PART IV
Pressures
The family was up and active, the boys were off to the swimming, Raaghav was busy taking care of the girls, both the princesses were literally on him, licking biting his cheeks as they missed him during their play time...dadda dadda non stop... he took them to their play and was making them play the merry go round... Chakor went for preparing for the boys and to her workouts. She was doing perfectly fine and infact was loosing those flabs and getting her tones fine along. She came back, fed the girls alongwith Raaghav and was getting ready for that day's races as it was the last day of the heats in the morning with the finals post noon.
Ar and Aa were at the dining. Raaghav and Chakor joined them while the girls were with Girija and the baby sitters in their play area after pecking their bros. Raaghav kissed the boys, hugged Ar, how are you young man he asked... Ar hugged ... thank you daddy for everything but daddy if you have time can you come during the semi finals please he asked. Raaghav knows his boy needs him... Chakor smiled as she knows Ar just dotes upon and needs his daddy. The boys were ready, sought the blessings going to the Pooja room and from Girija and Raamu kaaka. Shyaam Laal stayed in the plantation along with Mohit. He called and wished good luck to Ar.
Chakor kissed her roses, waved them bye. Raaghav kissed the boys and his Queen in the forehead... Aa was hugging mummy after kissing her on her eyes... Arey lalla shuru kardiya mera biwi ko line maarney ko came Raaghav. Naughty AA was running saying what to do Raaghav babu, mummy is becoming more beautiful now... Chakor was in all smiles and was kissing her laadla... her face was blushing as Raaghav was winking at her.
Accha take care and all the best he said waving to them...He went in his car to the plantation..
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They were early to school. None had come. Ar went for his warm up, while Chakor went to the office and to the room where the shoes and socks were kept. She took the keys from the office and opened. She quickly saw the boxes which had the marking as Ar. Only Arjun had two boxes while the others had only one. She looked at the new box, took the shoes and looked through it carefully completely and kept it back in the same place. The boxes were very identical but one had the used one while the other had the sparingly used though looked very similar.
She came out locked the room gave the keys and called Aa who was with Ar and spoke to him. He listened to her carefully couldn't understand much but told her Yes mumma will do as you said...
Careful Aa said Chakor. She got a call from Raaghav.
The children were coming and the ground was becoming vibrant.
Karnad and Lalit were carrying the shoes and socks. It was the initial heat for 200 mts and only Arjun was in the race with others... He won it with ease.
The next one was the last heat but in this Arjun and Rohan were together and it was 400 mtrs. Ar looked at Chakor who just lifted her thumb and pressed her heart. He nodded. The boys were given few sprint exercises so their shoes were removed. They were warming up and were getting ready. Lalit brought the box with the shoes that was used sparingly for Ar.. while the other box was behind him. Aa called lalit saying there is something crawling in his back. Lalit jittered and dropped the box while looking back and Aa quickly changed the box which was similar, though he did not know why mummy wanted him to change the box... but he did it. . The boys were on their marks and the gun was shot. Arjun and Rohan were running fine and Ar was pacing fast. He looked at Chakor who showed her thumsup. He ran fast and Rohan was looking at Ar with surprise who was pacing before him. Arjun finished first much to the dismay of Rohan.. The announcement was made that Arjun was leading in all the heats... (How is this possible shouted the man angrily when was called and told by the poen Karnad... He was in his office aged around 65...it just cannot happen. Use the plan B in the semifinals if this does not work.. he said). Arjun ran to Chakor... mummaa, she said just focus and give your best she said smiling...
