We wake up to a new day and to a new start. Today was the day when I was supposed to drive on my own and today was the day when my Dhruv was supposed to take his first bus ride in Columbus. Yes the "First" day as we say.
In an attempt to do it, the very first was Dhruv waking up at 5:30 am in the morning. Yes, it's not impossible. He does wake up that early only when we have to travel. But, on other days.. chalta hai yaar...So he wakes up early and is ready to go for bath at 6:00 am. Wow!! Luckily, I do not have much kitchen work as we have lunch already packed and so was breakfast. He is ready by 6:45 and is raving to go. I on the other hand have infinite butterflies in my stomach.
Around the same time, we have a look outside and guess what... it just started snowing and raining in the same time. Wonder what is the weather up to now. The guilt sets in. How is Dhruv going to go in this rain. It's cold and it's dark. But, as stubborn as we are both, he decided to venture out to catch either 18 or 61 (bus numbers). And so his journey starts.
Meanwhile, I am getting ready to roll on. Keeping passing time and delaying my stepping out as much as I can. I peep through the window and by now what is see is a white blanket of snow enveloping the car. Hmmm, this test is just getting tough. I look outside to see what others are doing, but can't see anyone out there.. Slowly, I move out of the house with heavy steps and down the stairs.
I come out and luckily for me I see someone cleaning his car. So as per Dhruv's instructions I open the car's booty and out comes the brush. I see how the other guy is cleaning his car from the corner of the eye and start brushing our car in the same way. After doing a decent job, I mean after freezing my hands to numbness, I climb inside the cold car. I switch on the heater, the wiper, start adjusting my seat and the mirrors, I put on the GPS for safety. I am reminded of Dhruv's instructions to carry my charger, which I did not pick up but am too lazy to step out now. Also, it had taken me an enormous effort to start my journey and I could not re start it. So I settle down, cold and confused. Slowly after all adjustments and settings done, I start the drive.
I continuously remind myself to be on right side and to see for cars coming abruptly. All well and good so far. Traffic at snail pace on Hayden Rd. Fine, I can do that. Nooo, what do i see now? Am reaching the crossing of Frantz Rd and Rings Rd. I am supposed to go left from Frantz. I have been given certain instructions how to cross on right. But, this is different. It's blinking yellow and there are a few cars at junction. I quickly study what people are doing around. Ok, the first to come goes first. But, this is still confusing. I dread this crossing. I have other thoughts, should I just go straight and find a U turn or find some other road. What should I do. Gitu, come on think fast. I decide to stick to left after a lot of deliberation. So slowly and smoothly I tackle this situation. Rest all drive seems decent for now and so I reach office safe and sound. Close everything. Lock everything and am now ready to kick start a new day.
Thanks Dhruv for trusting me and thanks for doing all this for me.
