And the RED – SEA ..

It was final over. 29 needed of 6 balls. Almost a billion fans are waiting with hope. Half of them have been waiting with the same hope for 18 years. 18 looooonggg years.
1st ball – high full toss and a miss. The crowd erupts in a roar.
2nd ball – swing and a miss. There it is. The crowd erupts in joy. Inside and outside the stadium.
It was a moment of a dream come true to those fans who were ridiculed, trolled, laughed at, made fun of, and bullied all through 17 seasons. This was the day when those hopes were answered. This wasn’t just a win. This was a slap to those who mocked, a heal to those broken hearts, and a joy to those who stood by patiently for 18 years.
It was evident in the way almost the whole country celebrated on the streets, like they were their own. RCB is no longer Bengaluru’s alone; it’s much bigger and a much wider brand. Probably it touched a common sentiment of tasting success after so long, while being worthy of it since its inception. Like a bright student finally securing 1st rank after being told he’s very intelligent, yet somehow fails in finals.
Now that the moment of the dream had come true, none knew what to do. Some cried, some cheered, some danced, some burst firecrackers, and some just heaved a sigh of relief with tears. The monkey on the back was finally let off. The patience paid off, and hope became reality.
After a sleepless night wandering in emotions, all that everyone craved the next morning was a sea of red with players in the middle showing that glittery cup from atop a bus. Nothing less, nothing more. Just a few hours of pure joy where everyone could let their hearts out one time, for that one hour which we had longed for 18 long years.
Here’s a toned-down version:

However, our leaders and policymakers seemed to have different priorities. They appeared more focused on public appearances and photo opportunities with the cup rather than proper planning. There was a clear desire for media attention, first access to the team, and leveraging the moment for political gain. This approach prioritized optics over public safety.

Unfortunately, this focus on publicity came at a significant cost. The poorly managed event resulted in a tragic loss of 11 lives. The handling of this celebration reflects broader issues with how such events are organized and prioritized. Until we address these systemic problems in event management and accountability, similar tragedies may continue to occur while public attention eventually shifts to other matters. The focus should have been on celebrating the team’s achievement safely, rather than creating opportunities for political theater.
And fans? Well, we lost what was supposed to be our biggest day of joy, probably a lifetime (the hardcore RCB supporters know it means everything, ahead of any other trophy). Our 1st ever glory has been left with a lifetime scar when all we ever wanted was just a moment of joy that was held hostage for 18 years. Now and for eternity, every time we recall this historic 1st trophy, we’ll also see 11 souls and countless families affected by the sheer heartlessness of those power-hungry politicians.

We waited for 18 years to celebrate this day, and destiny didn’t let us have it for even 24 hours. The fans deserved better. The government should have just let the fans celebrate with their team and soaking the glory for 1 day. 1 frigging day in this otherwise mundane life of struggle, chaos and instability. But it was never to be.
May those departed fans watch us from a world better than here, and let us pray that no fans ever get such a day.

We wanted a ‘sea of red’ but not this kind of red.