Raghvi Drabble Series: Journey-[Final drabble updated 15/06 on page 9] - Page 5

Match

It had now become a ritual for Raghav and Pallavi to spend a part of their Sundays together at the Rao Mansion. This Sunday, Pallavi had walked in on Raghav playing table tennis.

“Table tennis! Do you mind if I join?”

Raghav heard her voice and stopped for a minute. He turned around to address her.

“Sure. How well do you play?”

“Very well. Nikhil and I play often.”

“Well then what do you think of a match?”

“Bring it on.”

They laid out the rules and Farhad was brought in as referee after a lot of convincing. He stood nervous as Raghav and Pallavi stared each other down from the opposite ends of the table. He sent a tiny prayer to god as he blew the whistle to begin the game.

This was about to be one of the most intense matches he was about to judge. The game began.

Every point would be celebrated with a loud cheer by the winner and groan by the other. Everything was fairly fine until one moment when both cheered at the same time.
“One second, why did you cheer? It’s my point,” Raghav asked

“No, the ball bounced on your side.”

“No it did not.”

“Yes it did.”

They both turned to Farhad. He gulped.

“I think..”, he began.

“Farhad, remember the importance of brotherhood.”

“You’re resorting to dishonesty.”

“I’m merely reminding him of our love.”

“Okay then, Farhad also remember our whatsapp group.”

“You have a group with him?!”

“That is none of your business.”

“Farhad, remember our biryani nights.”

“Farhad, think about laddoos.”

“You know me for longer.”

“Urgh. Honesty is the best policy. Don’t compromise on it for your Anna.”

“You were bribing him too!”

“That was to distract him from your bribing.”

Their argument was broken by a whistle.

Farhad took a deep breath,”No one gets the point. Please continue with the game and from now onwards anyone who makes a bribing attempt automatically loses a point.”

Raghav and Pallavi’s protests were met by the whistle. Grudgingly they resumed the game. This time there were no massive arguments and Farhad had turned into a rather firm referee.

The end of the game was quite intense. Raghav reached match point first, with Pallavi just a point behind.

“Ha, Saree ka Dukaan, it’s only going to be a few moments until you lose.”

“You haven’t won yet Raghav, and a deuce is still on the horizon.”

Indeed Pallavi scored a point, making Raghav let out a frustrated stream. At this point Farhad was nearly biting his nails.

Pallavi managed to take the lead and scored, finally winning the match.

“Ha!” Pallavi loudly exclaimed, “What were you saying about it being a moment until I lose? I don’t quite remember, repeat it .”

Raghav scowled in response and Pallavi laughed and broke into a victory dance.

As Raghav watched Pallavi dance around the room, he was hit with a strange realisation. For the first time in his life, losing felt good. His thoughts were interrupted by her words,

“Farhad, I must say you were quite a strict referee.”

“You seemed to enjoy ordering us around,” Raghav added

All of Farhad’s firmness had gone and he weakly laughed in response. Raghav and Pallavi burst into laughter at his reaction and he joined in.

Pallavi realised that it was time to go home.She felt her joy fade a little. She couldn’t understand why the thought of leaving was making her sad, she spent every Sunday here after all. However, Raghav's next statement brightened her mood.

“Anyways Pallavi, would you like to celebrate your victory with lunch? Reddy makes excellent food.”

“Ah! I would love that. But to what do I owe such niceness?.”

“I’m not a sore loser. Besides I need to find out about that whatsapp group.”

“Good luck with that,” Pallavi grinned as she walked towards the dining table with Raghav following her.

A/N: I was unsure about posting this as writing about a game I don't play is hard but I really wanted to write about them playing Table Tennis and their playful rivalry. Anyways I hope y'all enjoyed it. Until the next drabble ♥.