The day I learnt riding bike
It was Dec 2, 2012 when my dad faced an accident,he was badly injured and hence was hospitalized. He was brought back to home after few days but he was unable to even walk properly.
He has always remained my hero. And in those days he was the real warrior.
I was quite active in school. We were assigned a group project for the science exhibition. I was the leader of my group.
I had to bring some stationery material from the shop which was far off from my home.
My dad who was on bed rest couldn’t help me thus, I was feeling helpless.
My dad had a bike those days.. so my mom advised me to ask my elder cousin to help me out and take me to the shop riding my dad’s bike, so that I can buy the necessary items.
I asked him..
He said ummm ummm
I asked him again
He said I ll tell u soon
I asked again (requested in a way)
He said okay will think about it
He was delaying me, he did not even seem busy.
I wanted all the required things in 2 days positively.
I told mom about this.. and then she decided to walk with me to the shop.It was about 2.5 kms from my home.
We got tired going and returning back but fortunately I got all the things I wanted for the project.
But I felt bad deep inside.
And I said mom..why did he do like that ?
Why why ? We always help people..but ..?
My mom straightforwardly said one lives with family but takes birth alone and dies alone,so he/she should be able to do all his/her work alone. One should be self dependent and should never expect anything from anyone.
Her words hit me hard !
I was 13 years old..
We did not talk about feminism though but today I realised she brought me up like a real feminist.
My dad was still unwell.
I took our bike out of home, tried balancing..noticed some uncles way of riding it and used to practice riding it a lot.
My dad started walking and he was recovering, he used to guide me.
I being a fast learner, however learnt riding bike but I could still only ride in our lane which used to stay empty most of the times.
My parents believed in me they allowed me taking the bike out of lane.
I tried my best.I learnt taking turns.
Many times my bike ceased in the middle of the road.
I saw some random men around laughing and making fun of me.
I cried came back home and said..
Why do they laugh? Why do they think, I cannot do this ? Why ? Why ?
My mom said they are proud of their gender.They are not raised properly.
God sees everything. You keep on trying.
After few days.. it happened to me again,
Our neighbour uncle said
Nahi ho raha to kyu pareshan ho rahi hai, jyada dukhi mat ho tere se hoga bhi nahi, khana banana seekh wahi kaam aayega (he was making fun of me)
I cried !!
Went home back cried bitterly because uncle insulted me badly on the road in front of our other neighbours.
My mom said these men are insecure of their masculinity. Their masculinity gets shaken when girls try to learn new things.You ignore, and keep on trying.
I did.
I did
And I did !
I did learn to ride bike !
I was though not allowed to take it on the main roads because I was without license.
I started in winters and ended in summers next year .
It was 2013 now and I knew how to ride a bike !I love mom for supporting me and dad for always guiding me.
I feel it might not be a big deal for anybody who is reading this, but it was a big deal for me and I am proud of it! I realised everytime somebody says “NO” to you for your any work or help that you need.., they basically help you to grow you own skills and to be self dependent.God bless them too!! I feel really lucky to have so many such people in my life. Thank you God !
With every such diminutive achievement..the self love increases…
Hard work never goes waste..
One should always keep trying !