An original story written by our offline (Jaipur) student Purvaansh Sharma.

Purvaansh is 10 years old, science enthusiast from Jaipur. A young orator and writer. We are proud to have him as a student of the Personality Development Program using Applied Storytelling, Public Speaking, Theatre, and Creative Writing tools under the mentorship of Facilitator Khusshbo Chokhaani. We congratulate Purvaansh for this exemplary true self-expression.

Age Is Just a Number

In the gorgeous valley of Arunachal Pradesh, lived, there were two young teenage boys named Alex and Amato.

Both of them dreamt of becoming footballers. “We will become the best football players in the world”, they used to say. They often fought about who would be better among them!

“I am going to be the best footballer in the world”, Alex shouted.

“But I am older than you and have a better chance. You can’t argue with that!” Amato would revert.

“But age doesn’t matter! It’s about how good you’re at doing something!”, Alex argued.

“You don’t understand a thing! I’m good, and even better than you could ever be!”, Amato reiterated.

Their mother would often have to come and break them apart. They both aspired to get selected into the U–19 football team of their State and maybe even play for India someday! Since Amato was three years older than Alex, he got a chance for the trials when Alex was in 10th grade. The problem was that Alex would have to wait three whole years as his mother wanted him to focus on his studies.

One day he tried his luck. He mustered up all the courage and asked his mother, “Mom, may  I give the trials with my brother?”. His mother replied, “Alex you know how hard it is, I don’t want you to fail in the selections”. “But Amato has been selected for the next round and I think even I can! Please mom, please!” Alex begged.

“Fine”, said his mother. “But if you fail, you will never ask me permission for trials again.”

“Ok Mom”, Alex rejoiced.

He asked his football coach, to help him in improving his game further, till he reached the level of a professional footballer. He practiced in a disciplined manner, taking care of his diet and spending his waking hours breathing football. His mother did not fail to notice his determination, but also encouraged and motivated him.

Finally came the day of the selection. He felt a little conscious of stepping onto the ground with people who had been practicing for many more years than him. Alex’s thoughts churned, his legs wobbled and his throat went dry several times; but never did he hesitate in striking a goal, or defending it.

The game happened. Crowd cheered. In the end, the results came and he was shocked… he had been made captain of the team. He got his captaincy in an age that shocked everyone including his brother.

He then went to his brother and said, “Do you remember what I told you? Age doesn’t matter. It’s about how good you’re at doing something.”

“I’m sorry my brother, I did not understand your passion, discipline, and hard work for the game”, Amato humbly apologized. His brother accepted his apology, and they soon became one of the best players and brothers the world had ever known. And yes, Amato completed his studies as well.

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