“Sitting at a corner of the seat on a train without a ticket, I was thinking whether my decision was right?
I had fought with my parents and ran away from my forced engagement, to be with the man I love. My mind was full of all thoughts about my parents, my brothers, society; how people will make my family’s life a living hell calling me with different names. Amidst all these thoughts, I thought of committing suicide by jumping out of the train. However, a small hope of meeting my love kept me moving.
Empty stomach, with just handful money, somehow I survived the train journey and reached a big city. The city wasn’t new for me but it looked scary that day. I met him the same day as it was over a month since we last met.
Without a family, friends and nothing to do at home I was again chained and got depressed.
One fine day he came and said I have got something for you and gave me keys of a Scooter. My first thought was, this could have cost him years of saving, and it was a sheer waste of money. I couldn’t imagine then that the simple key was going to change my life in so many ways.
I slowly started to go out and roam in the city. I came out of depression and got the courage to think of doing a job. The Scooter had become my best friend and I was a free bird roaming in the city hunting for a job.
After a long struggle and many failed attempts, I got a job. I choose to commute by Scooter rather by the company bus, as it gave me flexibility and freedom. Initial days weren’t very comfortable at the job but slowly I made new friends. We formed a gang of girls and started hanging out as well. We then started going for long trips and I found my innate craving for wanderlust.
We were planning to get married soon and now sometimes he says he is jealous of my scooter as I spend more time roaming with it than him, but I jovially smile and say it was his gift.
I am still apprehensive about marriage and life in general but I feel I am more independent now and have my best companion, my scooter, with me to face any challenges life throws at me.”