Penalty Kick

A full 90 minutes of play could not bring out a result in the final play off between the rival school teams with score tied 0-0. The rivalry dated back a few decades when they were yet to make a reputation. The match was being held at the corporation grounds and the atmosphere was electrifying. It was the most anticipated event and was being played out to a sell out crowd.

Yuvaraj’s dream of representing the state seemed to be on the verge of materializing for he had shown a tremendous skill and precision over the last few matches. However, he was a bit off colour on the day when it mattered most. His shoulders sagged and looked toward his school supporters over the bleachers. He could hear them chanting his name. They pinned their hopes on Yuvaraj to deliver as he had been menacing the opposition defence. His eyes roved around to find Divya and there she was with her group smiling and gesturing at him. He had badly wanted her to be his girl friend and he knew if he wins this game, she was his’.

He had his chance in the first half but could not convert a cross from his midfielder and hit over the bars. The game progressed to the injury time of 4 minutes. Yuvaraj led the attack, piercing the midfielders and the defenders and his team’s ball possession and control was just good. With 1 minute for the final whistle he got into the D only to be tackled by their left back. The referee didn’t miss the act and awarded a penalty kick.

After a brief huddle, Yuvaraj came forward to take his kick. He was sweating profusely and was nervous as he knew he could seal the fate of the game by taking this shot. He would become a hero in his school and would be rewarded aptly and loads of appreciations to follow. He would be a sensation. Waking from the dream he concentrated and was waiting for the referee’s signal – whistle. The referee blew the whistle and it was muted by a roar from the audience and he stepped to shoot the ball.......... woke up startled.....getting kicked.... with his mom by his side and an alarm still ringing.

“Oh! Mom, I was just a second away from scoring a goal and we would have won the cup. ”

“You were about to hit a six last week and this time around a goal eh?”

“Mom, you have this uncanny timing of waking me up.”

“Can I ask you something?  What is the difference between an isotope and an isomer?”

“Err....... ”

“With barely a month for exams you are thoroughly lagging behind and dreaming things untenable by all means. For god sake grow up yuv and stop watching all those nonsense movies. Now make up your bed and get yourself ready. Don’t make your dad come up and whip you.”

During lunch he could not help listening to what Divya and her friend was chatting as he was sitting behind them.

Her friend asked, “Hey! Did you watch the match between India and Australia yesterday?”

“No, I was watching soap and I don’t miss even a single episode of all soaps.” Divya beamed with unsolicited pride. “I don’t worry much about sports. I hear the matches are fixed and they just play it out for the audience.”

“Not all matches are fixed but yeah, matches were fixed in the past but I don’t think that’s recurring.”

“Tell me; are Soccer and Football the same sport?”

“Grrr..............” Yuvaraj was stupefied.