After Imtiyaz's speech ended, Sahwit walked toward the podium.
The first of many victories. The world is but my oyster, isn't it?
Polite applause was heard. So many people knew who he was. And yet, they kept quiet, the protest against his appointment written on their faces. The applause slowly died down.
You can't say anything to me now. No matter what I have done.
He took the mic, and looked at Karan before beginning his speech.
"A sport is defined not just by the skills of its players, but how they play, and with what intentions they play with. See how the stars of this state play, where they play." Sahwit began.
"KL Rahul. From the small maidan near his house to the grand pitches of international cricket. Sanjay Manjrenkar. Though he played for Mumbai, he was born here, in Mangalore! We may be a small district in a large state, but we can still dream!" He continued.
The crowd clapped. It was better to clap than to heckle and be kicked out.
"The past president was one who took funds and used it for himself. He impeded the development of our cricketing facilities by 10 years. But fear not, my dear friends, for I am here. I too, am someone who has gone through the system. So I know what is best for our young talents." He roused the crowd with these words.
How ironic, thought Ali.
"Trust me, all of you, for I know what we need. And hence my first order upon becoming the president was, to expand the inter school tournament. So that more talents can be unearthed, not only to play for our district, but for other districts and maybe even the national pipeline!" Sahwit bluffed.
They don't need to know that it was planned much earlier. Before I even became the district president.
"With that I declare, the 2015 Mangalore inter school tournament qualifiers open!" Sahwit declared, before lighting the lamp.
Mixed applause was heard from the crowd. Some believed him, while others only remembered what he did in a mere school tournament.
Siddarth smirked. His father had gained more influence. If his father's status improved, then Siddarth's power would improve too.
Meanwhile, everyone other than Ali, Karan, Siddarth and Shastri were initially confused. How did their crooked vice principal gain such a reputable post? But then they realized that, money, can buy anything.
The formal program continued, a mere show to wash the spectator's eyes. Men and women of repute all promised big, yet their lies were known by everyone sitting in the audience. The worst part? None of them cared.
"All of you, if any media asks you anything about Mr. Sahwit, simply say no comment. We don't want him to use any of your media presence to justify him removing you from the selection list if you make it." Said Karan.
"Got it, sir."
After that, everyone left the hall, with a bad taste in their mouths.
Ali's dad this time had come to pick him up. The man was extremely tired, after landing from his flight from an interview with a Greek football team.
"Son, how was the district tournament induction ceremony?" Salim asked. "You seem distraught."
"It was good dad. We got to see the format of the district tournament." Said Ali.
"I can see that you seem to be carrying a burden far heavier than you can carry on your own. Want to tell me anything?" Asked Salim.
"No." Said Ali.
"If you don't want to tell me, it's fine for now. But when you remove the weight, tell me. Make it your motivation to fix that issue." Said Salim.
Salim's burden, at this moment was far worse. He was worried about the interview, and was extremely sleepy.
The car reached home, and Ali dropped into his bed.
The next day, Ali got ready to go to school. There were still 2 days before the first match. Murmurs followed him wherever he went.
"I heard that demon Sahwit left the vice principal post."
"Good riddance."
"I bet they will make it harder for our school team. I thought we would win something this year, but no, we are exactly like Manchester United."
"Haha, Ashwandeep United!"
Zayed was sitting at the canteen. He was eating his breakfast, ragi mudde. Ali walked towards him.
"What is it?" Asked Zayed.
Ali sat into the seat opposite to Zayed.
"I have a question." Said Ali.
"Ask away." Said Zayed, while taking bites of his food.
"Do you think that we could win on the pitch, but still lose off it?" Asked Ali.
Zayed had played in two district tournaments before and hence knew what would usually go on behind the scenes.
"Let me guess, you're worried about our former vice principal, isn't it?" Said Zayed. "I was the top scorer in my first ever district tournament. But because of some MLA's son sharing the same position as me, I was snubbed from the selection list. They said something about lack of proper match readiness."
"How can I prevent it?" Asked Ali.
"Just do your best." Advised Zayed. "Play so well, that the people will force them to put you in. You can do it."
In those two days, Ali and the rest of the team practiced extra hard. They caught double the number of balls, practicing from day to night.
The night before the match, Ali laid on the bed, thinking about what had happened so far in this new lease of life.
He was still trying to deduce who the other system user was, and he had written all the points so far in his book.
Sahwit had somehow became the district cricket board president, even after a scandal in the school had occurred and his son gained a lot from it.
According to my previous deductions, the owner of the tycoon system was a member of the administration or a rich parent.
The system only beeped once about the nearby system user, when I was in school.
Ali read the points again and again, thinking to himself. He then realized something. Something didn't add up. How did Sahwit even become the president of the MDCA? In the original timeline, he didn't even move up the ladder and got exposed by the maid cleaning his office. A chilling thought formed in his head.
What if Sahwit was the owner of the Asset Master System?
TO BE CONTINUED
Ps: if you like what you are reading so far, why not add the book into your collection?