Days don’t allow for much rest, do they? Always in a hurry. They passed by quickly.
The day finally arrived when the boys from the academy had to go to the metropolis located some distance away for selection. After intense training and selection rounds, eight boys qualified for this opportunity. Both coaches were also accompanying them, along with two assistants to manage their meals and other arrangements.
A gleaming luxury bus was stationed at the gate, and the atmosphere was just as lively as it would be when a wedding procession leaves the house.
Away from the stress of the competition, all the boys were chirping with the excitement of the journey at this moment.
Waving hands, those present there bid farewell to those leaving and extended their best wishes.
The unique thing about any selection process is that even though success may only come to one or two in the end, in the beginning, hope shines brightly on every face. It feels like a fair of expectations.
The journey from there was about four to five hours. They were to arrive by evening, settle in, and the games would begin the next morning.
As the bus departed, all the boys became like children, with their gleeful laughter echoing.
For a while, the road was winding. After crossing the valley, there was a straight path ahead. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the journey. Most of the boys had never seen such a big city before. They were all amazed.
The mass of buildings and the firefly-like glow of lights captivated everyone.
After arriving there at night, they wandered around a little to explore the nearby area. After dinner, they quickly went to sleep. The day’s exhaustion had taken its toll, although they were all used to being tired.
There was a large crowd at the field. It seemed as if the spectators far outnumbered the players, coaches, and others present. The arrangements were excellent.
Once the selection competition began, time seemed to fly by at lightning speed. One brilliant marksman after another. Whenever a player achieved significant success, the crowd that had accompanied them cheered loudly.
The competition ended before lunch.
Both coaches were over the moon. In their very first international selection, two of their players had been chosen. Everyone congratulated each other. The boys were brimming with enthusiasm.
When Kabir, overwhelmed with joy, touched the feet of both coaches, several boys whistled. Each one took turns hugging him.
The mischievous Rohan even planted a big kiss on Kabir’s cheek as he embraced him.
After lunch, it was time to head back.
Both Rohan and Kabir had been selected for the competition. Rohan came from a family of forest contractors and had attended school for some time in his village before coming here. He was about seventeen years old and a hardworking boy. Kabir, on the other hand, was a nineteen-year-old poor boy who had been raised by distant relatives.
But now, these distinctions no longer mattered. Both were now brilliant students of the academy, and everyone was proud of them. No one could have imagined that these two talented boys would soon be traveling abroad.
In a few days, they were to join a training camp as well.
Carrying the wave of hopes and aspirations with them, the bus returned to the academy campus late at night.
