Deepak was leaning against the railing of the swimming pool. He was watching four boys his age enjoying themselves in the cool waters of the Indo-German club pool.

Suddenly one of them said, “Come on let’s race — one length, free style. The one who comes last will treat everyone to pizzas.”

“That’s not fair Ajay. Everyone knows you are the best and I am the worst,” grumbled one of them who had curly hair and a fat, pink face.

“Don’t be a spoilsport Nitesh. This is just for fun yaar,” said the guy who was tall and lean.

“Nitesh is right, Rajan. It will be a totally one-sided affair,” the fourth boy, who was short and plump, declared.

“Oh come on, Salim, you too have joined our curly baby Nitesh. Anyway, I am going to accept Ajay’s challenge,” Rajan said and started walking towards the diving board.

“That’s the spirit, Rajan,” yelled Ajay, following him.

They took their positions.

“Ready, steady, go!” yelled Salim and the two competitors took off. Both executed perfect dives and as they landed, moved ahead in swift strokes. They were neck and neck till the half way mark when suddenly Ajay surged ahead. With each stroke his lead increased and when he reached the end he was a good ten metres ahead of Rajan.

“Wow, fantastic maan,” shouted Nitesh.

“Yes yaar Ajay, see the margin. You are simply the best. If you can beat Rajan, who himself is such a good swimmer so easily, I am sure you’ll be the next state champ.”

“Salim is right, Ajay. There is no one in the state who can beat you,” Rajan said thumping his friend on his back.

“I can.”

The four of them turned around. A 12-year-old boy was leaning against the railing. He was clad in shorts which were one size too big for him and a faded T-shirt. On his feet were slippers which had seen much better days. He was of average height and build with thick, wavy hair and a dark skin.

Ajay swaggered towards him. He was wearing a very smart and trendy swimming costume and sporting a swimming cap and goggles. He was tall and stocky with short hair and a flat face.

“Was it you who said I can?” he asked.

“Y… yes,” Deepak stammered, cursing himself. He hadn’t meant to say anything, the words seemed to have just slipped out.

“So, you think you can beat the future state champ?” Rajan joined in.

Deepak kept quiet.

“I have not seen you in this club before? You hardly look like a member?” Ajay asked his eyes taking in Deepak’s attire.

“Who is your father?” questioned Salim who had joined in.

“His name is Suresh Nayak.”

“What does he do?” It was now the turn of Nitesh to join in.

“He is a waiter.”

“Wow! That is really something isn’t it? The way he was acting I thought his father is the president of the club and this fellow has been sent to teach me the nuances of swimming,” sniggered Ajay looking at his friends who laughed.

Deepak turned red and clenched his fists.

To be continued

Illustration: Uday Deb