“Come on, Ma! I don’t have time for this. I told you to make arrangements beforehand.” Rohan snapped. He hurriedly took his place at the dining table, barely sitting down before stuffing a buttered bread in his mouth. Lata sat next to him and looked at him dejectedly, saddened at his blunt refusal while pitying his demanding work schedule. If it wasn’t punishing enough to travel alone, she now had to arrange for a commute.
“I know, beta. But the driver’s on leave today and I can’t take a cab. Remember my harrowing experience last time? The cab guy had dropped me far from the location blaming the traffic and fought with me when I refused to get down. I could’ve easily walked the distance had it not been raining. Tell me what to do?” Lata pleaded. She disliked requesting her son’s attention but after her husband’s passing away last year, she had no one else.
“See if any of your friends can lend their driver today. I have to rush for a meeting. Text me to let me know what happened.” Rohan said while washing down his poached eggs with orange juice. He was half-distracted checking emails on his phone and barely looked at her. Once caught up, he rechecked his gadgets and keys and quickly pecked Lata’s forehead before rushing out the door. She couldn’t say or do anything.
Lata had been pampered and treated like a queen by her husband and always had him at her beck and call. Both loved to travel and had taken several short and long trips together. Monsoon was their favourite season and often had them take off for long drives with unplanned pit stops for chai and baked bhutta. Rohan loved and cared for her but was trying to find his place in the world. Work, colleagues, and friends often kept him occupied. He had little time for her and she didn’t want to burden him.
That conversation happened two months ago and stirred something within Lata. She was strong and couldn’t bear being dependent on anyone, even her son. Her white Hyundai Xcent, a gift to herself after she took VRS from her bank job, beckoned her for a drive and she decided to obey. Much to Rohan’s surprise and thanks to his zealous encouragement, she enrolled in a driving school and successfully got her four-wheeler license. Travel plans now weren’t at the mercy of a driver’s availability as she was good behind the wheel and picked up the nuances quickly.
Parked on the roadside, Lata looked at the world passing by in the side mirror. Her phone had several photos and videos taken from the passenger seat but this was new. “The world seems so different from the driver’s seat!” she mused. She sipped on the cutting chai from a tapri they frequented as a couple. A fast learner, she was already enjoying relenting to her impromptu travel cravings. She felt empowered, confident, and happy.
“Dhanno, life isn’t so bad when one knows how to control it. What say we plan a trip with a couple of friends? Sounds fun, doesn’t it? Let them see what I’m capable of too!” she talked aloud to her car and smiled to herself. Rohan would be proud of her. She sure was!
This post was created for the Blogaberry Creative (Monthly) Challenge.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Dr. Preeti Chauhan.
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Lovely story. Sometimes it is important NOT to be dependent on others. Everyone has their own life whether it is your husband, child or parent. I’ve learnt from life that independence is one of the keys to a calmer life.
Of course. Independence is about taking charge of our lives. No matter how small things are.
Age is just a number. Learning new skill is possible at any age as long as you are enjoying it.
Learning to drive a car can be a great way to gain independence and mobility. By focusing on safety, getting proper education and training, and practicing your driving skills, you can become a safe and confident driver at any age.
True, thank you!
I felt like Lata when I learned how to drive! It was so exhilarating. But after 20 years of driving, I want to enjoy the drive while looking out of the window. I enjoyed Lata’s pat to herself on the freedom.
I learnt to drive late too and it’s indeed exhilarating. Good that we can enjoy both driving and enjoying the ride, no?
Solo travel sometimes is good especially when u are stressed or depressed it makes you feel good and relaxed. But most of the times i feel to go for family trip with hubby and kid. It makes me feel even more good.
Both have their own charm. I want to try solo travel but don’t feel like leaving my family behind.
Very well narrated story Varsha. About Freedom. I can feel Lata. Driving gives you freedom and confidence. I know how it takes. I learnt driving even when my husband oppose me to do. And I am glad that I learnt. But I want to go for solo drive. I hope one day I will enjoy that too.
Love your simple relatable stories, Varsha. Driving gives you wings and a freedom to spread your wings. I am so glad that I can drive around.
Being dependent on someone can really be frustrating. I’m glad she took charge of her life and made not only herself but even those around her proud. I hope she takes that trip with her friends. That would be another new and thrilling experience for her indeed
I love to be a passenger princess. I know independence is liberating but don’t want to get into Delhi traffic. Too much for me.
Oh yes, independence is key to keep your sanity and that of your loved ones. So happy your MC found her freedom.
What a sweet story Varsha… and I can understand the sense of freedom she must have felt. I wonder when I will make my children proud😬. I don’t drive but I am dependent on uber/ola and not my husband. They ditch too several times so my primary goal as of now is to be on the road. I have a DL, I just need some practice and a whole lot of confidence🙈
This is such a feel-good story! I’m inspired by how Lata took control of her life and found happiness behind the wheel.
Being dependent is something like announcing self as disabled for me. The story is very powerful and the protagonist proved that nothing is impossible if only we are ready to go for it and make it possible. Independence in every aspect of life is very very important for each one of us.
Your story is beautiful and teaches us a lesson on how not to be dependent on others. And keep learning even if your old coz there is no age to learning.
Lovely story. I feel every woman should learn to drive – one needs to be independent when it comes to movement and this story brings it out so well.
I could relate so much to Lata. Wonder when I’m going to take the giant leap to the driver’s seat!!
Your story beautifully captures Lata’s transformation from dependence to independence. Her journey from being reliant on others to confidently driving herself is inspiring and heartwarming. The vivid memories of her husband and their travels add a touching layer of nostalgia. It’s wonderful how she embraces new challenges and finds empowerment. Rohan’s subtle support shows the evolving bond between mother and son. Truly uplifting and relatable!
This story gave me all the feels because I too just recently learned to drive goaded by an incident at home 🙂
Hoping to be Lata before entering 40’s bandwagon. Driving is in my post this year. Wish me luck. Self love and freedom rox