A Great Game Plan
“Remember the semifinal against St. Joseph’s? You read their setter’s shoulder twitch and blocked three straight points. Same brain, different court. We’ll treat every challenge in life like an opponent’s serve—watch the pattern, jump early.”
It was a Wednesday evening; the sky already turned into violet above the school playground. Many students stayed after school on the playground to practice for the upcoming zonal sports meet.
Murali was on the volleyball team—the best in their district. Victory seemed almost inevitable, but the whole squad practiced hard—except Ashraf. He was an amazing middle-blocker, quick at reading opponents' moves. Though he played well, he often looked sad.
During the practice, Murali spiked the ball so cleanly the net barely shivered. The rest of the volleyball squad drilled with hungry focus. Ashraf rose like a blade for every block, yet his landings carried the weight of something heavier in his mind. Murali sensed something was bothering him.
Murali jogged over to Ashraf during the water break, towel around his neck and said: “Buddy, is everything okay? You seem down.”
Ashraf wiped his face, buying time. “Oh! It’s nothing!”
“That’s the exact sentence people use when they’re drowning,” Murali said, voice low enough that only Ashraf heard. “Come on. I’m listening.”
Ashraf glanced at the coach, then at the empty stands. “After practice. Bench by the neem tree.” – he said.
An hour later the court was quiet, the ball bags zipped shut. They sat shoulder to shoulder, the wooden bench still warm from the day’s sun.
Ashraf spoke first, words small. “Money’s tight at home. Always has been. Dad’s a daily-wage mason; Mom stitches blouses at home. They have to run a household of nine people, including grandparents, on that small income. I’m scared… tenth will be my last exam.”
Murali let the silence settle, the way his mother taught him—give sorrow room to breathe. When he finally answered, it was gentle. “I'm really sorry, Ashraf! That fear is real. But quitting school feels like surrendering the one ladder you’ve already climbed halfway.”
“Even if I want to climb, my head’s full of bills. How do I listen to teachers when I’m calculating rent?” Asharaf said it by fixing his eyes somewhere far away.
Murali turned to face him. “Remember the semifinal against St. Joseph’s? You read their setter’s shoulder twitch and blocked three straight points. Same brain, different court. We’ll treat every challenge in life like an opponent’s serve—watch the pattern, jump early.”
Ashraf gave a short, doubtful laugh. “Easy to say.”
“Not easy. Doable. These are my plans for you” Murali counted on his fingers. “One: we make the district merit scholarship our match point. My parents have the forms, the deadlines, even sample essays. Two: we study together—library, 4 p.m. sharp. Three: if I snag a scholarship too, the cash is yours. Deal?”
Ashraf stared at the goalpost shadows stretching across the sand. A small flicker crossed his face, the first spark of possibility. “You’d split your prize?”
“Team rule,” Murali grinned. “Middle-blockers don’t let teammates drop.”
Ashraf’s shoulders loosened; the knot inside his chest untied one twist at a time. He rubbed his palms together, the way he did before a serve. “Library. 4 p.m tomorrow. I’ll bring the Physics textbook.”
“And I’ll bring samosas,” Murali said. “Fuel for future engineers.”
They bumped fists. It sounded sharp in the cooling air. As they walked toward the gate, the last of the light slipped behind the neem tree. Dusk arrived gentle and generous while crickets were tuning their evening orchestra. A breeze filled air with the faint sweetness of jasmine from the school garden. Fireflies blinked on like tiny stadium lights, celebrating two boys who had just turned worry into a game plan.
Under that quiet, hopeful glow, Ashraf’s steps felt lighter. Tomorrow the court would demand sweat, but tonight the world felt wide enough for a better future.
***
Life-Skills Introduced in This Chapter
Empathy and Active Listening: Recognizing when a friend is upset and providing a safe space for them to share their concerns without judgment.
Problem-Solving Creatively: Brainstorming practical solutions, like aiming for scholarships, and applying skills from one area (sports) to another (studies).
Encouraging Perseverance: Motivating others not to give up on goals, such as education, by focusing on achievable steps and building confidence.
Teamwork and Support: Offering to study together and share resources, like scholarships, to help a friend overcome challenges.
Seeking Help from Adults: Recognizing when to involve trusted grown-ups, like parents or teachers, for advice on important issues like finances or education.
