Driving is awesome.
With the advent of the summer holidays, I was completely keen on having some new experiences while going on a drive. Well, I really didn't expect them to ACTUALLY happen, but they did.
My recent trip to Delhi had been amazing. The day I would like to share about, is when my uncle took us cousins for a drive. We were returning from the India gate to our home. Now the thing is, this uncle of mine is apparently known for his amazing driving skills. He has crossed long distances in a short time intervals, so I knew he was awesome, already. All he needed was a push I guess, and he could unleash his awesomeness driving! I was totally excited. I asked him that I'd like to sit next to him while we drove back home, for I really had heard a lot about his driving skills. Little did I know, that it was going to be one of my best experiences ever!
Delhi roads. Smooth, and clean. The traffic was well, kind of moderate too. We started of pretty nicely, and I was just gearing up with my seat belt, when suddenly, due to acceleraton, the car zoomed pass a couple of cars and I was left breath taken! All the cousins were shocked, some aware, probably used to this sort of a driving. I was just amazed! It was amazing. The thrill. The rush. And the tiny race we had against a petty Honda Civic guy was fun! Ours was a Zen. Damn, the olden cars were always so amazing. I wish I could own a Maruti 800. Probably a vintage one when I get older and richer. The turns the car took were exhilarating! Pretty dangerous too, if I am to be honest. When we reached home, my uncle made very clear of one particular thing. "Such stunts are to be performed by professionals only." - he concluded with a chuckle.
The other amazing day while we drove was again in Delhi. This time, it was my elder brother driving. Well, he doesn't really count as someone who drives rashly, but the drive itself was amazing. Delhi is usually very hot (Summers!) and if you're driving without using the air conditioner, well, be prepared to turn into roasted human pies! Even so, it was evening, so we left our windows open. Driving in Mumbai with windows open is another experience all together. (Especially as it rains!) Delhi had indeed been different.
Remember the times you've heard and realised, that yes, some of the best moments of solitude and self reflection are spent in the shower? I agree. But not completely. Because for me, it's always when I'm out on a drive.
I like watching the traffic. The buildings. The pedestrians. People in general. And I realise that life's pretty much like this drive. We just keep moving on, meeting different people as we move on, and that's about it. The drive with my brother was awesome too. I'd like to add that music makes a huge difference while on a drive. The songs played in the background gave perfect meaning to whatever I saw with my eyes, as we travelled around.
When we were back in Mumbai, I was keen on getting my hands on my OWN drivers licence. But it had to take time. 2 months, perhaps? I spent time doing the usual things I do. Making lists of what needs to be done, doing it, going crazy. Watching movies. I had a couple of movies to be watched before college started again. The Star Wars movies were included. And I enjoyed them, to the core!
Wondering why I mention this here? Well that's because, in the evening, after watching the Star Wars movies, me and my cousin brother went to check if our own car was working fine. With dad not in town for weeks, it becomes mandatory for us to take it on a small test drive now and then.
As I sat on my seat, buckled up and ready. I took a neat long look at the dashboard. The first thought in my mind were the buttons in front of my eyes. Then the light button overhead. I blinked my eyes and started to giggle. For what was just a car, seemed like a space ship to me. I wanted to sit on the drivers seat. Hold that steering wheel and just zoom off to some place unknown, with loud music, yes. And with every passing moment that I spent inside the car, my want to start driving was getting unbearable!
I have returned, just now, from the regional transport office (RTO), having completed the procedures that are needed to make a learners licence. The licence should be issued in about 2 - 3 days. After which, well, I will be able to drive.
I cannot wait to start off with my lessons! Every moment of those classes are going to be a big deal for me. It's like an opportunity, not many are blessed with. I couldn't fly my own rocket. I could start off with a car. Who knows, if I feel like it, I might even buy myself my very own custom designed bike one day.
Travelling will become oh so much more easier then.
