Court of Second Chances

In my previous blog, I wrote about an interrupted childhood - one where I was a day away from beginning tennis classes, when my family broke apart over the course of one consequential night.

A few weeks ago, I decided to experience the reality that could have altered my childhood. Life throws curveballs at us that we can neither expect, nor return. What we can do, however, is reclaim what was destined to be ours in an alternate reality - or whatever little is left of it. Some may perceive it as living in the past, but I see it as building precious memories of the unlived past for my unlived future.

I have no connection with tennis; in fact, I scarcely watched sports growing up. My interaction with sports was limited to occasional glances at football matches if my brother dominated the TV or tuning into the finals of India's cricket games. Despite no personal connection to sports, I find myself immersed in playing tennis. I eagerly anticipate my weekly tennis lessons, practicing my forehand and backhand grips in solitude, and I feel the changes I'm undergoing from playing the sport with a passion - physical, mental and spiritual.

I think that's the cool thing about doing what you love - it transcends mere activity and weaves itself into the fabric of life's joys. And now I realize that my life so far has been rather dispassionate. By altering my destiny, I hope to alter the patterns of my past that no longer serve me a purpose.

And yet, I don't get my hopes too high. For me, the feeling of experiencing what could've been - every time my racket hits the ball - is enough.