APRIL 11, MONDAY

Eden Gardens. I walk in for the first time with Juhi Chawla, who has kindly invited me for the KKR match. The girl at the counter smiles at Juhi and with full conviction says: “Korbo lorbo jeetbo re....” Juhi looks at me and says: “See what you have done?”

FLASHBACK: APRIL 2008

KKR plays their very first match. Vishal and Shekhar call me from Calcutta saying: “It’s awesome when they play our song in the stadium. You should have come.” My ticket was a no-show... I was shooting for Aladin.

EARLIER ON APRIL 11

My son Agni (16) cracks up hearing that I am going to see a cricket match. Unlike him I am not much of a sports person. I won’t be able to tell you who scored how many goals in cricket! Kintu my plan is clear. I want to hear the song and I want to win!

THE EDEN EFFECT

Shah Rukh Khan enters Eden. Crowd goes insane. But nothing is registering. My jaw has dropped, having seen Eden Gardens for the first time. The most awesome structure as she wraps herself cosily around us. It’s almost like sitting on your mother’s lap.

HIGH ON THE GAME

I am screaming my lungs out with the crowd. Totally high on the game, I have forgotten what I have come for. My song is the least of my concerns now.

KKR and Deccan Chargers play an awesome match. Eden is buzzing. The crowd does a human wave. I join in. I forget that I have a coffee cup in my hand. I get drenched in coffee. Goodbye muslin ‘punjabee’. But who cares!

Match gets nail-biting. No one can tell what’s going to happen. It’s like rushing through the pages of Feluda. Need to reach the end.

Both the teams play like honourable soldiers. With grace, dignity and respect.

KKR wins. The crowd erupts. Calcutta! Eden lights up. Even she joins in.

THANK YOU, EDEN

I get to walk barefoot on the cold grass of Eden Gardens as Juhi receives the trophy.

It’s a calming feeling after all that jumping up and down. It’s a soothing feeling. Like your mother ruffling your hair.

Eden taught me an important lesson. It’s not about winning or losing but it’s how you play the game that matters. I may not be a sportsman, but Eden brought out the spirit in me. Thank you Eden... thank you Calcutta, for Eden.