Chapter 2
Thus after many eventful driving lessons and an uneventful driving test, I came home a proud recipient of the Indian Drivers license. I was beaming with confidence, for we had no car in our garage to prove my driving skills. My Dad one day brought home a second hand Maruti Suzuki and handed over its keys to me. He sat beside me on the passenger seat, his head held high. I turned on the engine , my confidence level crumbling. My car galloped imitating the jerks of a horse and suddenly came to a stop. After many trials , my Dad’s raised head came down a bit and he promised me to bring me a better Guru .
Thus started, my second session of driving classes with Pillai Sir. Pillai Sir was very different from my earlier teacher. He was a soft spoken man, who taught me how to drive and instilled full confidence in me. Thus in a few weeks time I was declared the chauffeur of the family. I started enjoying the drives on the Indian roads which provided adventure and variety each day. We stopped hiring drivers even for long drives. Thus the 1985 model Maruti Suzuki became my companion. I started feeling a special kinship with this old friend .
The day came when I had to finally say goodbye to my on the road companion….., it was more than just a four wheeler , it was my first car , which gave me confidence not only in driving but also in myself. On the eve of my wedding when our house was full of guests , my uncle took up a few responsibilities running errands on my old companion….: my old car refused from responding ….whether any one would believe it or not …. My car’s engine did not start even after many trials…. When all the guests departed , I went to my old friend , spoke to it with love (I know it sounds crazy)…..and my old companion responded without any problems….When I write about my old red Maruti ….it does take me back the memory lane…. The many moments I spent with my friend , the many roads I meandered , the many family outings , the long drives with my college friends, drives with my husband……..And I feel a longing to sit on its drivers seat and hold on to its steering…….
To be continued………………………….
17 comments:
O, it surely wasn't easy letting that go...
Ah, the thrill of actually driving!! :)
i can relate to what you are saying though i dont drive anymore
Lakshmi
this post shows how much keen attachment u had with ur first car....yes no can forgot our very first things and it would be very special tooo
good one.. :)
Have a nice weekend.
Happy day
I cannot think of anyone else actually writing about a relation with a mechanical thing like a car so beautifully...you also make it sound like a very emotional tale..;-D
wanted to write comment on the previous entry but waited for the continuation...I believe the rest will be even more interesting..;-P
nostalgic indeed
You are tagged
know what - i read that they are going to relaunch the maruti 800 as a one lakh car after taking out some features, to compete with the nano..
Hi Nanditha,
I really understand your emotional feeling with your first car. I remember my first little car with big sentiment.
Thanks for sharing, I always like to read your post.
Have a great days!
that was really sweet..i understand the attachment
i remember your red maruti ;)
True Confessions:
When I was 21 I fell deeply in love with my 75 Plymouth Valiant with slant six engine and peeling black vinyl interior. I was impressionable and naive. In the end, I was hurt...
Seriously, last year you left a comment on my blog expressing interest in my book. Wanted to let you know it's available now but had no email for you...
Thanks for your interest!
A sweet chapter on that road to Saga, Nanditha. My husband and I were just talking about our old cars the other night, but not with as much fond attachment as you had for your Maruti. My grandfather's car, well, that's a different story. I love road trips to this day b/c of Grandpa taking us vagabonding in his little black box on wheels.
new post please..
I can't wait to continue reading!
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