Adil was waiting impatiently. He had been waiting for this moment for a long time now.

As his anticipation rose, he realised he was breathing heavily. He took a small pause, slowed down his breathing and calmed his nerves. After all, years of practice had made him aware of how to control his body’s rhythms.

The list of new players who had made it to the national team was being announced now. It was in alphabetical order so his name would have been second.

The selector announced the first, second, and third name. Adil thought his name must be lower down, ordered by his last name. After a while, that illusion too shattered.

He had not been selected. After being a star player for his state team, and earning praise from the national team captain and a couple of selectors, he still wasn’t good enough.

When you’re good but not enough to cross over, doubts flood your mind. What else can I do to make this happen? Am I doomed to ignominy? Am I not good enough?

Adil sat with these thoughts through the next few days. His coach, family, friends, and teammates all expressed solidarity with him. Yet, his pain was his alone to live with…

A couple of weeks passed. The thought kept ringing in his ears. He had taken time off from regular practice and had been sitting idle. His parents pushed him to restart once, but seeing his mood, thought it’s better to let him fight this.

Then, on a friday, as they were at the mosque for their afternoon prayers, Adil saw a senior player from the national team. He knew him well, so he waved to him and sought some time to speak with him.

The two decided to go for lunch and Adil beared his heart out in front of his senior. He was dejected and wanted to understand if there was anything else he could do to make his case stronger.

The senior, wiser from his years playing the game, just told him to bide his time and make the most of available opportunities. He asked Adil to practice hard and not let go now, as his name was already being mentioned among the national team members.

As they left, Adil thanked the senior and felt a burden lift from his mind. There was some validation and a certain relief knowing he was on the right track.

He decided that he will focus on his journey and enjoy it. Milestones will come when they will.

The road wouldn’t be easy. But whatever turns it may take, he was on it. He was getting closer to making it count…