“Wednesdays with Manav” — The Driving Chapter: Part 1

Yamaha 350, Bajaj Super, Fiat Padmini Premier and Kinetic Honda — Nostalgia Overloaded!

“Daddy, can I twi….”

Those were the last words before my father and I tumbled from our scooter, marking my first-ever road accident.

As people around helped me up from the road, I could only repeat one question, “Daddy, are you fine?”

At the tender age of five, I had a passion for anything that moved with the help of a machine — motorcycles, scooters, cars, buses — you name it.

My father always fueled my driving and riding enthusiasm. He would let me hold and balance the handlebars of his Bajaj Super scooter.

Being naturally curious, I questioned the status quo. On this particular day, the timing wasn’t right. I wondered why we kept the handle in a certain position. What would happen if I twisted it?

As the question formed, I looked up at my father and asked, “Daddy, can I twi…” and demonstrated the twist.

With a bandage on my shoulder and pain throbbing, I didn’t cry after the initial shock until I saw my mother. She asked, “What happened?”

In tears, I confessed, “I made daddy fall from the scooter” and cried again.

The silver lining was that I learned the basics of riding early in life.