In the semifinals along with Rohan there were in total 8 boys. The boys were taken to the track which was near the bushes as the semi finals and the finals were played there on fresh tracks. Ar was looking out for Raaghav in the crowd. Aa wished the boys best and moved aside when he saw Lalit hiding behind the bushes... he wanted to call Chakor but by that time the gun was shot for the first semi finals. Ar and Ro were running fine and Ar was pacing fast. He looked at Chakor who pointed her fingers to the finish line. He ran fast and Rohan was looking at Ar with surprise who was pacing before him. There were many bushes in a row... Aa was hiding and going behind Lalit, he saw Lalit with his catapault aiming at the tracks at Ar who was pacing fast. Aa reaslied what it was and he quickly caught hold of Lalit and was trying to pull his hand. As the crowd was shouting and cheering, none noticed the boys behind the bush. What are you doing he asked Lalit... holding him by his back and pulling his hand... by that time Lalit released the catapault and the sharp stone flew towards the track. Noo he shouted looking at Ar... bhaaai... it was not heard... The stone flew ... Arjun noticed Raaghav cheering in the crowd , turned his face right towards Raaghav and thus the stone flew past him and hit behind. Aaahhh there was a shriek and thud a noise... Rohan held his temple and rolled down... the other runners who were coming behind him got tripped and fell on him only to get up and start running. The whole crowd was shocked. Ar heard the noise and turned back while still running... He saw Rohan fallen down and shrieking in pain while there was blood in his face. Chakor was shocked...
Before she could run... Ar stopped ran back to Rohan... Lifted him, put his hands around his shoulders hugged his waist and made him run slowly with him... the other boys ran past but he never left Rohan, Chakor indeed smiled, felt proud... the PT master and the other staff quickly ran to take Rohan...He was bleeding, The whole crowd cheered for Ar. He came behind... He did loose in the semi finals but he won everyone's heart there... Rohan was quickly taken to the first aid room and then to the nursing home nearby.
Aa brought Lalit and said he hit with the catapault. The Principal was shocked... Lalit lied stating that he did not aim but was playing by... He could not look at Chakor who was looking straight into his eyes.
Raaghav came running as he was shocked, just lifted Ar and hugged him tight... are you ok, the stone would have hit you... Did you get bruised... He was just jittering, looking at Ar all over and kissing him. No daddy I am fine, but for you I would have got hurt he said... Hugging him... there was bit of chaos and the Principal suspended the games events and said that rest of the games will be conducted the next day... the staff appreciated Arjun...
He said Mummy sorry I lost the semifinals I could not run to the line seeing Rohan hurt. Chakor hugged him kissed Arjun, you have made me so so proud mera beta she said... But you did run fast she said.. Chakor kissed Aa you did great she said... but mummy... lets go home she said not to talk anything now... She looked at Raaghav who brought the Rover.
Ar was hugging Raaghav, daddy if you had not come, I would not have turned... but why was Lalit there?? Chakor hugged Aa and said softly... thank you my dear... you did perfect... Donot tell anything to Ar now she said. Yes mummy... but that lalit...fisting himself. Its ok its ok I will speak to him she said. Aa hugged Ar holding him tight, bro thank god you did not get hurt. I am fine he said to AA... I want to go home fast... did not play with Aditi... have to say sorry to her...
Raaghav was visibly shaken, Chakor placed her hands on him... we shall talk she said... But mummy!!! Ar exclaimed aloud... I did not slow my pace during the heat with Rohan and in the semifinals too... You are right... If we win our thoughts we can achieve our goal.. thank you mummy he said. Chakor was thinking... Raaghav was looking at her who was in her thoughts.
She got a call from the Sports council that Rati was waiting for her... she got dropped at the council and asked Raaghav to take the boys home... He asked her to wait while he will come back to pick her...
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The boys were so happy ... Daddy they hugged him... thank you daddy for making mummy get back to the coaching... He patted them.. Yes the Eagle is back!!! He made the boys have lunch along with the girls who were jumping at their Princes.. Ar just kept saying sorry to Aditi and kissing her and playing with both the princesses...
Girija said beta khaana when Raaghav packed his and Chakor's lunch and set to the sports council. He asked Raamu kaka to carry the lunch to Shyaam Lal and Mohit as both were working through the night.
