The Officer's Club was located at the heart of our small town. It was an elitist sports centre with facilities for Tennis, Table Tennis and Badminton. The club was off limits for common people like us at those times. The admission was only given to high ranking officers who played there without a care in the world. The government cared for those who ran the system. All around the club were lush green trees on the side walk where people used to go for their morning strolls. The whiff of leafy fresh air would enter the lungs and refresh the walkers. Some old people would sit on the concrete benches and reminisce about good old days.
My father was a committed morning walker and would be up early at 6am to begin his walks. A pair of soft brown canvas shoes and a sweater at times were his usual companions. During vacations, I would join him at times. I would just go to the tennis court and peek through the fence to look at the game.I would imitate the players with an imaginary racquet! I was aware of the fact that this game would be out of reach for me.
We as kids would play Badminton and Cricket in our building compound, happily. We had to.
Times change. We moved from Thane to Mulund. I became a consultant physician, MD.
I began playing the elite sport of Tennis since the last 5 years. My family would often come to the courts to see me play. My daughter would cheer me from the stands imploring me to beat the opponents. My dad never saw me play. He was busy looking after his health. He could not be persuaded to see me play. It was a couple of years back when I won a state level trophy. My parents were in USA and were overjoyed to see my photos splashed all over the news papers. When I received them at the airport, A brand new racquet was gifted to me by my Dad. He had scourged the malls in Miami to search a racquet for me. Such a sweet gesture!
Last year, I played an open tournament in the Officer's Club. I reached the quarterfinals and my coach and my family were glad that I could play well amongst professional players. The Club took notice of my game and immediately extended an invitation for me to join the club.
I was on cloud nine, Life had turned a full circle for me.
I play in this club and entertain the players with my game and antics. Some players actually stay back to watch me play!
I gaze at the fence and see myself peeking through it as a small child.
Tears fill my hollow eyes.
When I finish my play and traverse through the side walk filled with young and elderly people strolling about, I try very hard to see my Dad in his soft brown canvas shoes.
I sadly realise and wonder about his whereabouts in heaven.
I look at the clouds and wave at them.
My dad at last, is seeing me play.
