The Race

The muddy spikes firmly dug,the limestone scattered loosely along the ground,sweat dripping from the temple,the head making movements down and then steadily up towards the finishing line."On your marks," Avik steadily comes to position with his torso nearly 45 degrees to the horizontal,"get ,set ...," he knows this is his last chance,"GO!"

Like other years this year too it was the annual sports day at school.Avik has the responsibility of winning for his team.150m,200m and 400m has been completed.He could not clinch the gold in any of them.Aspirations were high.His Dad who has coached him for the past years keenly observing.The teachers and his classmates very disappointed with the performance.This is the last chance.A win is must for his team to score the maximum points.He can never face his dad if he loses.

The 100m race has begun.It was not the perfect start he would have liked to have.He was lacking concentration.His start was very late.Almost half way down the race, a decent 10m distance had been created between the leading runner and him.Only 50m separated between him and the result!

Things were very different in the previous years.It was a clean sweep for Avik in nearly all events.The confidence level at an all time high.A pack of loose glucose allowed him to run throughout the day.It was merely the second spot which others competed for.Things certainly have changed.

The crowd was silent.They could clearly see Avik giving up half way through.Suddenly out of the crowds came a shrieking girl's voice "Avikkkkkkkk ......................come on.....pulllllllllllllllllllll !"

Avik knew this voice.A sudden gush of adrenaline flowed across his ailing body.The monotone gather momentum and the whole crowd started cheering him at the top of their voice,"Pulllllllll...........Avikkkkkkkkk....pulllllll !"The resistance gave way to strength.The focus shifted completely towards reaching the finishing line first.A sudden acceleration in the final 20m caught everyone unawares.It wasnt anticipated.Avik pulled from the 4th position clearing the two runners infront.The crowd was in for a photo finish.

Avik generally puts his head down when he is about to end.This ending was much different.It was not the same cakewalk which he is accustomed to.He pulled from behind to catch up with the leading runner.The line was just a couple of seconds away.He put his head down and made that final dash.The flag fluttered at the finishing line!

The race had finished.Dust engulfed the whole arena.The crowd anticipated the result in silence.11.78 seconds......Avik wins!

Avik was gasping for breath.He knew he had won.A joyous moment which was he had anticipated since long.Tears did roll out but little did anyone notice them except his Dad.Never did he cry after a race.Is it winning which mattered most or the effort put towards winning mattered most.Is it the happiness or the pursuit of it.He is yet to figure it out.

Avique