Life’s Solitary Ride
I am the driver of my life!

For a simple introduction, I am a big attention seeker who loves spot-light and adulation. I am an easy going, lavishly loved and a much pampered soul. But today I am making an honest confession, baring my heart & acknowledging one of my inadequacies… a tough revelation indeed.

Well, I am bad with roads, really bad and all instructions given to this effect fall flat on my deaf ears. It isn’t that I haven’t tried but despite decent efforts, I haven’t gained an inch of knowledge or experience. So, I remain what I was at birth – naïve and novice. And truthfully speaking, I am really-lousy and seriously-sloppy. Strange and contradictory.. but precise and correct.

Look, I am not solely responsible for this inherent or manufacturing defect, you have to give due blame to my gracious elder brothers, caring husband and a large circle of magnanimous friends who meekly remind me yet chivalrously cater to my needs. Needless to say, I also blatantly ask people to escort me instead of guiding me to the destined destinations.

So this was about me, my flaw and my cover-up. But God has his ways and he carves out a perfect hurdle race for each individual to try, stumble, rise and fall. Probably, it was my turn to take his test and therefore an important meeting was scheduled about 58 Kilometers away. His plans are immaculate and as luck could have it, my chauffeur asked for a day off at the very last minute. His excuse was legitimate, thus leave had to be granted while I candidly instructed him to check the fuel, tyres and gear-oil. Seemingly all was set, only I was upset… the steering wheel was staring at my timidity and every passing minute was adding more nervousness to my already anxious nerves.

Actually, the fear of unknown and our false apprehensions are the biggest road blocks. We can easily track any road provided we have the basic preparation and preparedness to take on life’s challenges. We just need unfailing will-power to unfold the mysteries that slowing and eventually resolve with a little effort and time. I knew it all, yet the heart was thumping and the pulse rate was dropping.

By the way, I have a legal driving license. (How?.. From where?.. are questions you should refrain from asking) But, just for your benefit I wish to disclose that may spot this bundle of nerves driving distressful at all odd hours. So, you better find out my car number and watch out for personal safety!!

So, as you know, I have driven before but I only enjoy the narrow congested roads full of traffic not because I love claustrophobic spaces but because it gives me the chance to drive on second gear with minimal speed and maximum maneuvering. Needless to say, it also helps to create an impeccable impression. Good impression was made but then, the broad and well laid out roads scared me, as if they would engulf me in their vastness and the expanse of speed weakens my senses. Well, I am a bird of small flights. The small-bird was burdened to rise like an eagle and soar to success.

Am I confusing you?.. Did you only know of people who could either drive or not?.. Does this variety surprise you?.. It may, I can understand, for I too have lived on this near-borderline threshold of driving skill for years where I can’t decide to either give up or owe up. The only obvious choice seems to hone more skill, refine and accomplish. I am at it, so as expected, I googled the location and zoomed endlessly to understand and remember each road, by-lane, all buildings and milestones. ‘Get-set-go’… and I was off to this solitary ride.

Was it tough?.. Did I manage?… no wonder I have opened your mind to these curious queries and kept you guessing for more. Well, it took me 148 minutes and though I worried, I panicked and even stopped for directions, I eventually reached right in time realizing that life itself is a travelogue, where we wish to zoom and capture the future but life is a mystery and life’s myriad hues slowly bloom and blossom along the way.

This was the most memorable journey and the sheer pleasure of reaching, exploring and venturing made me a hero in my own eyes. The age old axiom, ‘persistence pays’ was revised and I re-invented the thought that if you think you can, then, you can..