Arrogant Talent

a short story

ARROGANT TALENT

Ashish Goswami was too happy that evening. The smile seemed to have stuck to his face. Even in solitude of his personal restroom, it continued. It was even stranger when his lips were in ‘O’ shape due to whistling. The reason he joined the federation has been fulfilled. He would now be able to contribute as per his intentions. He had already informed his wife. She too was excited as she along with the kids would be in for a special treat tonight. Ashish had taken over the charge of Director, National Gymnastics Federation. It did come as a surprise since there were at least two other senior contenders for the post. The selection committee had gone for a young blood in order to enhance the gymnastics prospects in the country. And who else would have been more suitable? Ashish thought.

Ashish was a graduate in Physical Education from an esteemed foreign university. He was into gymnastics right from his school days. Although, in our country, this stream, usually ended up ‘down the drain’. In his younger days, he had won many accolades for his performance on the pommel horse but when it came to his career in gymnastics, all his passions evaporated. Therefore, he and his parents opted for a safer route by signing for a degree course in Physical Education. However, the germ of ‘pommel horse’ remained embedded in his soul.

Ashish was almost winding up for the day as he had planned for a nice outing with his family when his attention drifted towards a neatly handwritten letter. The letter head declared a name of a school- State Gymnastics Talent Search School, Shillong, Meghalaya. The name was unique for gymnastics as well as talent searching. The letter was signed by one Dr. Digonto Tynsong, Principal. It read-  

 

To,

                        The Director,

                        National Gymnastics Federation,

                        New Delhi.

                       

Subject:           Invite.

 

Sir,

I introduce myself as principal of the above mentioned school. Our institution is one of its kind in the whole country. We have been imparting training in gymnastics to deserving students since the year 2000. We are proud to say that this organization also provides all facilities to upcoming gymnasts including boarding and lodging. Besides sports, our school is also among the top in academics.

 

Sir, I am not writing this letter to praise our school or for any financial aid from your esteemed federation. On the contrary, the state government is more than generous in grants of scholarships and other logistics requirements. The reason this letter finds a way to your kind attention is an extraordinary talent of our school, Deepak Marak. He is only 15 years old but I can assure you that his talent in pommel horse is way ahead of those years. If nurtured by foreign coaching, I am sure this boy can bring huge laurels for the country.

 

It is a humble request that you, being at the helm of affairs, come to our school and watch for yourself this exceptional talent. We are having a State Final on 29^th March, 2014 at our school. I extend my warm invitation to you and your team of experts to join us on 28^th March. The itinerary along with the photographs of Deepak’s routine are attached herewith.

 

Eagerly awaiting for your worthy presence,

 

Yours truly,

Dr. Digonto Tynsong,

Principal.

 

                                   

The mention of ‘pommel horse’ did the trick for principal’s request. Ashish was overwhelmed. He looked at the photographs. Deepak was indeed good. No, he was brilliant, thought Ashish. He remembered his childhood. A wall in his backyard was the first ride he took of the pommel horse. Even today he had a few scars on his knees showing those first ‘front support swings’. He longed to meet Deepak as if he would lighten up the state of gymnastics in the country.

He lifted the receiver on the intercom and said, “Please come in, Mr. Ravi.”

A man of fifty five years politely entered the room. Mr. Ravikant Saluja, Ashish’s personal assistant.

“Raviji, kindly arrange for a journey to Shillong. Assistant Director- North East, two senior coaches and two office staff will be accompanying me,” said Ashish as he handed over that letter to Ravikant.

“Right, sir.”

After a fortnight of deliberations, Ashish along with five team members disembarked at Shillong airport after almost seven hours from the time they had started. Three hours wait at Kolkata airport for changing the plane was tiring. As he touched the ground, he started stretching like a child. The team looked at him, bemused. He regained his composure and moved towards the exit gate. The team members followed.

“FOR NATIONAL GYMNASTICS FEDERATION OFFICIALS”- a placard with shouting fonts was announcing itself at the exit. A no nonsense man nearing official retirement age waved at Ashish. Ashish recognized Dr. Digonto immediately. All of them shook hands. Dr. Digonto’s hands were really warm despite the chilly weather.

“How was the journey? I hope it was comfortable, Mr. Goswami,” said Dr. Digonto with utmost hospitality.

“It was nice. The view of Shillong was breathtaking from above,” replied Ashish.

