The two-wheeler scooty, which had been the family vehicle for over a decade, started displaying aging symptoms. One fine day it would not start with my gentle pedal kick the auto ignition having been a privilege of the past and I needed my husband or a passerby to help me out. Under their hard kick the poor engine would splutter into life, frightened out of its wits.
Soon however, one by one, the indicators refused to blink, and I could not take the help of the horn as it had taken a vow of silence. Finally, one day as I was driving, one of the rear view mirrors dislodged itself and crashed onto the road. Witnessing such strange behaviour from the vehicle, I sadly realised that it was time to scout for a new one, and the husband suggested I search for a latest model. Loyalty spurred me towards the same brand, and I zeroed on one which had appealing features. The name itself was attractive, and when a golden hero endorsed it, imploring all to bring in Guru’s blessings we made up our minds.
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The husband and dear daughter Rukma took a test drive at the showroom and were quite impressed, although the initial drive was on a vehicle with a loose brake. Luckily no bones were broken, the booking was made and the eager wait started. Finally the D-day dawned and the wheelie first visited a temple for the customary puja, and it then arrived at the doorstep of its new home. My husband mooted the idea of a long drive and I excitedly tried to board the pillion seat but was surprised that my attempt was failing repeatedly. I soon realised the reason the new vehicle was akin to a State bus where I needed to, not just straightaway sit, but to climb and sit.
It seemed a formidable task as the husband precariously balanced the vehicle. The vehicle did a wobbly tap dance when I stepped on the boarding platform and when I finally did sit, I felt as if I was atop a seesaw, with me on top and the husband at the bottom. With a precursory remark, “Have you sat?” the husband zoomed away.
The seesaw turned into a slide with my legs dangling on to the road and I started slipping onto the blurry road, and entreated the driver to slow down. I was indeed glad when the drive ended with me in one piece.
Soon it was time for a solo drive and it was then that I realised that I was handling no less than a sumo champ and managing its weight proved more formidable than walking an Alsatian dog on a leash. Once when I offered to drop my sari clad friend, she made a critical overview of the vehicle and placed a foot on the pedal in an effort to climb on to the seat. I almost toppled over with the champion atop me.
She quickly withdrew her foot saying, “I actually prefer to walk as it’s good for my back problem”. Guru has become the husband’s faithful and I am looking for an expert to repair the old veteran. In the meantime, I walk.
