Driven to roadblocks

It may seem a bit out of Ripley’s believe it or not, but the truth is she never learnt to ride a bicycle, something most people do between the ages of eight to twelve. Indeed it never bothered me if she knew how to ride a cycle or not. We had common interests, similar backgrounds and professions and above all the chemistry was great. Importantly, she had rare culinary skills, a big deal for a perpetual hungry hog like yours truly.

A few months into our marriage saw us bargaining for a moped that was up for sale next door. It would not only make my lady independent but equally leave me worry-free about dropping or picking her up from work. We struck the deal fast and soon enough we were in the grounds of a nearby church for riding lessons. I explained the basics of the moped and encouraged her to get set and go. She put the moped on stand, kick-started it, gingerly sat on it and pleaded don’t let go. I held on to it. The moped moved slowly and I patiently ran along holding the seat firmly, giving her confidence and the balance.

After a couple of rounds, I decided it was time to slowly release my hold. Just maintain the steady balance as you did on a cycle and you’ll be through, I advised persuasively like a seasoned trainer. But I’ve never ridden a cycle, forget the balance, she confessed coyly. My jaw dropped. After some futile attempts, the lessons ended as abruptly as they started. We returned home and a long story unfolded as to why she never ever learnt to ride a cycle.

In the ensuing days and weeks, the enthusiasm waned and sure enough we sold the moped. We toyed with various options including buying a scooter and fitting a side car that would ensure riding balance. True, mainly disabled persons were seen riding such vehicles but then it served the purpose I reasoned and tried to coax her into trying again. The idea was vetoed upfront.

A few years later when we bought a car, she loftily announced that learning driving would be accorded top priority. And since I was by then an NRI, which in my case expands to Non-Returning Indian, it became all the more imperative for her to learn. She enrolled for driving classes, got a driving licence but alas! For reasons best known to her never mustered the courage to get behind the wheel and hit the roads. Bicycle, moped, car, I wonder what’s next on the list.

For someone who has travelled far and wide alone, braved river rafting and enjoyed a ride on the world’s fastest roller coaster, the million dollar question that remains unanswered and thankfully is not driving her crazy is: why normal, rational people refuse to drive. Perhaps, only in-depth research on the topic may provide answers. Any takers?