The Cricketer's Jockey (#MyStoryIndia) (#MissionDesi)

Chapter 6. Part - 1

Writing is what helps me through bed times.

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"Mummmmyyy!!"

Every person will surely shout his/her mother's name when he is hurt, going through bad or feeling helpless. May be, it soothes your mind when you know even if the whole world turn away from you, there is still someone who will by your side. My circumstances were no different.

Why God? I asked silentely. Why you chose those very exact words to come true? I was not serious at all about it. It was a reference; an example to explain my point. Then why I was riding an Elephant?

Or should I say that the elephant was swinging me like I wasn't a breathing, alive creature but just his toy.

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"Hellooo Mumbai! I am RJ Bulbul live from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Road. From Marine Lines. We all know the reason why I am here. To celebrate India's glorious win in T20 world cup. Whether you like cricket or not, you would love to be here. I wonder, you people can hear my voice or not in this much noise?"

I had to stop to suck some air before I continued. A smile appeared on my face as I saw a bunch of college students dancing on beats. I wanted to do the same but duty first.

"So, if you are unable to reach here. Don't worry, I will give you the news of all happenings. But before that here comes my recent favorite track from Holiday. Aaj Dil Shayraana lagata hai. Enjooyyy."

The jockey who was in studio played the song and told me when the next one was coming. I asked whether we were broadcasting ads or not. He informed that Raman had instructed to play ads three times only during the whole coverage. Five minutes each. Songs were going to play in limited numbers too. I sighed when he was done. So, today I had to speak non stop. No room for enjoyment.

It was the third day after I met Aniruddha. I had pretty much forgotten our encounter after giving detailed description of our dinner that didn't even happen. She analysed scenario with super excitement even when it was a boring night. But I let her flow her imagination. The more I oppose, the more she would get wrong ideas. 

India's win on Saturday had somehow got much more attention then I had thought. Cricket Board had announced to celbrate it on larger than life style. Te decision was taken fortnight and on following morning everyone was running to cover the news. The procession was going to strat its initial journey near Wankhede Stadium where in some cricket-lover's opinion history was created. All the cricketers /Team India /Men In Blue were seated on top of  the elephants. Embellished with golden ornaments on head and covered with colorful embroidered on back, the elphants looked like they were participating in a grand marriage. In front a band played typical bollywood music; then came Team India's captain, sitting all by himself with the rophy in his hand, giving victorious smile. The other five elephants rode two cricketer each. All were waving at the sea of crowd, accepting the occational bouquet thrown at them with smile. Fire crackers were roaring the sky which I felt was the stupidest thing to do. Who on the earth was able to see them in sunlight!

If I had forseen this very situation, I would have lied being ill. I mean, come on, they should have sent some cricket-lover not me. But at last moment, dear Raman thought that being unaware of cricket, I would add freshness to the coverage. Really! My collegues were shooting daggers at me when I left. Though I had to say Raman was right. Others were just talking about cricket and four-six-runs, I was busy talking with everyone around- recounting their memories of childhood when they played, their first trophy, bet between two gulli teams etc. I was walking near barriers, parellel to second last elephant, when it happened. Someone threw a bomb near it, a meter away from me. Scared of crackers, I closed my eyes firmly instead of running. Thankfully, a policeman pulled me on the road. My thank you died in noise of blast but it did attract the elephant's attention.