Game time – 3 hours 29 minutes60 × 3 + 29 = 209 minutes209 × 6 = 1254 dollars
"Wow! You sure are a genius in chess, Rahul. Your parents must be proud of you," Veer said, clapping his hands.
"Stop with the flattery and give me my money you owe me," I replied.
"Hahaha, yeah yeah, I'll write a check for you."He pulled out a checkbook and pen from inside his jacket—like he already knew I planned to make money off this competition.
Yeah… I made this plan the moment I entered the college this morning.I looked around at all the participants and the audience. Everyone was wearing fancy clothes—the kind only rich people casually afford. And since it was a weekday, the only people attending were retirees or businessmen who love watching strategic games. It probably motivates them or gives them ideas. At least that's what I think.
So, I made sure to cause a ruckus and force someone to challenge me. A dramatic scene so no one would suspect my real intentions. And my plan worked perfectly…But I feel like Veer knew from the beginning.Or maybe I'm overthinking. I don't know.
Veer signed the check and handed it to me.I looked at the amount.
1500 dollars.
"Why would you give me extra money?" I asked, genuinely confused.
"You made my time worth it. Consider it as a tip. Also—here's my personal business card. It has my private number. If you ever need anything, call me. I'll help you openly," he said, tucking the checkbook and pen back into his jacket.
"Okay… then I guess I won't need to call you in my life," I said with a smug look, slipping the check into my pocket.
"Hahahaha! That's what I like about you—your personality. Not overconfidence, but a personality you built yourself."He leaned forward slightly."Wanna work for me? I'll pay you well. Living place included."
"I'll think about it if I graduate. I have your number, so if I need you, I'll call."
"'If' you graduate? What do you mean if?" he asked, confused and slightly shocked.
"It's a world full of surprises. Who knows what will happen in the future? We have to stay ready for anything."
He burst out laughing."Okay, bye. Talking to you just makes me invest more interest in you."
"Hahaha, bye, Mr. Veer Krishna Rao."
He walked toward the exit, looking way too excited—like he had just discovered a diamond.Or maybe I'm imagining things.
I put on my glasses to ease my eyes and decided not to think too much about it.
One of the announcers rushed toward me.
"Rahul, you have to come with me. There's an important issue. Please cooperate."
"Okay," I said, and followed him.
He led me to a room, saying the game organizers wanted to meet me.
Inside, five people were sitting in chairs lined up horizontally.It looked like I was about to give a job interview.
"Rahul, we are here to tell you that you can't go further in the competition due to…"And then the old bald man with a big stomach started explaining all the reasons.
Bla bla bla bla bla bla bla.
I didn't even bother listening.
"I understand, sir. I'm really sorry. I caused you trouble. I accept your decision. May I leave?"
"Yes, you may," another old man said.
I left the room, then the college, and I found myself standing at the bus stand.
Thinking…
What a great word: "sorry."You can do anything you want in the world, and all you have to say afterward is "sorry," with a little acting like you're reflecting on your actions.
That's it.
As the bus arrived, I hopped in and went toward the bank near my home to deposit the check I received.