It was the best day of her life in these 18 years. A cool breeze was blowing through her hair and lifted up her shadows of expectation of the man she loved. She felt like she was floating in the heavens with not a care in the world.
Rosemary studied at Queens' College, where she was studying under Sports Quota. She was the state recognized athlete and she had got into her dream college. She was through heart and soul into English Literature and sports was her passion. Not just that she was good at sports, but she was also the class topper in her chosen stream of study. She was staying at the Girls' Hostel since there was rigorous practice before and after college hours daily hence it was compulsory for the Sports trainees to stay at hostel.
It was at Queens' that she met the man of her dreams. Though an all- rounder in everything, with not a thing to find fault with her; Rosemary had however a complex; she was dark skinned. Beauty was not gifted to our heroine. She would look with wondrous eyes at the fair- skinned femmes and fantasize about her Prince Charming just like all girls of her age. Her Mum would say its just a temporary infatuation which all girls have and its perfectly normal and not be taken any seriously."The time shall come when you'll find the best person for you,'' her mother had said, ''for now just concentrate on your studies and getting a good job."
But somehow Rosemary kept on eagerly waiting and searching for her Prince Charming. There were so many things she wished to share with "the One".
On the first day of her sports' coaching at Queens she met the Man of her dreams. It was love at first sight. Her coach. Sigh! What an amazing personality he was. That voice, that commanding style, that confidence, that assuring gesture, that amazing body shape, everything was just so perfect that she fell head over heels for him.
Mr Krishna was no less charmed or attracted by the nimble, graceful, jolly young newcomer. She was quick and eager to get accustomed to all the practices and the long work outs before and after college hours. He encouraged her to excel in all sports training that the College offered- be it kabbadi, badminton, 100 m/200 m sprint, hockey, football, table tennis, gymnastics and kho- kho. He pampered her with his comments showcasing her as a gem not found in millions. These little signs made Rosemary blush to the roots of her hair. Sometimes, her heart used to skip a beat seeing him smiling across his warm, handsome face like ray of new hope, new life...
At times Rosemary used to think about the difference of religion where she being a Christian and he being a Hindu would pose difficulties in the societal relations if she were to tie the knot to him. She knew her parents were against this sort of inter- caste marriage but somehow her inner voice told her that they would accept it at the end if God were willing. After all, all marriages are made in heaven.Everything was crystal clear. Her affection towards Mr Krishna increased day by day; however, she was uncertain how to express it to the man himself.
One day, the principal announced that it was Inter District College Sports Competition and the first event was 100 m sprint which was to be held at some college which was around 25 kms away. The coach during the daily sports practice round up announced that he, Rosemary and another girl who was her back up also go to the venue at least 1 day before the event, preferably by evening, as the Competition would be held by morning 10 or so.
Rosemary called up and informed her parents about the event. Initially, they had their fears but since Rosemary had already gone to other far- off places earlier in connection with her sports competitions so they heavy- heartedly agreed to her participation in the event.
The event was scheduled to be held day after tomorrow. It was at short notice that the event was scheduled. Rosemary and her substitute, Nisha had rigorous practice for the next 2 days even during free periods and lunch breaks. Both days, she returned back tired to the hostel but always with a beaming countenance. The second day's evening both Nisha and Rosemary packed their bags along with coach Krishna to go to the venue.
Rosemary was super- excited. A day with Coach Krishna! Maybe this might be the right chance to express her feelings for him. Maybe he may not agree, but chances were that he also liked her so she couldn't hold back her laughter at the look of his face. Nisha would be there, but she would nip in there at some break and break the news to him. She was ready to wait for 3-4 years till she finished her studies and secured a job. All that was left was telling him how she felt.The D day finally arrived. Rosemary woke up feeling very energetic and fresh. She told her short prayer to the Almighty seeking his blessings in the game as well as the task at hand. She freshened up and rushed to the ground for early morning practice.
A gentle breeze was blowing and her hair floated across her face. The grass heads were nodding their heads to and fro in the breeze and Rosemary was in tune with Mother Nature. Nisha had not yet turned up. Probably in the mess hall. Coach Krishna came sprinting along. He gave her a beaming smile. Now was her chance. Neither Nisha nor anybody else was there. There were students of some other college practicing in the grounds in the distance but none within ear shot distance.
'Ok Rosemary, where is Nisha?' queried Coach Krishna. Rosemary opened her mouth but was interrupted by someone calling in the distance, 'OK, ALL CONTESTANTS LINE UP HERE, and HURRY!'
So there was no more time left. So everyone went for reporting and registering. Both Rosemary and Krishna were shortly joined by Nisha. They did a pre- game final rehearsal and framed a plausible strategy. Rosemary was slightly set back as her golden opportunity was missed out by seconds. Anyhow, she kept her fingers crossed.
Queens' sports players and Coach were given a place in the stadium back stage where they could keep items that they urgently needed during the game. Rosemary's game was due to start in about an hour. Something similar to butterflies played in her stomach but Rosemary prayed to God for solace.At that moment, Coach Krishna was called backstage urgently by the Host College's office boys. He left in a hurry. Krishna's phone rang. He had left it behind and gone. Rosemary and Nisha stared. It rang again and again and it seemed irritating.
'Who is it calling Rosemary?' asked Nisha 'I know we are not supposed to pick up but I think its urgent. Just pick up the call and tell them Coach is in an event and will call in an hour.'
'Well I better not', murmured Rosemary fighting down her pangs of nervousness. But the phone continued to ring. Rosemary seized it on with desperation.
'Hello?' queried Rosemary. 'Hello Papa! Where is Papa? Why are you not picking my phone? When will you come home Papa', asked a tearful childish voice.
Rosemary stood rooted, stunned, at a loss of words. She felt like blood had completely drained out from her body as though she had no life in them.
'Hello, hello, where is Papa?' the childish voice at the speaker started crying. Rosemary murmured a few words of the child's father calling later on and kept the phone.
She felt dazed but immediately recovered to not show much expression to Nisha. She didn't want anybody else to know her little secret. But how was that she didn't know Krishna was married? Why didn't anyone at school or any of the teachers ever mention about it? A thousand questions flooded her brain.
Her mental turbulence was broken apart by Coach Krishna's voice urging her to come to the stadium grounds and take her place along with the other contestants. She ran mechanically along and took her destined place.
She heard the distant voice of the referee announcing the start of the game. She simply floated along the grounds, finishing third, much to her surprise, because her mind was not at all in the game. It was filled with how she had been double crossed and hurt beyond words.
(to be continued in next story )