Everyone gathered at Sharma’s bungalow to celebrate the birth of Arjun. Born on 22nd July, 2005 Arjun was a couple of years younger to Alia. Too small to understand the reason of gathering Alia was busy munching on her favourite ice-cream.
A few years later on their way back to home from school, Arjun stopped near the playground to watch a football match. Alia was waiting for him outside the school gate with one eye on Arjun and other on the ice-cream vendor. “Their passing could have been better”, said an upset Arjun after his school team lost the match.
“Whatever. Let’s have ice-cream first before the bus comes”, replied an ignorant Alia.
Alia came running into the house with Arjun’s selection letter for State Sports Meet where Arjun was the youngest ever to play the tournament. By the time the tournament ended not just Sharma’s but the entire state knew that something special was in the making. Arjun was not just the top scorer in the tournament but had also caught the eyes of national selectors who were present during the tournament. Later Arjun was called for the national training camp and the world was to witness the youngest football player ever. After completing the six-months rigorous training Arjun was home waiting for the selection of Indian Football Team for the upcoming World Tournaments.
Alia opened the door and the delivery boy handed her a parcel. The light blue jersey read 22 and A. Sharma which was enough to bring tears to the eyes of Sharma’s. Arjun had gone to his maternal house and hence was unaware of all this. Alia decided to surprise Arjun on his big day and Sharma’s were soon on their way to meet Arjun. There was a huge traffic jam when they reached the highway. After inquiring they were informed that there has been a major accident a few kilometres away as two buses had rammed into one another. Alia picked out her phone to call Arjun when she read a text from him which read ‘ Didi , I am on a bus to home. I hope the selection news comes out soon.’
A few years later Jersey No.22 A.Sharma did play for India, only difference being it was Alia who had fulfilled Arjun’s dream of playing football for his country.
