I've often dreamt of watching a football World Cup final inside a heaving stadium. The dream is a little more elaborate actually — I am sitting just behind the dugout, within hi-fiving distance of the players. It's a Brazil versus Argentina final. As the teams walk out on to the pitch, Ronaldinho turns around to wave at me. I wave back, furiously, with both hands. Then begins the most spectacular game of football the world has ever witnessed. There's a flurry of goals and Brazil wins. At the final whistle, I do my own 'Dairy Milk girl dance' and run on to the pitch. There's a swirl of yellow, green and a lot of bald heads as I do the lap of honour. Oh, I even speak Portuguese in the dream.

So, why am I telling you this? Since it's the season of magic and dreams coming true — the Slumdog effect you know — I've thought of taking the first step to realising mine.

FIFA launched the sales of 2010 World Cup, South Africa, tickets on February 20. You can apply on the FIFA website, www.fifa.com. The application process is open till March 31, for the first phase of the sales.

There are five phases of sales, leading up to the tournament, but I don't want to take chances. An individual can apply for up to four tickets per match for a maximum of seven matches. Team specific tickets are also available, right up to the final.

Of course, an application doesn't mean I'll get the seats. There'll be millions applying and the demand will far exceed the supply — almost 1:100,000 ratio. Once the application process is complete, FIFA will conduct a random draw on April 15 for the first phase.

Now my luck isn't like Jamal Malik's, but no harm in trying — it could happen.

The tickets are expensive. The best seats available to the public for the final in Johannesburg on July 11 are priced at $900 each (in excess of Rs 45,000), the cheapest at $400 (about Rs 21,000).

I am going to have to do a Shylock for the next one year to be able to afford the trip. Some have tried to talk me out of this. 'South Africa isn't too safe.' 'In times of recession, you can't be too much of an adventurer.' 'Stick to the TV.'

To all the doubters and dousers of my enthusiasm, I say, it is in times like these that a soul-lifting experience is a necessity. I've planned for this trip more than for my wedding.

Those who share my dream, get on the computer, click away and book. Hope to see you all in South Africa.

What if I don't get the tickets?

Hmm…there's plan B...Dear bosses, are you listening? I know India's not in the tournament. But it's imperative that we cover the 2010 World Cup.