“Thank you. I hope it matches that from the ground level too,” said Dr. Digonto wittily.

“Sure.”

“Mr. Goswami, we have arranged for your stay at the school’s guest lodge. Hope you find our hospitality at par with your expectations,” said Digonto.

“Don’t worry, sir. We surely would and may this be a new beginning for our long relationship,” Ashish said with perfect official language.

Two big SUVs filled with people, luggage and aspirations pulled out from the departure area and rushed to meet a new ‘star’ on the horizon. Ashish, Dr. Digonto and Assistant Director- North East, Mr. Kamal Mathur were in the leading vehicle. The journey to school’s guest lodge was serene, to say the least. Long queues of tall pine trees at either side of road, greenery engulfing the vision and long range views of snow dipped mountains formed a picturesque picture. Air in the vehicle was as warm as its occupants’ conduct. All of them held hopes that were higher than the surrounding heights. The ride took a little more than half hour.

“Mr. Goswami, now I would take your leave. The vehicles will be stationed here and they will be at your disposal till your stay. This is Mr. R. Sangma. He will be your liaison officer and will remain at your command,” said Dr. Digonto as he continued, “As you must be tired now, you may take some rest after lunch. The lunch is arranged in the dining hall.” Dr. Digonto concluded his homily. He was the principal alright.

“Please don’t bother about us. We will be fine, Dr. Digonto,” said Ashish representing his team.

“Good bye then. Hope to see you tomorrow morning, Mr. Goswami.”

“Good bye, sir.”

After lunch all the team members dispersed to their respective accommodations.

That night, Ashish’s mind once again loitered to his past. Pommel horse was all he could think during his young avatar. His missed his first crush. Whenever he would come across a pair of scissors, it reminded him of his stretched legs and pointed toes. He could feel the strain on his shoulders, the pain in his forearms and the sweat. Sometimes, even pain can be so relieving, so satisfying. At that time, how he would wish somebody to be there to ensure the continuation of his dreams. He had nobody. In Deepak Marak, he saw himself. And he will take Deepak’s endevours and ambitions where his own would have gone. He was determined. He folded up for the night with such thoughts and soon fell asleep.

The next day brought a pleasantly shining morning. Ashish knew that today’s sun would not set like every other day, not for gymnastics at least. He and his team were ready as principal Digonto arrived at the visitor’s lounge.

“Good morning, Mr. Goswami,” he announced himself as Ashish and his team were climbing down the stairs. Regular handshakes were followed by all the officials moving towards the school gymnasium. They entered a big hall. There was a rectangular platform in the centre of that hall with surrounding seating area. As they were ushered to their seats, a crowd of around fifteen hundred consisting of students, coaches and teachers cheered for them. The event was decorated with appropriation. Although the gymnasium had capacity of around three thousand but somehow, it looked filled. Perhaps enthusiasm had filled the remaining vacant chairs. All of the students were displaying banners. Who they were rooting for was a foregone conclusion. “DEEPAK” was a popular sign that day.  Almost all the fonts were used as if to convey different meanings of ‘Deepak Marak’. Five pommel horses were lined up at one side of the platform for practice and a new one in the middle for performance. He was proudly standing as though he were a superior breed. Ashish looked around for Deepak, who was nowhere to be seen. Was he the show stopper or the show itself? He thought.

He and his team members were introduced by the principal. They had assembled alongside the ‘superior’ horse at the centre stage. As they were retreating after the formalities, Ashish got a chance to feel the horse. He patted it and felt as though the horse knew the touch.

Dr. Digonto led Ashish and his team to their respective seats. The view was planned meticulously. It ensured hassle free viewership for expert opinion.

Suddenly, a huge uproar began and with it whistles, claps and hoots started having a field day. All eyes were at the opposite side of guests’ seats from where the superstar would make an entry. A figure emerged. It was a teenager around fifteen years waving his hands and coming towards the middle of the arena. He was not Deepak, Ashish thought, as he had already seen him in the pictures. His doubts were cleared as the noise also endorsed his view and diminished as quickly as it had grown. There were three finalists among the group of twenty five participants from all over the state. That boy was the first finalist. He was ok. He stumbled twice during the routine and after a stuttering dismount, the poor chap went into oblivion. The next finalist was even more uncomfortable. He tried many things but succeeded in nothing. However, both of them were quite good for their age.

