Page 54 - FATE & DESTINY

FATE & DESTINY

“We don’t have confidence in him.”
I stepped back. “Sorry, I—”
“Please.”
“But he’s a good goalie.”
“Please,” he said.
“Are you sure? Um, now?”
He beamed. “Yes, now.”
“I don’t have boots.”
“Don’t worry. You can use his boots and gloves.”
“You sure he won’t mind?”
“Trust me.”
We played friendly matches every day. One day, the second goalie didn’t come to practice.
“Where’s our second goalie?” I asked.
Leewang crossed his arms. “He left the team.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know.”
“Oh, no!” I bit my lower lip. “I am feeling guilty.”
Leewang patted my back. “You don’t have to.”
After the semi-final against Kelki High School, a middle-aged man stalked up to me. He wore a dark glass and a
white cap.
“Hey, goalie,” he said.
“Yes?” I said.
“Would you join my club?”
“Which club, sir?”
“Our club can be invincible if you join.”
“Sorry, I can’t.”
“Why not?” He showed me a firm expression. “Where do you work?”
“I am a student.”
“What if I found you a decent job, boy?”
“Thanks,” I said. “I am gonna join the National Institute of Education, next year.”
He shook his head. “You sure you don’t wanna play for my club?”
“Sorry sir, I have signed the bond. Thanks for the offer.”
We played the final against Yangchenphug High School with a glimmer of hope. The match turned tougher in
the second half. Yangchenphug High School won.
The same night, our sponsor took us to Taktsang Hotel for dinner. I had a grand feast and drank to my heart’s
content. That night, someone had to drive me home.
A few days later, Mr. Wangdila rode me to the bus terminal on his Bajaj Scooter. “Here is some money you’ve
kept with me.”
I counted the notes. “Seven hundred only?”
“Yes,” he said, grinning. “Sorry, I spent the rest.”
“It’s okay,” I said. “This would suffice my journey. Thanks for the hospitality, sir.”
“Mention not, safe journey,” he said and rode away.
At Mongar, Dad came looking for me the moment the bus stopped. He carried my bag home. Over tea, we had a
conversation. He flashed me a wide grin as I told him about my job.
But I wasn’t happy with it. Seeing my colleagues in the college sank my heart.
“Dad, I think I should continue my studies,” I said.
He rolled his eyes. “What?”
“I want to study.”
“It’s hard to get a job these days. Why don’t you take up the job you already have?”
“There are many private schools in Bhutan now, Dad.”
“Listen, son.” He cleared his throat. “Who will pay your fees? My salary won’t even suffice for our meals. Even if
you had money, where would you stay? Please understand our situation, son.”
“Fine, I will take up the job.”
He beamed. “I am glad you took my advice.”
I nodded.

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