A Father's Dream

Shiva excitedly came to his father in the morning.

Shiva: Dad! Today my 10th-grade results will be out. I’m going to get a First Class, Dad!

Dad: Oh! That’s great news, Shiva. But remember one thing — I never told you to get First Class. I always told you to study well and grow in wisdom.

Shiva: Why is that, Dad?

Dad: First Class comes with marks. But true success comes from intelligence. Even if you miss marks once, developing your intellect is what really matters.

Shiva: Okay, Dad!

Dad: I trust your academics. But what about your running race? How far have you come?

Shiva: There’s an important race next month, Dad. If I win it... I’ll be selected for the Inter-State running competition.

Dad: That’s great, son... your goal is to run for the country!

Shiva: Definitely, Dad. I’ll fulfill your dream.

Eight years later…

State-level running competition. The ground is buzzing with heat and energy. Everyone is ready.

Coach: Shiva! If you win this race, you'll step into the Nationals. You’ve won the last three races. The same should happen this time too!

Shiva: Yes, Coach… I’ll definitely win!

Coach: You seem a little dull. Are you thinking about your parents? It’s true they’re no more. But every time you win, their joy reflects in your eyes… their blessings are always with you.

Shiva: Okay, Coach. I’ll be back in five minutes. You go ahead.

Meanwhile, Uma arrives at the stadium with her friend.

Uma: You said we’re going to a movie, and brought me to a running race instead?

Friend: Our Kavya’s brother is in this race, Uma. Once it’s over, we’ll go to the movie.

Uma: Okay, since you insisted, let’s watch it.

The race begins. All the runners dash forward enthusiastically. Toward the end, it’s a tough contest between Anirudh and Shiva.

With just a one-second difference, Shiva emerges victorious!

Coach: Wow, Shiva! I knew you'd win. Congratulations!

Shiva: Thank you, Coach!

Uma: The race is done, now let’s go to the movie.

After the victory…

Shiva is speaking with fans, his coach, and the media after the race. As Uma is about to leave, she turns once and glances back at Shiva.

The next day – near the ground…

Shiva is practicing alone. Uma comes there.

Uma: Hi…

Shiva: Hi… You are?

Uma: Congratulations on your win yesterday.

Shiva: Thank you.

They slowly get to know each other and talk. After some time…

Uma: Okay, call me when you're free. We’re friends now, right?

Shiva: Absolutely. True connections begin with friendship.

A few days later…

Shiva is preparing for the National-level competition, and Uma visits him often, encouraging him.

A gentle bond starts forming between them. Even though Shiva doesn’t have parents in his life, Uma becomes his companion and support.

She becomes the light in his life. Her words, her smile, her encouragement — all help him overcome his loneliness.

One evening… both sitting at the ground:

Uma: Talking to you every day like this, waiting for you, supporting you — it all feels very special to me, Shiva...

Shiva (silently smiling): I feel the same, Uma...
But…

Uma: What is it?

Shiva: Right now, all my focus is on my goal.

Uma (gently): I know, Shiva. I’ll always be by your side, supporting you.

Shiva quietly looks into her eyes. That moment — love begins between them.

But… none of them could have predicted how their lives would change after that moment.

The day before the national competition, Shiva is riding his bike and meets with an accident. He thinks it's a minor injury, but…

Doctor: “He has a ligament injury in his leg. Not just tomorrow’s race, it’s risky for him to participate in any future races. His leg may become permanently weak.”

Shiva (to Coach): “I can’t stop, Coach. This is my last chance. My father's dream… my dream.”

Uma (with tears): “Shiva… I’m with you. But this isn’t a race you win with heart alone… your body must endure too. Even if you lose, your health matters most.”

Shiva: “Uma… Only after you came into my life did I understand the value of winning… but now, if I lose… it’s not just me — it’s my father’s dream that will be lost too.”

The next day at the stadium, with 4000 people watching — Shiva arrives.

Everyone is shocked.

Coach (shouting): “Shiva is here!”

Shiva comes in with a bandage on one leg. In his eyes are the images of his father, coach, and Uma.
The crowd applauds. Commentators speak with awe:

Commentator: “This isn’t what we expected to see… this is a moment to be proud of. Shiva… is overcoming his pain to reach the starting line — for his dream, and his father’s dream.”

Race starts:

The whistle blows. Runners begin to sprint. Shiva runs too.

First 100 meters… the determination to win is seen on his face, but the pain in his leg increases steadily.

Then he remembers his father’s words:

“It’s okay if you don’t get First Class, Shiva… grow in wisdom… if you can see victory in defeat, then you are the true winner.”

Two runners are leading in front. Shiva is far behind. Victory seems impossible…

But in his eyes, there's only one goal: “Run till the end!”

Final 10 meters… his leg gives out… Shiva falls… and finishes the race.

Everyone stands up and claps. Some are in tears.
Shiva secures third place in the race.

But the praise he receives, the media attention, the offer from the National Athletics Academy — all honor his perseverance.

Commentator’s final words:

“Today, we didn’t just witness a champion… we witnessed a flame.”

Three months later…

Shiva becomes a coach…

Training children… with Uma beside him.

Uma: “You’ve won, Shiva… now you’ve become a coach who creates winners.”

Shiva: “Yes, Uma. I couldn’t run for my country. But I have no regrets. The athlete I train will run for our country.”

In Shiva’s hands is a photo of his father, with a line written beneath it:
“Your dream lives with me, Dad… now hundreds of dreams are running with me.”

The New Beginning….