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Rati, a sweet girl in her late 20s from a middle class family who had passion to run and also she wanted to participate as she wanted money to save her brother who was sick and needing medical attention. She had participated in district level races but this was the first time she is into national level. She felt eclectic when she was told that Chakor is her coach. Her mom and bro were in the village. Chakor said she can stay in Rishab lodge till the marathoning. They had a good brief. Rati's name was entered late as she did not want to participate initially as she did not have the means. But with the need for money she wanted to participate. Her pace record was indeed very good.
Chakor was happy that there was someone from a remote village and reminisced her marathoning days...
Didi, I have to win this race for my brother... please help me she said... Chakor took personal responsibility of taking care of her diet and workout regime to save her on those cost.
Raaghav came to the council and both left together ... He stopped at a park...
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Fumed Hira Laal, how can this happen... This boy's father had accepted and taken money so when Rohan wins he will give his credit of win saying it was due to Laal's special tea for the children which boosts immunity and stamina...and thus can enter the children's market. . But how can this happen he fumed. All my efforts will go futile... he called Karnad and Rohan's father... they both were scared. The father had tried to cash in and add fuel to Rohan's jealousness and enmity with Arjun. He was told that he will win though Rohan was not aware of what was going behind dirty. Tell your son he has to run the finals even it hurts him... I don't care he shouted.
He turned to Karnad how is it possible!! How did he pace?? Did the PT master do anything he asked. I don't know saab PT master doesnot know about the box. Haan saab I forgot to tell about Chakor mam she is the Coach. Whaaat he shouted. Why didn't you tell me?? This is not going to be easy he thumped the table... Get out he said be careful with the finals he shouted. He got a call from his marketing team about Rati whose name has been entered in the marathoning list recently. How?? Why???
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RagKor were having their lunch...parking their Rover beside
Raaghav was feeding her and eating himself while Chakor was seeing the shoes which was sparingly used. Aa had quickly given it to Ria asking her to keep within her bag...She gave it to Raaghav in the ground and told uncle keep it in your car quickly. Cutely opening her eyes wide... nobody should see. Aayansh gave it to me... she ran away giving it to Raaghav, to her other friends.
Maidam...he snapped
Thanks Raaghav that you managed to find that Hira Laal is playing cheap with sponsoring advt. How can they play with school kids fueling their innocent dislikes into hatred and enmity.
I will strangle him for that he was raging.. and tell me what's in this shoes, I cannot see any difference. She explained and his eyes was wide opened..
Raaghav, any sneakers for the runners has to be sturdy but light and the sole which has the seam settles while running and does not move. If the seams are even a little mm thick and cut not accurately, it creates slight discomfort but will not hurt but the pace slows down a bit. For a sprinter every sec matters so a loss of few seconds in the speed affects the speed and also the morale of the runner. Once the sneakers settles well with your pace it airs well and maintains your pace.
She showed the shoe which was sparingly used and the seams (stitches) were quite thick as against the normal thickness and the sole was not cut accurate but had a gap inside which will hurt the heel. But, if the same shoes are used regularly, the feet will get used to it and there would not be any discomfort. But, cleverly Arjun was made to change his shoes within minutes which indeed affects the speed as it take time for the feet and the heel to settle.
Raaghav was amazed... he just could not believe that such a small thing will affect so much...
But maidam how can Rohan and Lalit do this. No Raaghav I doubt if they know about it.. I am sure the boys will not know but just their jealous is being fueled by the elders for their cheap benefits. We shall give the shoes to the sports council for a quality test and keep the report.
But if they search for the shoes?? Asked Raaghav. They will not and even if they they cannot spell it out as it's the loss from thief's property and cannot be shout aloud. But we need to be careful.
I don't know if this Laal has played dirty with the National marathoning too...
Hmmm I shall keep a watch said Raaghav...
Feeding her the last morsel... Maidam maanna padey, kamaal hai thu bey!!! Itni samajdaar.. ekbaar sach saamne aaney dho phir maarunga mera beta ko thakleef dhenekeliye...woh Hira ko theer maarunga!!!
