A FAIR CHANCE

Shraddha strained to get a better look at the blackboard. Groan!

- Sarvamitra

The algebra problem written on it was no less complex than tangled-up yarn. On top of it, her view was being hampered by Arjun's square head and his mop of curly hair. On any other day, it would have made her very angry, but today, it didn't seem to matter.

Shraddha slid a fat textbook under her, sat on it, looked over Arjun's shoulder and copied down whatever was on the blackboard, humming lightly. Her mind was elsewhere. Shraddha was excited about the basketball tryouts that were to happen that afternoon.

After classes, Shraddha ran out to the ground, took off her black school shoes and pulled on white sports shoes. Fastening her hairband, she began jogging lightly in place to warm herself up. As the coach called 'Next!' and the queue of hopefuls in front of her shortened, Shraddha's nervousness increased.

It was finally her turn. She walked up, stood in front of the coach, craned her neck up to see him, and gave him a broad smile. The coach looked her up and down, then yelled, "Next!"

What? How! Why? But she didn't even get a chance to show her skills with the ball! Shraddha stood rooted to her spot.

"Don't waste my time, girl. The Inter School tournament is next week. You will not make it to the team. I can't waste my time," the coach dismissed her and moved on to the next contender.

With eyes full of tears, Shraddha trudged home. She slammed the front door shut, the sound of it echoing her fury. Ace basketball player Michael Jordan, who was her closest confidante until yesterday, mocked her from the poster on her bedroom door.

Aargh! Shraddha turned away, only to be confronted by her other basketball idols, Diana Taurasi and Breanna Stewart.

You gave up without a fight?' They seemed to taunt her, lifting their basketball trophies and showing off.

Shraddha threw a pillow at the posters.