Lao Thien Lee, the shoe shop owner, heard the comments. His excited, happy face clouded over instantly. After a while, he got up and went to the field.

The players of the Seven Star team were sitting together, drinking lemonade. Lao Thien walked towards them and quietly said, ‘You Chinese fellows, come along with me for a minute.’

‘Chinese fellows only? Why?’

‘Chinese fellows or only Hakka fellows?’

‘What about those who want to marry Chinese girls? Are you calling them, too?’

‘Don’t joke now. I have something important to say,’ he said gravely.

The Chinese players felt awkward and hesitantly went with Lee. What would the others think? Pulok and the others watched from a distance as Lao Thien spoke. The players’ faces turned glum. After a while, the whistle sounded. Lao Thien Lee stood aside and the players returned with fallen faces.

‘Pulok, Lao Thien Lee also wants to talk to you. Go quickly. We don’t have much time.’

Pulok went over and asked, ‘What is it, Lee ako?’

‘Something serious has happened. Listen carefully,’ he said, explaining the situation as best as he could.

‘Don’t be afraid, Lee ako,’ Pulok said. ‘It’s not so easy to beat someone up.’

‘No, Pulok. I’ve heard the conversations clearly. In any case, during the game people get aggressive. The situation is sensitive now because of the India-China problem. People are angry. So, if a Chinese club wins, anything could happen.’

‘This club has other players too. Let someone lay hands on us. Then we will see.’

‘No, Pulok, don’t pick a fight. From a small issue, it may grow into something serious. I will tell you something. Please don’t mind.’

‘Tell me quickly.’

‘Let Duliajan win today.’

‘What?’

‘There is no way out. It’s no big deal. In any game, one team has to win and the other loses. You can win next time. There may be big trouble today if someone incites the crowd.’

After looking at Lao Thien Lee for a while, Pulok said, ‘Do you think our supporters would allow anyone to get away with insulting or assaulting you? The border problem is a different issue. Don’t mix the two. We can’t let our club lose! When the ball comes to the goalpost, I’m going to catch it, no matter what.’

‘Try to understand, Pulok. There will be many more matches in future, and we will win again. We know that everyone doesn’t feel this way but we can’t take any chances, can we? If we win, these people are bound to create trouble. And if there is a clash they will spread rumours that the Chinese people have beaten up the Indians. There is a possibility of strong repercussions after that. I am only telling you all this. Please don’t discuss this with others.’