Learning to ride
It was an early evening of the summer of 1997. I had entered my teens and was late by different standards in learning one of the most crucial life-skills. To ride a bicycle.
So on this particular evening, I gulped down my glass of milk. As the milk travelled through the food pipe into my gut, I felt like a cousin of Popeye, growing strong every moment. Milk was my manna from heaven.
I walked out my aunty's home, where we were staying for the summer vacation. There was a bicycle rental place nearby. I reached there.
The place boasted of an assortment of bicycles in various sizes. I closely scrutinised all the available samples.
At 4'6" around that time, I knew I couldn't take the adult size bicycle. So I decided to go for a red-coloured mid-sized one.
I was excited to immediately ride back home on it. But, I still needed to learn how to!!
In order that I wouldn't turn myself into a spectacle, I just walked with it towards my aunt's home.
And thus started my tryst with learning the bicycle on that day.
Did I mention yet, I'm a fast learner? Ummm...or let's say an impatient one.
It had been an hour of plodding with no results. It was going to turn dark soon. The bicycle would have to be returned.
I would have to sleep through a night of failure!!!!
Dejection was turning to frustration. I took the bicycle inside my aunt's house and to the backyard where my mom sat on a charpoy.
Tears rolled down my cheeks as I said I was unable to learn riding a bicycle.
My mom laughed and said you just started learning. Do it tomorrow.
My frustration gave way to ire. I saw my Popeye muscles building in my arms. I picked up the bicycle above my head and threw it with all my force.
My mom got up from the charpoy. She came near me and the next I remember is the tightest ever slap.
She said, "pick up this bicycle and return it. But, don't see me or talk to me till you've learned."
And so, I picked up the bicycle and walked to the gate.
My mom's slap actually hurt my pride. I had to show her that I could do it.
I took the bicycle to the slope at the gate to give it the natural push and momentum. As soon as it was in motion, I started pedalling.
It was almost like magic that the bicycle balanced itself and I rode my first few meters.
The milk, the muscles, and the slap had worked their charm!