Fiction
3 min
State Dreams
Manjushree Rokhade
After winning the Inter-School Band Competition in 8th grade, in the city of Venugram, India, from where I hail, I had to concentrate on the State level Swimming Tournament. Waking up early in the morning, taking swim lessons, and going to school, assignments were overwhelming initially. I improved my performance day by day. As it is said, "Change is Hard at First, Messy in the Middle, and Gorgeous at the End."
The tournament at District level Swimming begins in the 1st week of December. The winners would participate at the State Level competition held the week before Christmas.
My timings were good in all categories but butterfly style. With very little time left, I was under stress. I told Rita, my coach, "I want to give up." Rita looked into my eyes filled with fear and tears and said, "Maanini, you are scared as it's your 1st time. Remember one thing, just because you're stuck at a point doesn't mean you should give up. Stop worrying. Your improvement is your real achievement. Winning and losing are all part of the game. Enjoy this phase."
On the day of the District level competition, at the whistle, all participants jumped into the pool. The 100 mts butterfly was challenging. I was surprised at winning a silver medal in Butterfly 100 mts apart from other categories. I qualified for the State level. The best thing that happened to me that day was winning my fears. I want to win the State Level. Is it too big of a dream? But, "if you have to dream anyways, dream big."
We reached Bangalore on Thursday morning. We had 3 rounds for each swim style. 1st, 2nd and 3rd Round. Taking a deep breath helped me compose. At the whistle, we jumped and swam to the finish line. All that mattered was timing. It was a close call. I made it to the 2nd Round. The 2nd round is on Friday and the 3rd on Saturday morning. We had a practice session where Rita made me work on my flaws.
The next batch, from another swimming academy, had booked the slot. As I came out of the pool, an opponent barged, "Hey darkie, do you think you have any chances of winning the 2nd Round? Medals are not meant for the dark body." I was stunned at what happened. Tears started rolling down as I walked and recollected the incident. Body shaming?? She is mean, I thought.
So what if I am Dark?
Can you not see how talented I Am?
So what if I got tanned?
I learned to swim.
It helps me protect my life and others from drowning.
And when I try to save your life,
will you not hold my hand even if I am Dark?
Or, would you rather prefer drowning?
Would you not reward me for saving your life?
Or, turn your back away from me being Dark?
So what if I am Dark and you are not?
It's not my fault or your solo contribution.
It's just the genes we inherit that are neither at fault.
Dark, is not my complexion.
Dark is your heart.
That does not see me as a person I am worthy of.
All that matters to you is not me,
But my complexion is Dark ???
Next day, We reached on time for the 2nd Round. I was disappointed to see the challenger - the mean girl next to me. We competed against each other. I swam fast like a lion after me. Upon completing the race, I thought I lost but at least I gave my best, I assured myself.
I saw my coach cheering up for me. I paid attention and heard her say, you made it to the 3rd Round. I gave a victory punch in the air. The challenger passed me with tears in her eyes. Rita whispered, "She lost to you."
I did not want to give up now. I want to try harder, test my potential, and win. At the 3rd round, I told myself, it is now or never. When I finished swimming, I could not believe my eyes. I stood third. My team was celebrating my victory.
I got ready for my 1st State Level Award Ceremony. Tears rolled when my name was announced. I will never forget the incident of insult that I turned into success. As I walked to my room, I heard, "Maanini, Stop." I turned and saw the challenger. "Maanini, I apologize for my behavior. I was jealous of your performance during the practice session. I wanted to demotivate you by insulting. This could affect your performance."
I heard her and said, "Being a sports girl, you performed cheap tricks and did not learn the true spirit of sportsmanship. Hopefully, you learn to be a good human being. Being a good swimmer may not be important, but being a good human being is the essence of life."
Having said that, I went to my room. I felt like a true winner.
My Delhi Dreams Await Next!!
This work was an entry to the San Jose Public Library's Fall into Fiction 2022 short story contest.
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