BIPIN DANI
Haryana's 18-year-old Ajaj Gill has become a celebrity. He met his "god" Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Wednesday.
The unusual thing about this fan meeting Dhoni is his 1436-km walk in 20 days from his Jalan Kheda home of Haryana to Ranchi and this was his second attempt to walk this distance merely to meet Dhoni.
He could not meet Dhoni when he walked this distance a few months ago and realized that Dhoni had gone to Chennai to go to the UAE for the IPL matches.
"I had not given up hope and this time I was determined to meet him and vowed that if he can't meet him, he would starve at his bungalow in Ranchi", speaking exclusively over the telephone, Ajay Gill said.
Gill has Dhoni's name in his hair-style. He wears a jersey embroidered with Dhoni's name and photos. "I am his biggest fan", he claims. "I have been his fan since the day when he made his international debut (against Bangladesh in 2005). He was out for zero on his debut ODI, but I was confident that this long-haired young man would be a very successful cricketer".
"I cried a lot when he announced his retirement. I have also been a local cricketer but had decided I would hold the bat again and continue to play only when I get a chance to meet my "God" in person and my dream came true only on 17th Nov.".
"I touched the feet of my "God". He presented me with a cricket bat with his autograph and now I will begin playing the game again".
"Initially, my family was not supporting me. Even the neighbours and friends used to tell me to leave this "madness".
"Yes, Dhoni told me not to make this mistake of such a long walk again and blessed me to be his fan".
Now, Gill's return journey has made him a hero. Red carpet welcome awaits him. His next dream is to marry a girl whose name would only be Sakshi.
