At the end of a looong stick

The bug bit me during a business meet to a island resort off Thiruvananthapuram. They had two snooker tables just by the pool side. Most of the guests headed to the pool and the snooker tables were looking forlorn; but not drab.The colourful balls and the looong stick were inviting even the uninitiated.
But then, I did not go near and expose my ignorance. I was walking in the huge lawn just next to the waterway, but every now and then I would give the table a passing glance.But then this is not the end of story.
The club i frequent, had decided to go in for a snooker table in the new room that they had constructed. The secretary told me that he requests patronage from all members. He had roped in a coach also, so we can pick up the game anew.
I jumped at the offer and on a cool winter evening, made a beeline for starting the game. The coach, the green table and colourful balls and long sticks was all that was there that day. I took the cue and had a go at one of the red balls. I felt a sense of great adventure. It has been a childhood fantasy to be able to play billiards and snooker someday. I had never had a chance to witness a billiards game and all that one saw was the business tycoons on screen and off screen playing the game. Nowadays on the small screen in my favourite soap also, the 'bigwigs' play the game regularly.
The right shoulder was making its presence felt, half an hour into the game;few red balls had been pocketed; i could relate this game to a game of carrom. The rules are different of course, but then hitting a ball (coin) and pocketing it in the holes at the four corners of the table are the striking similarities. I have recently taken to playing carrom regularly and the learning is hence faster, I guess.
Few other members came in, who were watching my struggle, and gave some valuable tips!
P also came along, he knew the rules of the game and was able to have a go at the ball quite effortlessly and with great style and poise. But then he was not so sold on the game, and was very casual about it.
I have been there a few more times in the last few weeks. I dont know the rules fully, and am not yet as skilled as i would like to be.But then i have loads of enthusiasm and interest and that should be enough!
Learning something knew gives me a new high.