For every middle-class family, owning a car was once a dream. Fast forward to 2024, and almost every home in the city owns a car, thanks to the power of EMIs and the business innovation of second-hand car dealerships.
My grandfather was an auditor (Kanakupillai) and relied on a bicycle to travel around Salem. My father, a teacher (vocational instructor), also used a bicycle to commute to school. As for me, I often traveled by bus, using a government bus pass. I still remember the daily fare of ₹2 for my 7 km commute.
When I learned to ride a bicycle, I had a memorable (and slightly embarrassing) moment — I crashed into a garbage tin on the street. That incident marked the start of my cycling journey and ensured I never forgot how to ride! Cycling brought a lot of joy, whether riding with no hands or testing my limits. It was all about facing my fears and growing. My parents gifted me a trendy, straight-handle bicycle for ₹1,200, which felt like the world’s most stylish bike at the time.
Later, for my sister’s college commute, my parents bought a red Sunny Spice scooter. This decision was partly for her safety, as the bus commute was often challenging for girls due to mischief-makers. By giving her a scooter, my parents not only prioritized her safety but also her freedom.
In 2001, after joining HP, I bought my first bike — a silver Hero Honda Passion. It cost ₹48,000, which I paid in full using a General Purpose Loan. I still remember my senior, Paddu, accompanying me to the showroom for booking, and my friend, Deno, joining me on the delivery day. Those moments highlighted the beauty of human relationships in an era untouched by social media (except for Orkut!). Riding that bike was an adventure in itself. Switching from neutral to first gear without stalling felt like mastering an art.
For the first six months of my wife’s pregnancy, we continued using the bike for office commutes. However, with our growing family, we decided a car would be safer. When I shared the plan with my father, he asked a practical question: “How will you manage the finances?” We decided to take a loan.
My parents accompanied us to book the car. (As I write this, I wonder why my kids didn’t join us for that first big milestone!) We chose a dark green WagonR. Driving it was another learning curve. Managing the neutral-to-first gear transition, mastering the half-clutch on slopes — all these new skills formed fresh neural connections in my brain!
Our WagonR was the first car for our entire family. This “small elephant,” as I fondly call it, stayed with us for 11 years, creating countless memories. It carried my grandparents, parents, and kids, all in joy and comfort. My grandfather’s happy tears during our first ride are still etched in my memory.
Even though we now own more luxurious cars, the joy of riding that WagonR with my grandparents, parents, and children remains irreplaceable. Those moments are treasures — one of the happiest feelings of my life!
The intent of this blog is to share the simple yet beautiful memories of “firsts.” Not every story needs a profound lesson. Sometimes, the joy of reliving a memory is enough, isn’t it?
Have a beautiful day!
