Les joueurs d’echecs or The Chess Players by Arthur M

Short Story I read today – les joueurs d’echecs or The Chess Players by Arthur M.

The Chess Players by Arthur M. A Short Edition story. Was hoping it would have been about how people play chess. And how the game would go? May be a little bit of sci-fi here and there.. But never knew it would resurface the many memories of Paris, France, the people, the scents, sights and sounds of Paris. .
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​Mahmoud was waiting for Bernard to join him for a game of chess. There he was waiting at 10.30 AM to play a game of chess at the park with two cups of coffee. And its 10.32 AM and Bernard has not turned up yet. They have this little routine going on playing chess. At one point he talked about Marseille and I was pulled in that .. ils sont francais .. Et puis .. a few lines further Mahmoud said he supported l’equipe de Paris St. Germain.. Mais oui .. naturellement ! As in no doubt 🙂 And how Bernard supports l’equipe d’Olympique de Marseille (… who are they !?) 😀
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​And slowly it moved on to how Mahmoud moved to this town and how he finds his place in the town. C’est pas facile ca.. It is a challenge to feel belonged. Especially when you are displaced and then find your bearings again. ​It takes a conscious effort for the system or individuals in the system to be unbiased, not judge and make friends. And it takes immense courage to say yes to the opportunity you get to connect.. feel hinged.. feel belonged
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​And then it slowly dawned on me as to Mahmoud was orphaned once again. But isn’t that way of life being a chess player – constantly dealing with chances of failing.. echec.. ? C’est l’essence d’etre un joueur d’echecs. .
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Hope l’experience is just as emouvante for you ..

Read the story here : The Chess Players and Les Joueurs D’Echecs