The competition was held in the premises of Commerce College of Marwar. It's an hour away from my hometown. The time was scheduled at 11:30 a.m. I had had my lunch and sought blessings from my grandparents and mom before packing the bags up. Meanwhile, dad called.
Dad: So the chess competition begins today. You will see now how cunning the people are. People believe in winning by any means because Winners define the history. You have always followed the rules. Learn to crack them too. Go ahead, have your experience. Better luck!
Me: Thank you dad! (And I cut the call)
Bhanu and Shubham were waiting for me at the bus stop. We boarded the bus at 10:00 a.m.
Shubham: Five days consecutively. The one who scores the most will win a lump sum of Rs. 25000. The other prizes are Rs.5000 and Rs.1000 only. Lets see who wins.
(Had he practised a lot, he was cocksure about his win. I smiled but kept quiet.)
We reached there on time. The attendants were called to sign their presence. The host reiterated the rules. The game would be over in 30 minutes. If no one won, both were supposed to lose. The judges gave points to the winners. Altogether, there were only 32 boys and girls. I was the last one. As per the register, we were assigned to the desks, adorned with the chess boards. I faced the number 17 guy. Before the game started, I heard some gossips about a guy named Pratap. He was a senior student at the college and had won chess competitions for four consecutive years there. I could smell the strategy of 'Rule by fear'. The bell rung and game started. Bhanu gestured me good luck.
My opponent used the direct attacking style which I saved myself with pawns and knights together. When I had surrounded his powers, he became clueless. Within five minutes, I checkmated him.
Me: You must have practised a lot..
(He made a long assent emoting anger on his face.)
"..but with the wrong guy".
He was intimidated. The judges had alloted me 10 on 10.
I overlooked other players and their games. I could see none who really understood chess. Everyone played to destroy the other. One of the judges called me asking not to disturb.
Me: I am a chess player sir. And my game is on until I win. Thus, you won't have any complaint from me.
As I approached to Bhanu, she expressed her appreciation for me. I expressed thanks in a tacit way. Over the other 15 minutes, I had noticed everyone and come aside. Pratap made the next winning move and stood up. The judges alloted him 9 on 10. Within next 2 minutes, Shubham and Bhanu had also completed the game with 8 and 8.5 points respectively. Some others had also completed. Only two games continued for over half-hour.
Bhanumati: (a long sigh) Uhh! (break) You made it so early today!
Shubham congratulated me.
Me: Let's go to our room!
Every player had to stay in the hostel until the competition was over. Girls were appropriated three rooms and boys had eight rooms. Bhanu was lucky to have a single partner. Anyone could enter each other's room throughout the day. So, we three stayed together.
Bhanumati: (concerned) Everyone gossiped about the guy Pratap. Did you hear people bet on his win?
Me: Oh God Bhanu, I can predict the new arrangements where, you will face him tomorrow. What will you do now?
(I drew a sly remark on her fear.)
(She realised her worry was in vain for it was just my prediction.)
Bhanumati: LOL Agastya!
Shubham: Tomorrow, it will be one level up. The more time is taken, the lesser points we will obtain. When if lost, there's no chance to get any prize. I fear of what happens tomorrow!
I felt the strategy of 'Rule by fear' worked successfully on every player. Pratap also knew it very well.
Brother Rudra called me in the evening. He seldom called me. He wished to know how my first match went. I reported him that it was not so exciting however, I received full points.
Brother Rudra: Good! But it's just started. Let's see how far you approach to. You will learn much there. Keep up the good work. Take care!
(He advised and wished me the best.)
At 9:00 p.m. after we all had our dinner, a guy entered into the room. He introduced himself as Sumedh.
Sumedh: The match was easy today. My opponent, number 22, played so slow that made me sleep. I counted we played only 37 steps. If I get opponents unlike him, I will gain the highest points. When I stayed in Palampur, I learnt playing chess with the national champions.
(He boasted of his feat. Actually he didn't mention that he played chess with the wrestlers. He didn't know but I had watched him playing; however, I mentioned nothing.)
Shubham: You should have taken part in nationals then. At least the Hariyan State could enrol it's name. You would have chances of being famous and here, we would have got a chance to win.
Sumedh: Umm...yeah.. I will definitely reach the nationals. We can't directly compete there. So, I will level myself up from district level to state and then the nationals. But, be ready for tomorrow. Good night! (He laid down on the bed.)
Both of us wished him good night and proper sleep.
Bhanumati messaged me good night. I replied her sleepy emoticons and slept.
The next morning when I woke up, it was 5:00 a.m. Shubham and Sumedh were sleeping like a log. I freshened up as usual and came out under the sky. I entered the lawn and meditated there trying to recall what the day yester had happened.
Me: Come Bhanu. Sit besides me. (I could feel her nearing me.)
Bhanumati: (In great surprise) Your eyes were closed. How do you know I am here?
Me: A true friend will always feel the presence of his/her friend. (break) So did I feel you Bhanu.
Bhanu: I came to ask you something but now I feel these competitions, worries, losses, profits, tricks and treachery are all trivial matters for you. Who ever will have you beside doesn't need any of above. O' Agastya, you are a gem. (She said it euphoniously.)
Me: Where are you lost now? My words will delude you Bhanu. And if you don't hear me, you will be taken up the garden path. Hahaha!
(I tried to have fun with her.)
She grinned and laughed.