46 Four - Five hours (1/2)
As the countdown began for the tournament, Punya and Jyoti were practicing on full scale. Coach was very strict, he used to give them critics when they're wrong and train them properly. Sometimes he used to scold badly.
”Punya, this coach is grumpy.... Wish we had Prakruth here” said Jyoti during a break.
”Prakruth's exams are going on, he can't come to coach you...” chuckled Punya.
”Yeah I know. It is our fate to get scolded from this old coach....”
”Isn't Prakruth coming to the tournament?” asked Punya.
”I don't know” shrugged Jyoti ”Ask the coach yourself” she added.
”No need, he'll growl again...” said Punya.
Jyoti started laughing....
”Stop chatting and take positions” shouted the Coach. Girls took the position.
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On the day of departure, Varun brought Narmada and Punya to the Airport. Mother and daughter walked in to the security check. Varun came behind them running. Jyoti and her coach was already there in the queue.
”Take this bag, keep your purse and mobile safely. Call me whenever possible” instructed Varun.
”Ok I'll take care of your darling daughter, don't worry” said Narmada.
”Punya and Jyoti, All the best for your game” he wished both of them. His voice was shaky.
”Appa, look at me” said Punya... He turned away. She held his hand and pulled him towards her.
”Appa, I'm not going forever. It is only for a week and you're crying?” she asked.
”I'll miss you very badly, darling” said Varun and hugged her. Narmada was rubbing his shoulder to console him.
”I'll miss you too, Appa” said Punya embracing her father.
”Ok, Ok time up, we've to proceed” said Narmada.
”Careful, you both are precious to me. Happy Journey” said Varun wishing them with a heavy heart.
”I will take care Sir, don't worry” said the coach.
”Bye Appa” said Punya.
”You too take care” said Narmada.
Varun was walking backwards and accidentally crashed onto a guy who was rushing towards the queue.
”Sorry Sorry” said Varun holding him carefully.
”Hi Uncle” said Prakruth.
”Oh Prakruth, going somewhere?”
”Yeah, Shimla Uncle”
”What?!!!” asked Varun in surprise.
”I'm also a participant in the badminton tournament, Uncle”
”Oh that's awesome.... Please take care of Punya and Narmada then”
”Sure Uncle, I will. It is my duty” said Prakruth rushing into the security check which was almost empty.
”How is it his duty..?.” wondered Varun but he just wished ”Bye, take care”. He could go home light hearted... He was relieved as Prakruth was with his wife and daughter.
Coach was near the window, Jyoti and Narmada had seats next to each other in the aisle but Punya was left alone two rows behind them. Prakruth had some technical issues and he boarded the plane a little later. His coach kept calling him but he couldn't answer. He was the last passenger to enter the plane, his seat was next to Punya.... ”Hi my angel” he said sitting next to her. She gasped looking at his face, he was smiling charmingly.
”Fasten your seat belts” said Prakruth as there was an announcement about departure. She was still in shock, she didn't respond. He put her belts on and fastened it himself. She was still staring at him astonished. He pulled her more closer to him sending a live wire down her spine. She shivered lightly and said ”You scared me!!!”
”I'm sorry, I didn't want to scare you” he said.
”But... How did you come here?..” she asked.
”Through the same door you came” he chuckled.
”Oh Great Joke, leave me” she tried to get away from his arms.
”No... I won't” he tightened his embrace.
”Idiot, leave me” she scowled.
He released her from his arms and asked ”Do you really love me?”
”No... I don't” she said and turned away looking out in the sky.