This post should have been written around 5 months back but you know what they say, efficiency is intelligent laziness ;-)
More than a blog, this is my way of saying thank you to some very important men in my life, who have helped me become an independent woman.
I have always wanted to drive a car, and gave it my first short around 4 years back by joining those 7 days driving school. Day 7, and I was convinced that no one can handle the wheel better than me and to prove that I decided to take my Parents for a ride. Now before I divulge further a small disclaimer, my father is a little short on patience. So, with mom on the back seat we took off for a 'long drive'. After a few minor hiccups I was sailing smoothly. Mom had just started with her filmy dialogues of 'meri beti kitni achi gadi chalane lagi hai' when something came in front of me and I had to make a sudden stop. My father, who was still not convinced that I can drive freaked out and started shouting causing me to panick , that was the start of the argument. Oh, did I forget to mention that I also inherit a lot of traits from my father :). So the argument continued and since rishtey mein toh who mere Baap lagtey hain, he obviously won and that was the end of my driving dream, for the time being at least.
Fast forward 2 years, my husband (then boyfriend) decided its time I learnt how to drive. 'But you drive an endeavour, where will I learn?' I said. 'You will learn on the endeavour, learn to love your car and the car will love you back' he said and that was just the beginning. I sat on the driver seat and started the car, memories from the past haunting me. First try, second try, third try , the car refused to start but the panick inside me had started at the first attempt. I looked at him with that puppy face ( which girls use often in situations like these) and said ' I don't think I can drive' but he was calm and patient. 'Ofcourse you can, just keep trying' he said with a smile on his face and that was the start of it. Over the period, he taught me to drive, early mornings, late nights he was always calm and convinced me that all drivers around me were idiots and I was the only one driving correctly. Never once did he raise his voice or got angry.
Then came that day when my husband got transferred and I had to go to office alone. My father( in law ) calls me and says ' I am sending you my car '. This is coming from a man who has never seen me drive. I'm not sure if I can drive I remember telling him, but I am he said and that was the end of discussion. The car arrived next week and that's how simple it was. I cannot even describe the feeling when I took it to office the first time. Scared obviously, but more than that I was feeling so loved and blessed to have such lovely people in my life.
So this blog is for,
Papa, for teaching me to be cautious always, I still remember you telling me to be careful of the little kids who jump into the road from nowhere,
My husband, for being so patient and calm. You are better than the best teacher I could have asked for.
For Pop, for forcing me to drive your brand new Audi, for believing in me even when I didn't believe in myself.
You guys rock !!
