Khan: You know this is your last chance to beat me in chess before you will start your schooling from tomorrow, so play your best.
Veer: I know, that's why I am telling you to stop trash talking. I need to concentrate.
Khan smirked at his comment.
Khan: It will be a five minute rapid with no time increment.
Veer nodded in understanding, eyeing his white coloured chess pieces.
Khan just pressed the button on the timer.
Veer opened with an e4!
e4-c5
Nc3-Nc6
d3-d6
e3-e5
g3-Nf6
h3-Be7
Khan: So, how was your day? Any interesting development?
Veer: Nah! Nothing nothing special but I did watch a film with Raju uncle.
Khan: Oh! What was the film's name?
Veer: Satte Pe Satta!
Bg2-
Khan: Oh! Then tell me about your experience. Who was the main Hero?
Bg2-0-0
Veer: Well, the experience was good, though when the main Hero, Amitabh Bachchan came on to the screen, everyone in the cinema hall cheered loudly, nearly breaking my ear drums. Some were shouting while others whistlings, it was quite chaotic for a while. The heroine was Hema Malini. Though the cheering for her was not as enthusiastic as the main hero.
f4-
Khan(chuckling): I am not surprised in the least. Cinema is one of the major forms of entertainment in this country. And celebrity worshiping is a key component in this form of entertainment. Since Amitabh Bachchan is in rage nowadays, after his film Zanjeer, it is quite common to see people worshipping him. I won't be surprised if his fans create a temple for him in the future.
f4-Nd4
Veer(in confusion): But why would anyone do that? Why would a human worship another human? I don't understand this!
Ne2-
Khan: Well, those fans create a parasocial relationship with their favourite star and some even reach to the level of obsession.
Ne2-b5
Veer: What's a parasocial relationship? And why does this happen with so many people?
Khan: These are one sided relationships where one party is unaware of the other's existence while the other party is emotionally invested in that relationship. Now you are smart enough to guess who's the first party and who is the second. As for the answer to your second question, there can be multiple reasons but I think this is especially true for people with low self esteem or people who are seeking a sense of belongingness from somewhere.
0-0-b4
Nb1-Bb7
f5-d5
Nd2-d5xe4
d3xe4-Ba6
The chess match unfolded with relentless intensity as both players remained locked in their strategic battle. As they approached the climax of their endgame, Veer found himself in a precarious position, with a mere 6 seconds ticking away on his timer, while Mr. Khan maintained a comfortable 40 seconds. Veer's desperation was palpable; his palms were slick with sweat, and a glistening sheen covered his forehead, causing his pieces to scatter chaotically across the board. This chaotic display was a clear testament to his inexperience with the fast-paced demands of speed chess.
Kf2-Nf5
Bf3–Rd2
Ke1-Rb2
Be4-Ng3
Bf3-Rb1
Kd2-Nf1
Kc2-Re1
Kb3-Re3
And the time's up for Veer!!!
"Oh come on! I got lost on time." Veer said, berating himself in frustration.
Mr Khan just laughed at his antics.
"Of course, I knew you won't be able to win! No matter how talented you are, without hard work and experience, you won't reach your full potential. Always remember, no matter how good you are at something, someone even better will come and find you." Khan said with utmost seriousness.
Veer looked directly in Khan's eyes and replied with all the conviction he could muster "I promise to you grandpa, I'll never stop working hard and will never give up midway!"
Khan just smiled while ruffling Veer's hair.
"Don't do that!" Veer groaned in protests.
"Come on, I'll take you to your orphanage. It's getting late. It's already 8 p.m., you matron Sarla must be getting worried." Khan said after checking in his antique clock.
Khan grabbed his house keys and stepped out, with Veer trailing closely behind. After securing the door, he took a moment to ensure it was locked. Content with his check, he clasped Veer's hand and set off toward their destination.
In March of 1982, the night air in Jaipur felt like a warm, dry caress, even as darkness enveloped the city. The intoxicating aroma of jasmine mingled with the sizzling scent of fritters, vying for attention against the backdrop of exhaust from sputtering Ambassador taxis and the occasional overloaded auto-rickshaw. The streets, though quieter than during the day, still thrummed with a lively spirit. String lights draped across shopfronts, illuminating stalls filled with vibrant fabrics and shimmering silver trinkets, casting a soft, flickering glow over the bustling scene.
The mentor and his mentee strolled along a lively street, alive with a chorus of sounds. Vendors enthusiastically shouted their offerings in quick Rajasthani, their tones rising and falling in a captivating rhythm. The clanging of utensils from nearby food stalls blended with the lively Hindi film music echoing from open doorways. A group of women, their colorful ghagras swirling, shared laughter as they bargained with a bangle seller. Nearby, a tea vendor, his stall glowing under a hissing kerosene lamp, served steaming cups of sweet, milky tea.
Seeing Mr. Khan walking on the street, he greeted him in a loud enthusiastic voice "Ram Ram Sa, Khan sahab. Would you like to have a cup of tea? My treat!!"
"Right now I am sending Veer to his orphanage but I'll definitely stop by in my return." Khan responded with same enthusiasm while continuing his journey.
On his way, Mr. Khan took a brief pause, carefully navigating around the litter scattered on the ground. The shadows concealed some of the dirt and decay that would be visible in daylight, giving the street a romantic, almost enchanting quality. The cacophony, while vibrant, felt welcoming. It was the sound of life, trade, and community.
As both were walking towards their destination, Khan suddenly asked Veer "So, you'll start your schooling from tomorrow. How are you feeling?"
"I am feeling very excited. I am finally getting chance to step out of this street. Meeting so many new people, I'll definitely make many friends." Veer said with an excited grin while stretching his hands outwards.
Mr. Khan just responded with a smile.