48 The Tournamen (1/2)

When Punya arrived in Shimla, she was astonished. Though it had ice covered mountains, it wasn't that cold.

”Oh!! it is sunny here” said Jyoti in disappointment.

”You expected a snowfall in Summer?” asked Narmada.

”At least the cold Amma” said Punya.

Narmada chuckled...”The tournament organizers have selected Shimla in April because it is apt for the game. Not too cold not too hot” said the coach who was walking behind them.

Punya and Jyoti looked at each other disappointed. They headed to the hotel to fresh up and have breakfast. At 10 they were at the venue.

Tournament had levels of selection for five days for under-19 championships. Prakruth was participating in boys singles and mixed doubles with Punya. Punya and Jyoti were participating in girls singles as single entries.

”Senior, these two days in the middle of the timetable we're free right?” asked Jyoti looking at the program list.

”Yeah, if you girls can play girls doubles then we'll be free only on one day” said the coach.

Prakruth giggled.

”No, Sir... we've not enrolled our names in that” said Punya.

Coach just nodded and walked inside the office room.

The stadium was crowded to watch the matches which were scheduled. Today boys singles matches were to be conducted, followed by girls singles tomorrow. Mixed doubles were on the last day after two days of boys doubles and girls doubles.

”Punya your match is tomorrow Right?” asked Narmada.

”Yes Amma, and one more on last day” said Punya.

”All the best Prakruth for your match” said Narmada turning to him.

”Thanks Aunty, hope you will watch me play...”

”Yes we will. I'm here to support all three of you... not only my daughter. We can go to hotel after your match together” said Narmada.

”That's so sweet Aunty” said Prakruth and headed towards the players room.

Narmada took the two girls to the gallery where their seats were reserved. His match was at no.6 , he won the match in 14-21 points and qualified for second round easily. He waved at the crowd politely.

Coach appreciated ”Nice game Prakruth, second round is opposite a seeded player. Good luck”.

”Thanks Sir” said Prakruth, Coach started explaining some tips and tricks for the next game.

At 11am Prakruth easily defeated Tamil Nadu seeded junior with 21-12 points and reached Finals. Coach was extremely happy. They all headed to the hotel for lunch.

Punya was worried about her game tomorrow, she was thinking deeply. ”Punya eat” said Narmada. She just nodded. Prakruth observed that she was distracted, he wanted to talk to her but he had to wait.

He had his final match against a Assam boy, it was a tough fight for him but he was vigorous in his attack and won the game with 18-21 points. He qualified for All India Junior Ranking Junior men's team with a prize money.

Coach ran and hugged him happily. ”Tonight I'll party hard” he said overwhelmed with his performance.

Later that day at 5 pm, Prakruth came and knocked at Narmada's room. Punya and Jyoti were in the same room. ”Aunty would you like to join us for a outing. You can walk around the park, we will go cycling” said Prakruth.

”No, Prakruth I'm tired. I've head ache too. Your coach is coming?” asked Narmada.

”Yes Aunty, he wants us to warm up by cycling”

”Then you can take these girls, I'll rest a bit” said Narmada.

He instructed girls to come down and went back. Punya and Jyoti came down in 15 minutes, Prakruth was waiting in the hotel lounge. Punya wore a yellow frock and Jyoti was in jeans and T shirt. ”Where is the coach?” asked Jyoti.

”He is out with his friends, I think he has a party tonight” said Prakruth.

”You lied to her mom then?” asked Jyoti.

”Yeah or else will she send both of you? If you're not OK in coming you both can go back” said Prakruth.

”No No it is fine, we'll go” said Punya.

”What about you, Jyoti? If you feel you're cheating you can stay back” said Prakruth.

”It is boring to stay inside, I'm coming”

Prakruth and Punya chuckled. He hired a car to nearby Tani-Jubber lake which had cycling and best for evening walk.

”There are not many people here” said Jyoti when they got down from the car.

”This lake attracts it's tourists only when it is frozen. Now it is kind of abandoned” said the Driver and left.

”Senior hire only one cycle, you both talk privately till I return” said Jyoti.