As a yet another self imposed rule, I don't do 'nested posts' i.e. I make it a point to finish one topic and start a new unrelated post only after completion of the previous one!!
However, exceptional situations call for extraordinary solutions!!. Even though I am yet to complete the chronicles of CE, yet here I am starting to pen my feelings about yet another turning point of my life, which was even more transformational than CE felt.
For any one of us growing up in middle class households of 1990's - 2000's, 'car' was always a long term goal with no guarantee as such. My parents bought their first car in 2009 when I was already posted at Panipat. I learnt to drive through a driving instructor in 2009 in Lucknow. However from learning to drive to being able to drive proved to be a very long journey for me.
I was somewhat determined to purchase 'our' first car post marriage only. Thus began Abhishek & mine search for the perfect fit in early 2011 which culminated in the purchase of a Sea Grey Ford Figo in April 2011 from Panipat. However even then, it took me two more years to finally grow my wings.
After multiple driving sessions with Abhishek copiloting me, I vividly remember the evening when I told him (rather than seek permission) that I will drive to office tomorrow!!
Actually 'necessity' is the mother of 'invention' and even 'initiative' for that matter!! Because alternatives were always available, therefore my driving was never a priority even for myself. Except that, it was like an itch at the back of my mind. I wanted the independence, the kind I used to have with my Scooty!!
There was no looking back since that day back in 2013, when I finally got behind the steering with more determination than nervousness!!
Figo literally gave me wings!! We have been through a lot together. Especially during the last seven years when I was posted in Ahmedabad and was driving 50-60 km on a daily basis, Figo was my safe zone, my cocoon, a place where I could be 'Myself'... free from the worries of office as well as home! I was free of pretenses once on road... I could let out my true feelings, I might be elated or frust or excited or depressed or in a tranquil mood or in a pensive state, whatever the case be, I could be 'me'!
It was like my mobile escape route, albeit temporary yet absolutely refreshing!
We braved waterlogged roads, traffic jams that could stretch for hours, some dents here & there, an accident even and a couple of failures right in the middle of road...But my Figo gave me strength...and Memories..
Abhishek and mine shared love for road-trips (long or short) started with Figo. From travelling by road from Panipat to Gandhidham or going around coastal Saurashtra or even local trips where only the journey mattered, driving was 'our thing'! Covid time were particularly such days, where for the sake of an outing, we would just roam around Ahmedabad/Gandhinagar without stepping out of the car at all.
Figo has been an integral part of our lives for time immemorial.
I do understand that it's after all a machine and that change is an inevitable truth of life.. all things living or machines come with their expiry dates... But rational thoughts are often at loggerheads with one's emotions!!
Since past 2-3 years, signs of aging were getting evident on my dear gaadi. However even after getting a more modern new vehicle, Figo still holds a very very special place in our hearts!! And if I can ignore all the practicality and pragmatism of the world, I would rather prefer to keep it with me forever. However keeping a machine ideal for too long is illogical and spells ill health for the machine! Moreover govt. regulations and norms also need to be referred to for keeping old vehicles in one's custody.. So the tussle ensues..
I know what is required (& will be done eventually) but I also know what the heart yearns for!!
I usually take pride in not being an overly emotional person when it comes to accepting change... However, this instance is too massive for me to keep the tears in check!!
"Dearest Figo,
Thanks for everything. Thanks for giving me wings!!
With lots of love
"
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