This is a story of a boy, who followed his passion; flashback on what went wrong!!! Here is the saga …

Congratulations Uma, it’s a baby boy said his husband Kartik with a voice of jubilation .. He looks so like me .. He will make me proud one day .. I can already see him as an engineer .. My dad’s wish; which my son will fulfill … on the contrary, No said Uma, in a sharp tone, let him decide what he wants to be…

Umang, the little boy in his early childhood day was engross into cricket in some way or the other, may it be his dad chatting with his friends and family about matches, scores and player dilemma; his mom who always used to fight for her programs when his dad use to watch cricket, his dad again, who was a cricket coach in a school, or the little gestures to practice and perfect his skills …

Umang, 8 years old back then was  a mischief and charming boy, his dad on his 8^th birthday gave him a cricket kit for him to enjoy the sport …  Umang exited and spellbound couldn’t thank his dad less for such a pleasant gift he presented him …

Umang, started to learn the game in the process of enjoying with his society and school friends, it developed as his first love and passion, day in and out, whenever he used to get time he would play or practice cricket, may it be after schools, after tuitions, after dinner, after homework … but Not to forget his mom, she was a teacher which made him obedient to study as well .. He was a top student in his class scoring in the mid 80’s and early 90’s percentage ..

Umang was 10 years, when he was included in the school cricket team, he was a flamboyant left handed opener, a swift fielder and a part time bowler… Umang’s mom and dad kartik both were very happy to hear that their son got a place in the schools cricket team …

Umang, on the other hand being so brilliant in studies, never made his dad Kartik think twice about his dreams and aspirations, his dad’s vision to see him as an engineer was taking its shape considering Umang academic record… but Kartik would never reveal what his vision was for Umang ..  “kartik who was not a brilliant student did not manage to sustain the intense pressure of engineering studies and opted for a career in sports !!”

Umang, doing well both in cricket and academics was one of the stars of the school .. And at the age of 14 he was named the captain of the school’s cricket team … which was for Umang  one of the best days in his life … “Umang, started to gear up himself to be considered for the Under 19 selection and was aiming high on making a career in Cricket … not knowing that his dad Kartik has some other plans for him”

 

Umang continued to flourish his way through the inter school cricket tournament in which he was captain, they won the tournament, the school came into limelight and was published in the daily news .. Kartik and Uma got greeting from close family and friends for his son’s blistering performance in the tournament not only as a captain but also as a batsman …

Umang grew in confidence and made a mark in many such tournaments which were held by the inter school associations …  Umang’s dad kartik was happy for him, but at the same time his studies and academic record started to show a steep fall which worried kartik … but showing faith on his son he didn’t say anything to him and ignored the warning signs which was clearly noticed …. Thou kartik wanted Umang to be an engineer but not at the cost of his son’s passion .. He was waiting for the right time …

Due to Umang’s performance over the years, the Under -19 selectors considered him in the team of 20 for the tour to England, things happened in such quick notice that Kartik didn’t get the time to talk with Umang ..

Moment of truth came when Umang got a chance to play the 3^rd Match of the tournament … he was totally geared up and ready to face the challenge .. If he proved himself here .. Bingo!! He would get a ticket to play with the big boy … the Indian cricket team … but destiny had some other plans … As the match started he was playing a flawless shot and building up a good inning .. But then came a fast bowler with his furious speed, he kept the balls short making it difficult for Umang to play him .. After sessions of balls .. One ball came and hit Umang on the left elbow … he couldn’t hold his bat .. A devastated situation  for an informed player … he was retired hurt … after the Physio check up and x-ray report it was found that he has brutally injured his elbow and surgery would mean he won’t be able to play for at least 3 to 4 years …

Kartik and Uma, when got the news were shattered .. They couldn’t believe what they heard ..

kartik after knowing that his academic performance was not upto the mark .. He didn’t talk to Umang and ignored the warning sign … this injury meant that he couldn’t take part in the upcoming entrance exams of Engineering  .. Which will waste a further 2 to 3 years of his career …

Umang returned home, and the first person to meet him was his dad Kartik … the duo had a long conversation and kartik explained how he ignored the warning sign and didn’t inform him about his grades and how it was affecting his studies … he also revealed that he wanted to see him as an engineer and not a cricketer as it was his grandfather’s wish …

Moral of the story : When you have faith and believe in something … be ready to tell the good and bad about it .. The more you are aware about the situation the better it helps you shape the future !!

This blog post is part of Indiblogger and colgate’s  My Healthy Speak Blog competition !