The Pugilist

(All characters in the story are imaginary)

I still wonder why people hate a pugilist. Its a disgusting fact that people welcome a boxer whenever he wins a medal otherwise they don’t even bother to look after them. People always believed that I am an unlucky person or I am not a lucky charm. I still remember those days when everyone used to stay away from me .Even my family members never showed faith and trust in me. Even Esha failed to understand me as a result of which we broke up.Apart from these factors,I was obsessed with one thing. It could not be washed away from my mind.I concentrated on my daily routine and a 2 hour compulsory boxing practice. It has taught me various things that my parents didn’t.

I always failed to perform well in studies as in my initial stages of my life I took boxing seriously. I have dedicated my life to this sport.Now,I feel that boxing is everything to me. My craze and madness for this sport could not secure an Engineering seat for me in Mumbai. Dad could have managed to get a seat for me in a famous Engineering College, but I didn’t want .I always wished to stay away from my parents and my two little sisters Anu and Ashu.I believe that my family members would prefer sending me in a hostel as they considered me as a useless weed. This was the first instance when I was staying away from my family. All parents would wish their son perform well in studies and I totally agree with it.But they would get angry when they see me with my boxing kit. I failed to cherish every moment of my life.I failed in the process of being a good son and a good lover.Now,everything between me and Esha is over.I once believed that Esha was the only one in my life who would cultivate the seeds of happiness for me. I still remember those conversations which I guess could not be erased from my mind.

‘I want you to leave boxing once and for all,’said Esha to me.

‘Go to hell, never in my life I would leave boxing ,’ I said with a vex.

‘Ok,fine I give you two options me or boxing, select ,’ said she.

I always wanted to be a boxer in life and I always wished to raise the level of this sport in this country. I wanted to win Olympic medals for India. I wanted to be like Emile Garry, Mike Tykson, Muhamad Ali and Vijendra Kumar. My mind was and is obsessed with boxing.

‘I select boxing,’ I said to Esha.

‘Fine then,Bye ,’ She said to me.

Not even in my wildest dreams,I could think of Esha saying that.I loved her verymuch.Esha Singh was everything to me.I shared all my personal problems with her,but to vain she left me with full of pain.She could have killed me instead of hurting me.I sometimes feel that I am worthless and winning gold and silver is not a big deal.I could not know what was running in Esha’s mind.Now,I live in a hostel with 2 room mates.Shayan and Darshan also featured in the under 19 chess championship event.I was happy living with people of same genre like me.They loved sports like me.

‘Rajiv! Why are you so sad and why is this agony dude?,’ said Anoj to me.

‘Leave it Shayan,’I answered him.

I was always agitated and disturbed.I wanted to change my attitude.I reckon that people hate me just because of my attitude.

Lectures were going on smoothly and it was my first Physics lecture.

‘Good morning students, lets Introduce our self ,’ said Patel sir.

‘I am Prashant Patel am going to teach you Physics,’ said Patel sir.

‘I am Rajiv Sukhani from Mumbai.I am attracted towards boxing.I have won many boxing competitions till now,’I paused .

I had no intentions of impressing any one.I loved to be a loner,a solitary life. Initially very few people spoke to me. They had to think twice before talking to me.I was devoid of the so called Marathi language and to vain,it was the communication medium.People find it difficult to digest that I am a boxer.I was glued to this sport since childhood and I could not think of any kind of aversion. Esha knew it.I wanted to be a good lover to Esha,but I would still wonder if she accepts me now.

I even nominated my name for the inter college kick boxing event,just because I am pretty much attached to boxing. My first bout match was against Stephen Anthony.He was the runner up in the previous year.I defeated Stephen by a score of 15-0 in my favour.

Every one applauded and there was scope for a hope.Now people knew my name .Very few people supported me.That was the day I was seeing her for the first time.As the referee raised my hands to indicate me as the winner,I could see a big smile on her face. She had an angelic and a magical face.I could not let my eyes off her. I could only see her lovely Voilet eyes.I could see my Esha back in her form.I wanted to talk to her.I was not in a hurry.Her smile said it all.

I won the other two matches in quick succession.By then, all girls wanted to be my friends and as usual I used to refuse.I wanted to talk to that innocent girl who smiled at me. I reached the finals of the competition. I was supposed to play Sameer Shinde in the final.I learned that Sameer was the defending champion and had won the competions since 3 years. He defeated Stephen by 13-8 in the finals in previous year.He was a true champion in his own way.

The day arrived.It was the final in the 71kg bout.Sameer was the clear favourite.It was 12:35 pm.We both were invited to the ring. The referee instructed us and the game began.It was a great opportunity for me to beat Sameer.I wanted to break his winning streak.I always start the game with a good defence.I was defending at first.Sameer’s forehand punch was most effective.I could not learn his tactics.At the end of 2^nd round,he was leading 6-2.

‘Sameer,Sameer!! ,’ Every one chanted his name.I turned around to see the girl and she was seated at the first row.She was surrounded by many people and policemen,since it was a major university competition.

After seeing her face,I felt that there was a sudden rise in my energy level,just because I liked her.Now I was eagerly waiting for the next 2 rounds to start.May be there was a sudden increase in Adrenaline .Now,I was excited.

(To be cont....)

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