Funky More Than Just Wood

- "No! You can give me a new bat, but not the same feelings. Not my Funky!"

- Karan Varde

O nce upon a time, there was a boy named Jay who lived in Deesa. He loved playing cricket and dreamed of becoming a cricketer. Jay was a hardworking and passionate boy.

He had a cricket bat. It wasn't an original branded bat-but to Jay, it was magical.

He named the bat Funky. Jay talked to Funky every day and shared everything with it-his thoughts, his hopes, his fears.

His friends often laughed and asked,  

"Why do you talk to a wooden bat?"  

Jay would get angry, but he always replied calmly,  

"This is not just a bat. It's special to me."

One friend teased, "Are you joking?"

One day, Jay played an important cricket match. He performed brilliantly. His shots were powerful, his timing perfect. His team won, and Funky was by his side throughout.

But the players on the opposing team grew jealous. That night, they made a wicked plan-to break Jay's bat.

After the match, Jay was on cloud nine. On his way home, he whispered to Funky,  

"Funky, you are the best!"

At dinner, he excitedly told his parents how he had played and won. After eating, he went to bed with a smile on his face.

But in the middle of the night, his jealous friends crept into his home and broke Funky into pieces.

The next morning, Jay woke up and found his beloved bat shattered.

He cried uncontrollably. His parents rushed in and tried to comfort him.  

"We'll buy you a new bat," they said.  

But Jay sobbed and said,  

"No! You can give me a new bat, but not the same feelings. Not my Funky!"

Just then, he heard someone shouting,  

"Jay! Wake up! It's time for school!"

Jay opened his eyes and fell out of bed.  

It was all just a dream.

The first thing he did was run to check on Funky. There it was-safe and sound.

He hugged his bat tightly and whispered,  

"Funky, don't ever leave me. I love you, Funky!"