The pavements in India are dangerous places, as I discovered one late Friday night. I was walking along the road chatting animatedly with a friend and suddenly I found myself lying on the ground with my ankle twisted unnaturally under me. I had slipped over a slippery uneven part of the footpath. A couple of hours later I found out that I had, what is called a trimalleolar fracture, or in simpler terms, a broken ankle. I was told by the doctor that I would have to undergo an operation and a metal rod would be inserted in my leg along with some metal screws to join the broken bones.

To my optimistic mind it meant a minor setback. I would be up and about in a couple of weeks. Once the rod is in, I thought, I could start walking. This was hardly the case as I discovered later. It takes three months for the bones to become strong enough to bear the full weight of the body.

It has been two months since my fall and my life has changed totally. I walk with the help of crutches. I cannot carry anything (except in a backpack) as both hands are needed to hold them. I can't stand for long which rules out many tasks like cooking, cleaning a cupboard, getting anything out from a high shelf. I cannot drive anymore. I have always been fitness conscious and now I cannot even go for a walk. I cannot get into an auto as I have only one weight bearing leg.

I have to rely on the kindness of friends and family for almost everything, to drive me around, carry my bags for me, get me into a lift, open doors for me, bring me a bottle of water or a cup of coffee.

If I have to go out, I have to think a hundred times before I do, as I can only go to places that don't have too many stairs and where parking is possible. If I want to buy something I can only go to malls where wheelchairs are available. I steer clear of crowded places for fear I will get knocked over. Each time I have to leave my building I have to keep my fingers crossed so there is no power cut. Although I haven't tried, I doubt I can walk down seven flights on the high slippery granite staircase without losing my balance.

I am counting days to my freedom. Thank god it’s only another month I have to live like this. I wonder how people with handicap manage a lifetime.