July 18, 2010

(In)Dependent?

I have always stood for girl-power and independence of women. The independence could be financial, emotional or a simple thing like not being at the mercy of someone to get things done.
Today had a lesson in store for me which taught me otherwise. I was on the way back from my regular visit to Sapna Book store to check out the latest books and magazines. At a signal, my Activa, which contributes a big deal to my "independent" feeling, stopped right in the middle of the road! No amount of trying would get the self start to work! After some incessant honking and swearing from people behind me, i realized i was in their way. Forgetting the imminent worry at hand, i pushed the vehicle to a side. One of the things i cannot do is heave the 100 kilo vehicle to put it on the center stand. So kicking it up to get it started was out of question!
Tried to kick it without the stand on. When my attempts went futile, i gave the vehicle itself a kick or two and swore! It would have started off had it had some feelings! I have never treated it that badly! I thought i was doomed for the day, with nobody around to ask for help also.
That is when a good Samaritan, who worked at the petrol bunk near the place i was stranded, gave me a hand. After multiple kicks the vehicle revved back to life! Ah, the sound of the engine in full force! It was music to my ears then and put an end to my worries! The "tumba thanks ri" that i told him was definitely not enough to sum up the gratitude i was feeling towards him today.
It was good Karma at work or what i dunno! The person was godsend for me today.
And that i when i also realized that it is not possible to do everything by yourself. There might be girls out there capable at managing their vehicles by themselves. Please take a bow! I am not there yet! And i do have to depend on someone for it! So until i learn to do that, i will tone down the "i don't need anybody's help around" statements! :)

P.S. My vehicle is apparently due for a battery change. Poor thing, not its fault. Has not given hand in these four years. So next week, it will be all fit and i will be back on it humming baadal pe paon hai!
P.PS. On a totally unrelated note, at this point, i can't help but think of the people out there who go vroom vroom on their "bikes"! I have the feeling that you'll think how the Activa pales in comparison to your vehicles. Go ahead and amuse yourselves. I love my vehicle, say what you!

13 comments:

  1. Once you have your vehicle back-u better learn how to put on the center stand. Its one of the first things i learnt when i started driving. Highly recommended!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Everyone needs help - Sometime or the other.

    ReplyDelete
  3. @Anusha
    It is just the 100 kilos that i causing the mental block. I guess some practice and learning the knack will do the trick.

    @Mahit
    Agree! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. yeah girl-keep trying it at home,and you'll get the hang of it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I can imagine how it feels to be in the middle of the road struggling to start your vehicle,with people honking honking behind you... Their frustration is justifiable..[:P]Poor people.. Just imagine how bad it would have been if it was Bangalore...

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am thanking god that it was not bangalore! :)
    And they are poor people huh? Not that i want sympathy, but what about the poor me stuck with the vehicle? :P

    ReplyDelete
  7. He he.. Same reason i got myself a little scooty than an activa :) even though people teased me regarding the little thing i can proudly kickstart the thing at any time :) :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Feel sad for the incident which happened to you :((
    As i ve also been thru it, when i was learning my how to ride the bike... so can understand it..
    Happy to listen from a girl that she is not perfect..;) Wish every girl realizes it.. :p
    Its sad to read that. .u ve been riding ur vehicle from past 4 years.. and yet not able to put a center stand...
    Btw did u weigh the vehicle..are u sure its 100kgs..??

    ReplyDelete
  9. @PK
    I dint get a scooty for the exact same reason. That it is small and girlie :P
    Now in order to restore my pride, i think i have to do something about the center stand issue!

    @Prathap
    The manual says it is 110 Kgs. I just rounded it to a hundred :P

    ReplyDelete
  10. oye.. how can u round it off... that bad.. as a engg u shouldn't be doing it..;)
    Based on the educations what i ve had til now says.. 10kgs.. does ve drastic effect on vibrations of the vehicle so does design..:p

    ReplyDelete
  11. @Aparna - Actually u just practise ya! After reading this i went n tried to put my frens activa on center stand and with little bit difficulty i was able to!!! U ve to just put ur whole wieght on that lever! Cmon.. Do it n write a victory post :):P

    ReplyDelete
  12. @Prathap

    Ok.mistake :P

    @PK
    Will do! :) i got the much needed boost from you too! will put up another post soon after conquering my activa! :P

    ReplyDelete
  13. Lol. A better post compared to your posts above this. I've been in your position once and have been caught by the cop too!

    ReplyDelete