Chapter 21: National Stage

The victory at the National Championships marked a turning point in Rohan's life. It wasn't just the thrill of winning that stayed with him—it was the realization that he had reached a new level in his journey as an athlete. He had proven that he could compete with the best in the country, that he belonged on the national stage. But with that realization came new challenges, new expectations, and a sense of pressure that was unlike anything Rohan had experienced before.

The days following the Nationals were a whirlwind of activity. Rohan's victory had earned him national recognition, and suddenly, he found himself in the spotlight. There were interviews with local newspapers, meetings with potential sponsors, and invitations to train at some of the best facilities in the country. It was everything Rohan had dreamed of, but it was also overwhelming.

Ms. Mehra was quick to remind Rohan that the journey was far from over. "Winning the Nationals is a great achievement, Rohan," she said one afternoon as they sat in her office, going over his training schedule. "But it's just the beginning. Now that you're on the national stage, the competition will only get tougher. You need to stay focused, stay disciplined, and keep pushing yourself to improve."

Rohan nodded, understanding the seriousness of her words. He knew that the road ahead would be difficult, that there were many more challenges to face. But he was also excited about the opportunities that lay ahead. The victory at the Nationals had given him a taste of what was possible, and he was determined to keep moving forward.

One of the most exciting opportunities that came Rohan's way was an invitation to train at the National Sports Academy. The Academy was one of the most prestigious training centers in the country, home to some of the best coaches and athletes in the world. It was a place where dreams were made, where champions were forged.

Rohan was thrilled at the prospect of training at the Academy, but he also knew that it would mean leaving behind everything he had known—his village, his family, and even Mr. Kumar. It was a difficult decision, but one that Rohan knew he had to make if he wanted to continue pursuing his dreams.

Before he left for the Academy, Rohan made sure to spend time with Mr. Kumar, who was still recovering from his heart attack. The older man had been a mentor and father figure to Rohan, and it was important for Rohan to say goodbye properly.

One evening, Rohan visited Mr. Kumar at his home. The

two sat together on the porch, the sun setting in the distance. There was a sense of peace in the air, a calmness that belied the emotions that were swirling inside Rohan's heart.

"I'm going to the National Sports Academy, sir," Rohan said quietly, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and sadness. "I've been invited to train there, and I think it's the best thing for my career."

Mr. Kumar nodded, his eyes filled with pride. "I'm so proud of you, Rohan. You've worked so hard to get to this point, and you deserve this opportunity. The Academy will help you reach new heights, and I know you'll do great things there."

Rohan smiled, though there was a hint of sadness in his expression. "I'll miss you, sir. You've been there for me every step of the way, and I don't know how I'm going to do this without you."

Mr. Kumar reached out and placed a hand on Rohan's shoulder. "You don't need me to tell you what to do anymore, Rohan. You've grown so much, both as an athlete and as a person. You know what it takes to succeed, and you have the strength to face whatever challenges come your way."

Rohan nodded, his heart filled with gratitude. "I'll never forget everything you've taught me, sir. I'll carry your lessons with me, wherever I go."

Mr. Kumar smiled, a look of contentment on his face. "That's all I could ever ask for, Rohan. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Stay true to yourself, stay focused, and never stop pushing yourself to be the best you can be."

As Rohan left Mr. Kumar's home that evening, he felt a deep sense of resolve. The road ahead would be challenging, but he was ready to face it. He had the support of his mentors, the strength of his training, and the fire of his dreams burning inside him.

The next few days were a whirlwind of preparation as Rohan packed his bags and said his goodbyes to his family and friends. The village had become a second family to him, and leaving it behind was difficult. But Rohan knew that this was the next step in his journey, the next chapter in his story.

Finally, the day came for Rohan to leave for the National Sports Academy. His parents accompanied him to the train station, their faces filled with a mix of pride and sadness. Shanti, Rohan's mother, hugged him tightly, her eyes filled with tears.

"Take care of yourself, beta," she said softly. "We're so proud of you, and we'll be cheering for you every step of the way."

Rohan hugged her back, feeling a lump form in his throat. "I'll make you proud, Ma. I promise."

Amar, Rohan's father, placed a hand on his son's shoulder, his expression serious but proud. "This is just the beginning, Rohan. You've achieved so much already, but there's still so much more to do. Stay focused, stay humble, and keep working hard."

"I will, Papa," Rohan replied, his voice steady. "I won't let you down."

As the train pulled out of the station, Rohan waved goodbye to his parents, watching as they grew smaller and smaller in the distance. It was a bittersweet moment—saying goodbye to his family and his village was difficult, but Rohan knew that this was the path he had chosen. It was the path that would lead him to his dreams.

The journey to the National Sports Academy was long, but Rohan spent the time reflecting on everything that had brought him to this point. The victories and defeats, the challenges and triumphs—they had all shaped him, made him the person he was today. And now, as he prepared to take the next step in his journey, Rohan knew that he was ready.

The National Stage awaited him, and with it, a whole new world of opportunities and challenges. Rohan was determined to seize every moment, to give everything he had, and to continue pushing himself to new heights.