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!