Kuch nahi karongi thu... she said pointing her fingers... teek hai maidam he smirked holding his ears.
But Raaghav I am worried about the finals... she said... He knew what to be done...
Waise bi thank you for bringing food I was too hungry... She smiled side hugging him. Chalo lets go home I need to start the work outs for Rati... I should speak to Rathod sir.. she was on and on while he was smiling driving back to the Mansion but thinking for the next day too..
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Aa was restless as he does not hide anything to Ar but about the catapault and shoes mummy has told him not to tell anything to Ar till the finals are over.
In the late evening, Chakor was working out when Aa came there. Ar was resting surfing the net while the roses were playing...
Mummy... tell me why you wanted to take the box and also mummy I am angry with Lalit he said...
She said Aa as we grow we want what others want too but we should work for it and not cheat others, as children you will have likes, dislikes, being friendly or not but those should not be made to grow into hatred and enmity. Certain people do things base on situations they are in. So Lalit would have done this for his friend Rohan. He would have felt bad now. So lets wait and see. Don't tell anything to Ar as good things and deeds should be shared while bad things should not be shared as it will develop hatred in our hearts. You did great by holding Lalit and also not telling it to Arjun. I am proud of you my son she said... hmm. Ok mummy may be they both would feel bad and true as you say, Rohan and Lalit thought bad for bhaai and see god indeed punished them. What you sow so you reap. Sabaash mera beta walked in Raaghav in his tracks and sleeveless T hearing their conversation.. He hugged Aa and said go play with Ananya she is searching for you, while I do a bit of workout with mumma and come...looking at her...ok daddy Aa ran to An..
You are shameless she said... Why? I said only workout in the gym...nothing else... keeping his face innocent.. How about the ball exercise he asked pulling her closer.. she said no need I have worked enough you do your stretches she said... I am tired.. hmm ok but you just rest here on the hammock while I do my treadmill and stretches he said. He went to do his treadmill and the rope pull exercise which was toning his biceps and shoulders. He was sweating too much... he removed his T and was doing his stretches... She was smiling looking at him and just could not move her eyes from his toned torso.. feeling her gaze he smiled and said hmm someone is flirting... there is time and you can join my stretches.. shut up she said blushing... his torso was shining with the focus lights and with sweat beads...she was looking at him from her hammock... he got up walked to the hammock and kissed her subtly on her nose lifting her. She was wiping his sweat from his face and his torso with her towel smiling/ turning red... He looked raising his eyebrows.
She smiled garlanding his neck mumbling ...what? he asked placing his ears near her mouth... brushing his ears she said handsometa!!! Lowering her eyes.. haanhaan that's an unexpected compliment he squeezed her.. put me down she said.. as they were coming out of the gym. He put her down, taking his T., pushing her to the wall, holding her waist, tell me something, why is that women hold themselves so much/ hesitate in expressing their desire, love, needs, is it wrong to express to their husbands??, while men do it and many times take their wives for granted even when they are not in their best of moods. That was an unexpected one... she was surprised and at the same time felt proud. Raaghav that's how the all ordinary women are taught right from the young age, men never even try to understand that and few gems like you may she said. He kissed her on her forehead and told as much as the husband has the right to admire his wife in all ways the wife should also admire her man and also express her willingness or refute if she is not in her best. She looked at him... tears were ebbing... she placed her head on his chest. He lifted her chin.. I am blessed to have a gem she said, so am I he said... You are not an ordinary woman and I don't want you to be too.. She kissed his chest.
After his shower they both had their dinner, kissed their Lions and their roses and went to bed... she was thinking... Hope the day tomorrow dawns well!! It will he said hugging her while she slept on his chest holding his hands... Ever since the start of coaching and his plantation processing they did not have a proper time for themselves but never missed to be in each other's warmth.
She slept while he was thinking...
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You have to run shouted the father... I cannot its hurting he cried.. You have to shouted the old man holding back the father...
He ran inspite of...
Dare do wrong with my son... He raged...
Indian Mythology
