Destiny 2

'Well, yeah, of course,

'she said.

'Okay,

'I said, and explained in my language,

'they have two strong

players. Cover them tight. Don't fix formations for your players. Two

of yours should move with them. You become the shooter. Of the catch what I had said later? Did it mean she didn't understand what I

had' said? Or did she mean she actually wanted to catch me? Like, she

liked me so much she wanted to catch me? Of course, this seemed

unlikely. But then I had given her good tips and you never know with

these modern people.You see, my mind has this overdrive switch,

especially when it's excited. It starts to get ahead of itself and thinks

useless thoughts when I could actually be doing something

constructive, like watching the game or finding out that girl's name.

The game restarted. The referee's whistle, the sound of the players'

shoes as they run across the court, the shrieks, the yells and the cries

of victory and defeat—few things in life match the excitement of a

sports court. Basketball, underrated as it might be in this country,

packs it all in half an hour. I cannot understand why Indians don't play

this game more. It doesn't take up too much space, doesn't need much

equipment and a big group can play it all at once.

'Yes!'she screamed as she scored a basket.The hall went in without

touching the ring, making the most beautiful sound in a basketball

game—the soft 'chhciak' when only the net touches the ball. S\?eat

dripped off her face as she ran back to her side of the court.

The match ended 21-15. The newbies had lost, but still kept pace

with the college team—a considerable achievement. R, however,

seemed disappointed. She wiped her face with a towel and picked up

her blue Nike kitbag. A few boys tried to make eye contact with her

but she ignored them, i wanted to speak to her. However, no boy from

Dumraon has ever had the guts to approach a high-class girl from

Delhi. I wanted her to watch my game.There was nothing else I could

impress her with. Coach Piyush went up to her. They became

engrossed in a conversation.This was my chance. Underconiident guys

need a go-between to speak to a girl. I ran up to Piyush.

'My trial now. I change, sir?'I said to him.

Piyush turned to me, surprised, I don't know whether at my

English or my stupid question or both.

other two, one is your defence, the other supports you.'

The whistle blew again.

'Got to go,

'she said. 'Catch you later.'

I didn't understand what 'catch you'meant. Did it mean she would