift."

I pretended to open her ribbon like head lace when she handed me a film camera and played it.

(Remember the time when you stole my jellybean and it landed you right in the warden's rooms and we found out the secret room? That day I had made you a promise, that I will forever hold your hand in the dark.

I'm sorry I couldn't keep that promise, Rave.

I can't say it face to face, but I thought you would push me away after all that, but you stood with me. Unlike me, you remained strong, alone. I want to celebrate you, my best friend who is strong enough to fight hooligans, please know that this time I shall fulfil the promise.

P.S, he forced me.)

I knew Maya was hiding with embarrassment but it felt nostalgic we had been friends for almost a decade now and I wasn't alone, she had been regretting and all I could do was to remain by her side, it wasn't anyone's fault.

"Can you come outside?"

That's right. It was Cassias, he was the only one since morning who hadn't wished me yet. Somewhere enjoying his party. Fortunately, the place where he called me was a basketball court, I can smack him if he angers me.

"What?" I was so pissed, I could really hit his face, no his face is too, maybe his arms, no maybe- "The ball almost hit me, you!"

The ball was customised with the signature of the top dodgeball player, I was a huge fan of him, lets ignore the heart shaped stickers on it. I was way too busy to look at the disapproving sights; it was just weird that a dodgeball player had to sign on a basketball.