The Impact Player

 

 

           THE IMPACT PLAYER

      By N.K.Narasimhan

       

        Back story

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has introduced a new rule for the ongoing season, which has the inclusion of "Impact" players. These players are chosen based on their ability to make a significant impact on the game through their skills and style of play. The aim of this rule is to add an extra layer of excitement and intensity to the already electrifying IPL matches. For instance, if team A wishes to bat first but is compelled to bowl first on a slow pitch with turning conditions, they can select the playing 11 with an additional spinner and then switch out a specialist bowler with a batter in the second innings to aid in the run chase.

Now, let's find out how this has "impacted" our upcoming executive in his ways to keep up with the corporate world.

It was another weekend. Friday. 7 pm. Deepak rushed back home screaming,

" Anju! Where are you?"

 

Anju rushed down from upstairs, " What happened? Why are you in a rush?"

" Get ready. We got to move fast." Deepak was in a real hurry.

"But where?" Anju was slightly impatient.

" We have to attend a party thrown by my colleague. He has been laid off and wants to celebrate that."  said Deepak with a smirk.

Anju was irritated. " What kind of jerks you have as colleagues who want to celebrate every goddamn thing on earth! Count me out. You know well that I don't attend parties. That party scene is not for me. Moreover, I have to train our Chinku for the chess tournament tomorrow. I am sure he will place in top THREE."

Deepak was silent for a second. " Ok. But I need to go. Everyone from my office will be there to send him off for sure."

Anju giggled a bit. " Ok, Have fun. But don't be too late. I need to be up early tomorrow."

"Sure"  Deepak rushed upstairs and peeped inside a room to wave at his kid and disappeared in no time.

Deepak was  soon on the road driving. He picked the phone and pressed on a contact. 

" Hey Poonam.  Where are you?"

Poonam picked the call, "Hey Deepak. What's up? I am at home."

Deepak honked at a biker who was sliding near his way and continued,

" Ok. Get ready. We have a party to attend. I will pick you right now."

"Awesome" Poonam was probably waiting for some guy to show up like this.

And Deepak walked in to the crowded party with Poonam by his side.The music got louder. Soon the swear words were sprayed  all over the drinks. In general everyone was in high spirits!

It was nearing 12.30 am.People were busy taking selfies and posting them on Social media. Deepak was all over the place with Poonam.

They became an instant hit in the party.

Back in Deepak's home, Anju got up to see if Deepak was back home as it was already nearing 2 am. She just took her phone to call him up but then a ping from social media got her attention. Oh, Deepak was all over the place with Poonam in that post!

She looked at the post again. Tried to zoom in a bit. She had more details now. Yes. And she waited for him.

Half an hour passed and she heard the door latch being opened and there was Deepak.

Anju was furious. " Who was that with you in that party?"

Deepak was very drowsy but still chose to answer. " Poooonam. hic... Sheee  was  da IMPACT player tonight."

"What kind of crap is this?" The blood rushed up on Anju.

And before Deepak could say anything a wooden wheat rolling pin headed straight towards his face at 160 km per hour speed breaking Shoaib Akthar's  fastest delivery in bowling.

Deepak went blank. And woke up in a hospital next morning to see a bottle being hung upside down near his bedside.

A middle aged nurse was attending to him and said, " Sir, my duty time is over for now. Soon another nurse will be here to look after you."

Deepak listened to her without any reaction.

Ten minutes passed, an younger nurse walked into his room.

" Hello. If you need anything just press the bell if I am not around."

Deepak smiled and said to himself," Mmm! She would make a great IMPACT player!"

Ah, Men!