Loyalty

 Loyalty

Hi my name is Satvik and I am an inter-school athlete. My best friend Joel was too athletic like me but not good as me. But that was not a factor for our friendship. He was a handsome and popular guy at our school. I was a little shy and preferred to stay away from people. We two were like the different pole of a magnet. We togetherly joined every group relay race. Obviously we were buddies of each other, and everyone in our town knows that. Even though Joel has many friends in school ,he alway prefers to stay with me  on every possible time. He is someone whom any one can like. I never felt I was alone. He was always there. When I won the gold medal in the 400m race in the inter-school tournament held in our state, I was gathered by students all around. I told you I am a little shy. Joel was the one to understand my problem and he helped me get out of the crowd. I was not so famous as Joel. but the winning of the Gold medal made me one of the famous guys of our school.  People came to me ,asked  various questions. Sometimes I cannot speak to others because of  glossophobia. But my best friend saved me by interfering with our conversation and drawing full attention to him. I like him as a friend because he knows me better than others. Others may think that he is doing this because he is jealous of my achievement. But I and Joel know that we are for each other, only death can separate our friendship. Such a strong friendship we had. But all changed in just a moment. I thought I knew Jeol better than any other. I thought I knew him from inside. But I was so wrong. It all took place at an inter-state tournament. I and Joel was selected for the tournament with five more students from different schools in the state. We were to represent the state for the relay race. I , Joel , Krish and Navin made a group. We were the fastest of all the seven members. It was the day of the relay. Except Joel, we three came early in the morning to decide the strategy. I gave my suggestion to them. Krish, who was made the captain of our relay group, spoke “ I think we should take Arop instead of Joel”. I was shocked. I asked why. He answered “Arop’s father is putting lots of pressure on our couch. He is the richest person in our city. So I replaced Joel with Arop. Satvik please don’t meet Joel today. I will explain it tomorrow.”. And he left. I somehow found Joel on the playground  and told him all. He was angry. But he left me there without a word. I thought he went home and was devastated. I decided to confront him after the relay ends. Only half an hour was left. I quickly went searching for my team. But I found them heading towards the ground without me. I ran to them. But I was shocked. Joel with them. Krish came towards me and said “ sorry Satvik, i have replaced Arop with you.”. “How can you do that?” I said. I went to Joel “what's going on?”. But he turned his head. It was more hurtful for me. I remained stubborn. Krish pulled me a little away and said “We are sorry. But your Joel told us that you aren’t the fastest but you are a cheater.”. He left with his team. I went back to the basement. I was totally shocked. Those rumors that told that Joel was jealous of me were true. I wanted to cry, shout at the top of my lungs , but I just stayed there momentlessly. Memories of our friendship flashed in front of my eyes. Tears scrolled down my eyes. I don't know how time passed by.  Suddenly ,I heard a soft sound by my side. It was Krish. “ i am really sorry. Jeol messed the game up. We won the trophy but we got disqualified because of him. I shouldn’t listen to him. Actually he is a cheater.”. After that betrayal I never spoke to Joel. Jeol even didn’t ask sorry for that incident. Such a selfish boy. He took my chance and betrayed me in the very moment. Now I am too careful never to lay dependent on anyone and let anyone take the advance on my weakness.

By R.CHOUDHURY