If someone asks me what is the one thing I would love to learn... I would say driving a car! I have been dreaming of driving my own car painting the town red.
Many of my friends have been successful in getting a licence in Muscat where I had been living for several years. Seeing them move around independently inspired me and kindled my desire to do the same. But sadly, I never even managed to get myself enrolled in a driving class.
It must have been this strong urge that made me encourage my daughters to obtain a licence and drive in their respective cities. Though with great difficulty, they have managed to drive their own cars. I love to see them in the driver’s seat, proudly holding the steering wheel, moving along with their eyes and mind on the road and taking passengers safely to their destinations.
As a little girl I have sat with my father, admiring him at the wheel. Since he knew my passion in driving, he has even allowed me to hold the steering wheel, to drive along roads that are not crowded.
Summer vacation used to be our family time. It was spent in going to different places in our car.
Once our car broke down in the middle of nowhere. It was dusk and getting dark. Waiting for another car to ask for help proved futile. So my father had to change the punctured tyre himself, since he had a spare in the boot.
We, as children, stood around excitedly, not knowing the dangers of having to wait as a family in a lonely place. My father used to own a Fiat car which often gave him some trouble or the other. I have grown up seeing the way my dad found solutions to his problems.
Now leading a retired life in Kerala, I would still like to try my hand at driving, but the narrow roads and the heavy traffic don’t encourage me.
Blessed are those who deftly move through the city, full of impatient drivers and chaotic pedestrians. Buses that look like giants, cars, two-wheelers, auto rickshaws and the masses on two legs — together create a fright in me.
I wish the traffic was more organised, I wish the roads here were broader, I wish two-wheelers are given separate lanes to pass by peacefully, I wish the people who drive are taught some patience and kindness along with some civic sense. Lastly — I wish I can drive safely in Kozhikode, that too with a valid licence.
Aruna Ramachandran
Email: arunaramachandran09@gmail.com