From Pune Sector

Chapter 24|| "You're kidding"

"Wait what does this mean though?"

"Well, they have shortlisted a few players from the state and they will meet you, maybe watch you play against each other and if they're still impressed, it will be a one-way ticket into the national team."

"Wait, you're kidding, right?"

"Not at all. I'll send you the details via text, keep in touch."

I kept the phone down and exhaled.

What the hell just happened?

A few seconds passed before it struck me. I could be playing football for India.

I mean the idea is still farfetched, and there are so many stages I could still fail at but I'm a step ahead in making my dream come true.

I had to tell it to someone.

My first thought was Jen. She has always been supportive of my football dream more than anyone else but what if she is with him?

Would she appreciate it though?

Her being the first person I tell it to?

I tossed around the idea in my mind before the urge to meet her crowded my mind.

Argh.

I shook my head and tapped for a conference call with the boys.

"I am balancing a very hot tray of cookies, this better be good," Jeremy said even before a greeting.

"Oh, this is," I replied, grinning.

"I'm tossing grapes into my mouth, I've caught three so far," Arnav said, with pride in his voice.

"Out of?" Sid quipped up.

"Around ten?"

"That's terrible."
"Still holding a hot plate of cookies—"

"Why don't you just keep it down?"

"The counter has no space—"

"Oh, keep it on the floor then, Jer, I've something big," I said before any of them interrupted me again.

"Wait, no way, Soham—" Arnav said.

This guy is really smart, I chuckled.

"Wait, I feel left out, Soham what is it about?" Sid asked.

"I just got a call—"

"YES, I knew it!"

"Wait what—"

"Indian football team tryouts," I said quickly before anyone else spoke.

A metallic sound reverberated through the call and I winced.

"Were those the cookies--?" I asked, chuckling.

"Yes but fuck, I don't care, my best friend just got into the national football team—"

"Wait, no I didn't get in, they have just called me for—"

"And you're getting in, bro, I've seen you play since we are kids, Soham, I'm so so proud of you," Sid said with honesty and pride in his voice.

I almost teared up.

"You guys are the best."

Arnav laughed.

"You are the one who is going to be a national player soon, son," he said. "Did you tell the girls?"

"Not yet, I wanted you guys to hear it first."