Biking Dreams

I was a little kid back then, probably in UKG or first grade. Our house help's daughter, whom I called Kuppu akka, was much older than me and an excellent cyclist. My parents would let me ride on her bicycle's back seat, and watching her made me eager to learn.

Together, we would visit the cycle rental shop where I could rent a bicycle for 25 paise. We'd walk the cycle back home, and I'd practice whenever she was available. Though my desire to learn grew stronger, our practice sessions were infrequent. Then we moved houses, and as years passed, other priorities took over.

By ninth grade, I asked my dad to buy me a bicycle and teach me to ride. However, with both my parents working and limited space at home, it wasn't possible. I took the bus to school daily, watching enviously as other kids cycled effortlessly to school. I particularly remember watching my friend Raksha cycling home while I waited for my bus.

A breakthrough came during my vacation at my uncle's place after my ninth-grade exams. My cousin, who rode a TVS 50 skillfully, agreed to teach me. For a week, she patiently helped me learn. Despite multiple falls (some taking her down with me!), it was worth it – a dream coming true moment.

Finally, in tenth grade, dad bought me a bicycle. My grandpa as I refer to him as Big Thatha to my kids would accompany me on weekends as I practiced. This might seem like a small thing to others, but for me, it was a deep desire that took years to fulfill.