Goodbye

This piece of abstract is an imaginative description of Rahul Dravid’s state of
mind just after Anil Kumble’s retirement. It’s when he started feeling the air of
his own farewell which was supposed to follow itself.

Date & Time: 2nd Nov, 2008 – 6:30 p.m.

Venue: Feroz Shah Kotla Ground Dressing Room – Rahul is standing alone in
balcony and other team mates celebrating inside.

Goodbye

"What a man of dignity..!!"
"He was a true fighter till the end!"
"He is one of the greatest cricketers India has ever given"
"Cheers..!! Anil Bhai.. Ek sip mere saath."

Roaring chants and applauding glories were flying through the semi-closed door
of the balcony, as I overheard them with a sense of sarcasm dripping through my
eyes and spilling on my lips.
In front of me lied the glory chariot of that great man, which on many destiny
dates has witnessed cheers and applauds in million multiples of decibels than
what I can ignore right now.
This silent giant has given him what a bowler can only dream in wildest of his
dreams; a clean sweep of an entire bat-wagon in his stride. And yet, at this gold
marked moment this giant is lying so gracefully and young just like its great
patron bidding it adieu with a smiling surprise.

In its silence and grace I can foresee a hidden truth which is soon going to come
to the grounds of reality.
May be on its warm silky grass, or may be on some other turf. And at that
moment the champagne in my glass will never fall below the brim.
Oh... It’s already touching the bottom.

My mind is trotting in all possible dimensions. It's generating millions of
questions within fractions of a second:
"Is your legacy that great to generate the sound from the dressing room at par or
beyond what your ears can sense right now??"
"Will your farewell generate record breaking TRPs through debates and flashes
on all News Channels and Sports Shows??"

"What about the surveys deciding your blood toiled career with just 3 options:
Yes; No; Can't Say...!!!”
.....
.....
"Why the hell one has to say Good Bye??"
"In fact why men grow old??"

I think I should lend my mind to Intel for their R&D. Good source of income
after my pack-up. Not a bad idea!

If someone grant me a wish to come true, right at this moment I would like to
make my dignity phrase to be true in its meaning just like the immortal, ever
young and elegantly poised 'The Great Wall of China'.
I want to stand high and tall forever. I want to guard the borders when the call
says, “One Down..!!". I want to wear my cap 24X7 and never waiving it high in
my hand with a fake smile.
Aha... I sound like a gloomy child for whom only miracles are the only dream
fulfillers. But, deep within my heart, that is what I yearn for. I want to start this
vicious cycle of life once again.

I peek through the window and all what I can see is people hobbling around
Jumbo with smiles and laughter, and he smiles with full grace and honour
holding a glass full of champagne in his injured left hand.
I scan myself from top to bottom. Thank God. I am a complete man..!! The only
thing deceiving me is my DOB.
"Rahul... Rahul... Come in man, party is incomplete without you."
"Very true", that’s what I prompted to myself. And with clumsy footsteps I
joined the climax with my empty glass.