55 Mixed Doubles and Toy train (1/2)
On Saturday Morning, a nurse gave a fresh dressing to Prakruth's arm. The cut was completely closed without stitches though cut was deep... due to his young age. They were in the badminton stadium. Punya was standing next to him, Coach was busy talking to the referee. Jyoti and Narmada were sitting with the audience.
Punya and Prakruth started playing in the first round. North east duo were their opponents. Prakruth dominated and Punya defended well... The opponents used their new trick... Tips which coach thought was helpful for Punya and Prakruth, they attacked vigorously gaining 3 points continuously. They won the game by 17-21 and qualified for the second round. The opponents in the second round were easy to defeat helping Prakruth and Punya qualify to the final round of mixed doubles....
”Congratulations... Prakruth in the final round you defend, let Punya attack....” instructed the coach.
”Ok Sir, but why me?” asked Punya.
”Prakruth's left hand might not support him much now... He looks tired. He won't complain... Strong boy. So I want you to lead the game” said the coach.
”Hmm I understand Sir. I will see that he's not stressed much” assured Punya.
”Sir I could manage it...” said Prakruth.
”This game is not to manage. It is to win. So listen to me” ordered the coach.
In the final round, opponents were from Punjab. Punya was playing aggressively and Prakruth's strategy was to defend. It was neck to neck competition. Both the teams were trying their best to establish supremacy over the other. The game ended in a tie. The referee called for tie breaker. Prakruth said ”Punya we'll change our roles... They'll get confused and lose...” Punya agreed. The Punjabi duo lost miserably to this strong couple. Punya was overwhelmed by the win, she was jumping in joy... Prakruth was very happy to win the game for her... He lifted her in air while celebrating... ”Drop me... Amma and Coach both are looking at us” whispered Punya. He safely landed her on the floor and walked away as if nothing happened.
It was Evening when they reached the hotel, everyone were instructed to pack their bags. They had their flights tomorrow.
”Aunty tomorrow morning we'll have to leave this place by 8 am” said Jyoti.
”Flight is at 6 in the evening, why can't we stay? Moreover Kalka takes 3 hours by bus, why they're in hurry” asked Punya.
Narmada replied ”Coach might have some other plans on the way”
”I wanted to rest...Can you ask why?” asked Punya.
”No, he's grumpy... I won't. It is better to sleep early now and wake up early.” replied Narmada.
Morning all the five boarded the car and reached Shimla railway station.
”Are we going by train?” asked Narmada walking into the station.
”Yes” said Prakruth
”Woah... This train looks different!!” exclaimed Jyoti.
”It is Toy train Jyoti... Nature in and around Shimla can be enjoyed all along the way till Kalka” said Prakruth.
”Hurry up!” instructed the coach.
The train started from Shimla at 8.25 am... The track was too wavy and on edge of steep hills unveiling serene beauty of Shimla.
Prakruth said ”Sir, I'll sit at the door... It will be fun to watch”. Coach just nodded.
”Careful, hold on to some grip properly” said Narmada.
”Punya or Jyoti, do you want to join??” he asked.
Punya frowned and Jyoti said ”No it will be too cold there”. Prakruth chuckled and walked to the door.
”Crazy boy. It is because of him, I agreed to try toy train or else I would have booked flight from here” said the coach.
”Oh is it... This is treat for eyes. Good that he organises the trip so well. Can see a lot of places with a person like him” appreciated Narmada
”What is good? I couldn't rest properly because of this” scowled Punya.
”Why are you angry at us? Go fight with him” said Jyoti.
Coach and Narmada giggled.
Punya stood up and stamped her foot and walked towards the door. Prakruth was sitting at the door and clicking photos.
”Hey” said Punya.
”Hi my angel... Do you want to sit with me here?? Go get some shawl.. It is cold here”