Niyog's POV :
Two month later, mornings feel like a routine now. After brushing my teeth and splashing water on my face, I stretch my body. This little ritual wakes me up and prepares me for the day ahead.
Next, I lace up my sneakers and hit the pavement for a quick run. It's refreshing, even if it's a bit exhausting.
When I come back home, it's time for some push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups to get my body moving. The workout can be tough on an empty stomach, but it feels so rewarding.
After my morning exercises, I take a nice bath to wash off the sweat. Dressed in my school uniform, I enjoy breakfast with my family, fueling up for the day.
By 8:50, I'm on my way to school, excited for what's in store. At 3:30pm, I head back home, eager to practice football skills in our spacious backyard.
After an intense practice session, I settled down for dinner with my family, savoring the warmth and laughter that filled the room. It was one of those comforting evenings when everything felt just right. As we chatted and exchanged stories about our days, I couldn't help but sneak a quick glance at my phone.
Once I had a moment to breathe, I checked my personal chats with friends. That's when I saw it—a notification from our coach that halted my breath.
"What?!" I murmured, surprised. My heart raced as I read the news: Eizar U17 Club from Spain was coming to Kerala for a friendly match that Saturday at 9 AM. The news sent a rush of disbelief through me. "Eizar!?" I exclaimed under my breath. It felt both thrilling and daunting.
Quickly, I messaged Deeraj, seeking more details about this unexpected development. The excitement within me was building. I needed to understand how this game materialized so suddenly. Moments later, I received his reply.
"Oh yeah," Deeraj wrote casually, "my dad contacted them and set this up."
Questions raced through my mind. "But why is it so sudden?" I typed back, genuinely puzzled.
Deeraj's response illuminated the situation. "The Indian Ultra League (IUL) is going to start next month, so this is basically a type of training." His explanation made sense, yet I still felt a mix of excitement and pressure.
"I see," I finally replied, letting the reality sink in.
This match against Eizar was not just another game; it was an important opportunity for all of us to showcase our skills ahead of the upcoming league. As I set my phone down, I couldn't shake the anticipation building up inside me.
Later that night, the thought of facing a team from Spain swirled in my mind. The opportunity felt surreal and daunting, yet the excitement outweighed my apprehension. I imagined the atmosphere, the vibrant energy of the crowd, and most importantly, the chance to play against some talented opponents.
As I relaxed on the couch, a notification chimed softly from my phone, pulling me from my thoughts. It was yet another message from the coach in our club group chat, and my heart raced a little as I opened it, curious about the lineup for the upcoming match. Given that I had been left out of the last training match, a knot of nerves tightened in my stomach. But then, a wave of relief washed over me as I scanned the list and spotted my name nestled among the first eleven. I couldn't help but smile, feeling a mix of excitement and determination for the game ahead. I noticed Amir was listed as a substitute this time.