~ Volley Life... ~

A lonely champion that he is , Madhav is seen quite often in the park and jelling up with children and oldies alike – he just wants to pass his time during the day – sometimes he turns into a sportsman and at other times he behaves like a docile kid sitting on the fence and watching the biggies playing cricket or volleyball in the court. He likes sports, that is for sure – a trait that he has gained from his sporty father, who he tells us with a moment of proudness that – his father was a ‘Great football Player’ of government school, of which he is studying now. His father’s teacher knows Manav well -as he has left a good trait of his fair conduct.

As our game of court volleyball was about to commence, he quickly comes and presents his candidature for the game – he is too young to clear the net , but he is adamant and has high hopes- thanks to his sportsman father, his sayings has had a profound effect on his demeanor. Manav is confident as he reconfirms his pitch to play on the volleyball court, many of us have sincere doubts on his abilities to play and a frank submission from us , that he wont be able to make it to any side is cast aside by his sportsman spirit. 

The game begins, and the opponents wants to target the ball towards Manav – a key loose candidate in the team – but he knows he is the target , he prepares himself quite well for the onslaught – the first time the ball goes to him – he stumbles and a neat point is given to the opponent – they are right in their judgement but not anymore as Manav takes the challenge and prepares himself quite well for the second chance – knowing fully well that he would again be targeted with the ball. 

The fears of his team members come true , though they have a back-up man standing alongside Manav for his help – the strategy crumbles as this time the ball is beyond the backup man’s fore – Manav seeing this as an opportunity rushes swiftly to just lift the ball somehow, and this time, he succeeds and passes on the ball to his fellow team member with a hard knock – the ball soon is transferred to the opponents court…. After many to and fro, Manav’s side wins a key point – everyone rejoices and appreciates Manav’s quick thinking on the court – he feels great and a sense of satisfaction. 

Soon the game ends and Manav is again appreciated, he smiles and asks if we play every day – the answer is yes and this cheers him up – his exams are over and he has all the time in the world to play. As his father is a vegetable vendor, having a stall on the park periphery, he can afford the game every day , though in between his mother shouts to have a glimpse of her son! 

As always, Manav now comes daily to be a part of the match – he is learning the trick of the trade quite fast – many of us see him as a friend and reminisce our past when we were of his age.. the adrenaline rush which Manav has put in is commendable… the best part being that he brings the ball off the fence which many of us desist doing…considering the humungous ‘Tummy’s’ that many of us have grown with age… May be this is the gap Manav fills the best ..and sometimes taunts us on our bodily folly….finally, the game again resumes….