Almost every time a momentous milestone looms before him, Sachin Tendulkar also perceives the Devil and the Deep Sea; he just can't seem to decide which is the lesser of the evil and ends up being consumed by one or the other, or both.

The first Test at the historic Kotla once again showcased this one aberration in his exceptional run over the years.

West Indies had sparred their way to 304, with Shivnarine Chanderpaul frustrating India's bowlers with his hideous approach to batting. On a low and slow track, it seemed like a winning opening hand.

India began strongly with Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag showing their familiarity with the home track; but a fortuitous touch saw the former being run out at the non-striker's end. Tendulkar, though, didn't last long even as ticket prices shot up outside the stadium in the hope of his perfect century.

By the time West Indies were bundled out, the Test had reached an interesting corner: they had made only 180 to give India just 276 to overhaul; it wasn't a huge target but the chase was always going to be tricky. More importantly, everybody sniffed another chance for Tendulkar.

He walked in at 95 for two; by then, the danger had passed and the wicket too mysteriously looked friendlier. Yet, Tendulkar only saw the Devil (in the track): as he took his stance, you could sense his anxiety. India could have still lost from here; but he could also make a dash for it.

With the two thoughts weighing on him, he was visibly tentative. The body language itself was cautious and the eyes revealed the turmoil within; the footwork was not bold or precise and the bat came down slowly, in a defensive prod. It was a crucial phase; you could feel the bomb ticking there.

Inevitably, his nerves settled down; the smile was back on his face and he started looking for his shots: gentle pushes through covers and crisp tucks to the on-side confirmed that the butterflies in his stomach had taken flight.

By close of play, he had crossed the 15,000-milestone and was just 67 runs from the milestone. He must have curled up in the bed peacefully, even if he is known to be a light sleeper during big matches; after all, Rahul Dravid was at the other end (of the wicket, that is). It was reassuring on two counts: one, he could be relied upon to ward off any late onslaught from West Indies bowlers; two, he wouldn't make a scramble for the remaining runs.

India, however, suffered a jolt early on the fourth morning; Dravid fell to a swinging delivery after adding only one; worse, VVS Laxman arrived and the scorecard started moving at an alarming pace.

Tendulkar suddenly saw the Deep Sea: the target was sinking much quicker than he had planned for. Typically, he changed tack: there was an urgency in his batting which was hitherto missing. Cuts, sweeps, paddle sweeps quickly materialized to bring in a flurry of boundaries. He jumped from the 40s to enter his 70s. It was just a question of time after that, or so it seemed.

A pull off Marlon Samuels, however, rang the first alarm: the ball wasn't short enough; Tendulkar pirouetted on his toes and swiped it towards square leg. He got another four but couldn't keep it down. Dangerous. Next over, he paddle sweeps again and misses; more surprisingly, he doesn't take the single on offer.

Sometimes, just like in life, such misses prove to be portentous: three deliveries later, he tries to pull Bishoo and fails to connect. The umpire hesitates but has no other choice. Tendulkar walks back on 76, leaving the stands and the expectant country in a daze; he had already done his bit for the team though. There will, of course, be another chance soon for Tendulkar; surely, he will figure out a way to tame the Devil and the Deep Sea.