Then came the moment everybody was waiting for. A neatly chiseled body arrived at the threshold wearing a clean white gymnast suit. The crowd erupted like volcano. Ears of Ashish went deaf. He looked at Deepak- new, promising, clean and confident. Almost over confident. He had a long hair, which were nicely controlled with the help of a band. Ashish thought that it was strange for every other student wore a short crew cut. Perhaps, the superstar had certain privileges. As Deepak was waving his hands and playing to the galleries, a girl of about his age came from behind and put her arms around his waist. The girl kissed his cheeks as he laughed looking at her. That was a shocker. The star already had a girl in his arms. This wasn’t right. But who was Ashish to judge? He was here just to watch the talent of the boy. Ashish looked at the principal, who was sitting besides him. The principal was clapping and nodding vehemently. He was so filled with pride that he overlooked certain discrepancies in Deepak.

Ashish looked at Deepak, who by now, was drenched in his own doing of arrogance. He moved towards the pommel horse with one hand resting casually around his girlfriend’s waist and the other waving to his fans. As he went near the horse, he gave a little push to his girl. The girl took her forced position near the horse. He came close to the pommel horse and touched it with his hands. Some kind of superstition, Ashish thought. Before beginning his routine, the superstar again waved to his followers urging them to keep the noise going. Surely, modesty wasn’t one of his virtues.

Till that moment, Deepak had shown all the ingredients required to become a superstar. Antics, tantrums and showmanship. Now, let’s see whether he had what it really takes to be one- talent, Ashish thought with diminishing hopes.

Deepak grasped the horse saddle like an expert and climbed upon it. He began his show with ‘front support swings’. It was professionally executed. He changed gears to ‘stride swings’. It was followed by a neat ‘double leg circle’ routine. By now, he was floating. The crowd looked silently with a few ‘oohs’ and aahs’. Suddenly, Deepak turned and performed the ‘flairs’. It was an aggressive ‘flair’. He was extremely powerful for his age. Neither his legs bent nor his toes not pointed at any stage. Ashish was impressed. As he transformed into ‘scissors’, Ashish’s heart gave way. His could feel goose bumps all over his body. Tears of joy took position. He had never seen such delightful show of strength and vigour in his whole life. Deepak looked like a ‘teenager’ possessed. He displayed all the major moves, which could put an Olympics gymnast to disgrace. ‘Front loop’, ‘front moore’, ‘full kehr’ and finally finished with an impeccable ‘handstand’ dismount.

The entire crowd went berserk. All present were standing. All present were applauding like freaks. That included Ashish Goswami. Everyone clapped as hard as they had never clapped before. It was a ‘gold medal winning’ performance- shame he was not at the Olympics.

As he was acknowledging a well deserved applause, his girlfriend came to him and hugged him. He lifted her and took circles with her clinging to him as if she were glued. Nobody minded that for he had earned it. Even Ashish overlooked the awkwardness.

Eventually, the noise subsided and the podium was set for prize distribution ceremony. There was no doubt about the winner in anyone’s mind. Ashish presented the medals. While he was putting the gold medal around Deepak’s neck, he looked at him. Deepak wasn’t looking, he was flying in his own world. He was more eager to raise his hands once again. Ashish even forwarded his hand for a handshake but Deepak after a pause turned away. He jumped with raised fists displaying his developing biceps. Surely, modesty wasn’t his forte but that was embarrassing for Ashish. He thought that, for Deepak, he was merely a stepping stone, only a formality, for nobody could stop him now. That was true.

Ashish returned to his seat along with the principal and other officials. His eyes never left Deepak. He followed his every move. The girl was still in his arms, glued. For how long? Ashish thought. He had seen the type, he knew them very well. Once he gets to the academy, he would certainly leave her with a broken heart. Ashish, though happy for gymnastics, was apprehensive of Deepak. He planned for special counseling sessions once he got hold of him. It was necessary to bring him back to his senses.  He thought that if Deepak was so arrogant at this stage of his career when he hasn’t achieved much, what could be the result when he accomplishes something? It would be disastrous. He prayed for Deepak. As he was mingling with such thoughts about future course of action, Dr. Digonto’s words reached his ear.

“So, Mr. Goswami, what do you think?”

“Well, he is impressive for his age.”

“And that too after being blind since birth, who would believe, eh?”

Ashish looked at the principal with speechless wide eyes as Deepak took out his goggles and stick from his bag and moved towards the exit. His sister was still clinging onto him, glued.