Rohan Sehgal - 8IG-A - 2018-19

Jay’s Talent in Football Teaches him a Valuable Lesson

Jay was a thirteen-year-old boy who was really excellent in football. No one knew this because he had never shown his talent before.

“Yes,” rejoiced Jay. He was really happy since he had gotten into the football team. He had finally showed his potential and talent on the field today and because of that he had got selected. All the players in the team were impressed with his skills with the ball. Earlier, they all used to make fun of him, but now they all were his friends.

Reaching back home from afterschool, Jay saw his dad and mom sitting in the dining table depressed about something. Jay said, “Hey dad you’re early today.” His dad didn’t reply immediately but turned the computer toward Jay. He read aloud, “In Geography today, Jay did not focus nor, did he concentrate.” The email was from his teacher Miss Lavanya. Jay swiftly tried to change the topic. He told them about his selection and the upcoming tournament. He quickly took out the consent form that needed to be signed. However, his dad was angry with the email and grounded him. He said angrily, “I am not signing any consent form until you show an improvement in your studies.” His mom added, “Now go to your room, and start studying immediately.”

Jay went to his room thinking about how to go for the tournament the next day despite being grounded. Then a brilliant idea struck him. He thought of forging his father’s signature on the consent form. He took out a rough book and practiced his father’s signature.

The next day, while Jay was packing his school bag, he secretly put his kit and his new Nike Mercurial Superfly into the bag. All the other players had told Jay that he didn’t deserve these shoes, but after being selected, nobody said a word about him or his trainers. When he reached the school, he gave the consent form to his coach and boarded the bus. He silently hoped that they would soon be holding the trophy in their hands. And, guess what! His prayers were answered, and his team won the tournament. This tournament was his first victory ever. In fact, he won the golden boot, which is an award for the top scorer in the tournament. Jay had scored 9 goals in 4 games.

Upon reaching home from the tournament, he saw his parents, with some guests. Everyone saw the shiny golden boot trophy in his hand and congratulated him. His father said, “Congratulations for winning but I am not ok with you forging my signature on the consent form.” Jay looked at him puzzled and said, “How did you know?” He replied, “I went into your room and saw your rough book and saw my signatures on it.” He added, “I was wondering why you were practicing my signatures, but when I saw the email from the school about your victory, everything started to make sense. I realized you had forged my signature onto the consent form. He added angrily, “Go to your room, I will talk to you tomorrow evening.”

The next day, in assembly, Jay was called out and was told that he was the most valuable player in the tournament. Furthermore, the scouts had selected him for U14 state-level academy. The whole school cheered for him, and Jay felt proud of himself and his achievements in sports. Earlier, children in his school used to tease him and call him a “nerd” but now they could all see that he was an all-rounder. Now no one could tease him anymore.

When he reached home, his parents mentioned another email they had received from his principal. The email mentioned that Jay was getting a scholarship for both studies and sports. While his parents were proud of him, they also lectured him on forging the signature. They told him that to be an all-rounder, the character of a person also matters. In fact, honesty plays an important role in building a person’s character.

That night, Jay thought about his actions and profusely apologized the next day. His parents forgave him and took him out for dinner, and he was allowed to do choose whatever he felt like doing for the entire week. Jay beamed and said, “Television, xbox and Ps4, here I come.”