When Life Gives You Legs: A Mopedless Topper
The 10th standard in school is a rollercoaster of emotions. Sometimes you’re treated like a kid, other times you feel like you’re on the verge of adulthood, and vice versa. Right after I wrapped up my 10th grade, my school pals were flaunting their newfound swagger on scooters and bikes, gifts from their dads for conquering the 10th-grade summit. Meanwhile, there I was, the school topper and second in the whole district, still pedaling away on the same old bicycle we all pitched in for—now with the added duty of greasing its chain every other week to fend off the relentless march of rust.
Honestly, I hadn’t mustered the courage to request a shiny new bike from my dad because I could practically predict his response. But when the peer pressure became unbearable, I tossed my resolution aside and approached him one day.
“Everyone’s cruising on Bajaj scooters or Splendors, and I’m tired of dragging this piece of junk! Could you at least get me a Hero Puch?” I pitched my request for a moped, pre-bargained in my head—after all, proposing a scooter or a bike would have been a guaranteed denial.
My dad looked at me, then at the rusty old bicycle, and then back at me. “A Hero Puch, huh? That’s 14,000 rupees! Are you out of your mind? It’s too expensive!” He swiftly shot down the proposal.
“Alright, how about a Luna then? I’m not asking for a sports bike, just something with a little more… dignity,” I bargained, lowering my request to a pedal-driven moped that was nearly half the price of my initial ask.
“Son…,” As soon as he uttered this word, I braced myself for what was coming ahead. I was ready to sprint to an orphanage if he pulled out his perennial catchphrase, “someday you’ll understand” one more time.
“God has given you two legs. Do you know why?” He paused, delivering the statement with a poker-faced expression.
I didn’t know how to react. This was an absolutely new tactic. My dreams of a Luna or Hero Puch were momentarily forgotten, and I was more dumbfounded by how quickly he could come up with this.
“Goddamn Banias…must be in the genes!” I muttered to myself as I left the room, shaking my head in despair.
A few days later, though, he did buy a new bicycle—not because I demanded a bike or a moped, but because our shared bicycle had crumbled to death!
Getting My Wings: Learning To Fly
My dad was not much of a job-goer. He kept us afloat by renting out parts of our house. Our town lacked opportunities, so my only escape route was crystal clear – study hard and break free from the ordinary. Unlike friends diving into family businesses or starting small shops, my life took a different route.
While my brother indulged in typical teenage activities like sports, the gym, and hanging out with girls, I was glued to my study chair day in and day out. Such dedication came with a price—one day, a painful boil appeared on my buttock, a testament to my marathon study sessions. It was quite evident that I had fretted my bums enough on the study chair to earn this souvenir, and this boil became the infamous symbol of my dedication within my family. Fortunately, my dedication paid off. It was my ticket to a new world—an admission into BITS, Pilani, one of India’s prestigious colleges, which completely transformed my personality, laying the foundation for a new life and choices, many of which continue to shape my path today.
