Off the Board Tales #14 - Vedika Gujrathi

by Avathanshu Bhat - 06/08/2021

'Off the Board Tales' is a series by ChessBase India, where the premise revolves around people who are passionate about chess despite it not being their career. An emotional and short story is what you're up for, so read on for tales of joy, tales of aspirations, tales of sorrows, and tales of success. Vedika Gujrathi is a budding chocolatier for her exclusive brand ‘Vedika’s Chocolates.’ She is currently studying physiotherapy in Nashik.

The Sweet Sister

Vedika is many things; chocolatier, physiotherapy student, and more. However, among those, her role as the sister of GM Vidit Gujrathi is an invaluable one, no doubt contributing to his early career.

"Being the younger sibling, I tagged along with my mother and Vidit Bhai to tournaments, ever since I was 2-3 years old. I would miss so much school by just accompanying my brother, but I didn’t care; being with him was the world to me. I was always fascinated as a spectator looking at the halls and listening to the sounds of the pieces and the clocks. Being an inquisitive kid, I would study the players and their reactions carefully; by the time a player was walking out of the hall, I knew the result through body language. I learned their respectful mannerisms as well, how they were so genial and elegant, in their own way. However, in the end, my eyes would always gaze upon my brother.

Despite not understanding the game all that well, Vedika made a point to accompany him as much as she could.

My childhood was very different from other people's because of his journey. I faced many academic losses throughout but what I learned is irreplaceable and the greatest experience of all time. I’m lucky to be a part of such a great community, even if it’s all thanks to my brother.

The two were always playful and spent much time together when they would travel abroad for Vidit's tournaments.

Growing up as the sibling of a Super Grandmaster is definitely unique, but I’ve never thought of him like one. To me, he has and always will be my Vidit bhai; the same Vidit bhai with whom I would sob after he would lose a game, despite me not understanding a thing. We rejoiced together, we cried together, and we were always on the lookout for each other. After my seventh grade, I stopped traveling to focus on my studies, but I’d make sure to enquire about his well-being. Even as a third-year physiotherapy college student, and even with his busy schedule, we still find time to catch up and chat. After all, he is the one who motivates me to do my best. My inspiration, my brother, my Vidit bhai."

The story of two affectionate siblings, and how they helped one another to push forward, is an inspiring story indeed.

Vedika's Chocolates - made with love for the chess community!

About the Author:

Avathanshu Bhat is a 16-year-old from Mumbai. He is the Editor-in-Chief for ChessBase India Juniors and Manager for ChessBase India's Elite Pass. He recently began a new series called 'Off the Board Tales' on ChessBase India's social media pages. He is a voracious reader, a Nolan film enthusiast, and is passionate about everything tech and games.