RIDE.
I have always looked up to my father for his bravery. He was a marine engineer. Every time he came home, he gave me something to remember him dearly.
That time when he chased and caught a burglar who had entered our block, or when he gave mouth-to-mouth to a five year old who had drowned.
His crazy long rides on the Lamborghini affected me the most as I shrieked in sheer excitement. I wanted to be like him. Now, looking at myself, I think I've got there.
The news of his untimely death in the waters of Indian ocean, while he was attempting to fix a fissure in his ship, left our family shaken. As usual, he had initiated the repair, with little care for who he would leave behind.
That was three years ago.
There were times, I still remember, when I tried to play Dad hoping to shoulder some of moms' responsibilities. It came as a natural change, given that my elder brother was just the opposite of my dad, and me.
But, one thing that kindled my teenage mind was the Lamborghini.
The last time my father had come home, he gave me a basic course in driving.
After his demise, my mom hardly let me touch it, not wishing to disturb his eternal sleep. That, I thought, gave me the perfect opportunity to prove my dad's lineage.
It took me a week to plan and pilfer the keys. And, I started to practice at nights after solemn prayers to my father.
On a bright March morning, I went on my first legal ride with mom and brother. I sped with a persistent urge to mimic dad, even as my mom dissuaded.
I had counted on dad watching me from wherever he was. I thought he would be proud of me.
Apparently not.
I crashed on a bridge, and watched the car topple into the river below.
The helpless wails of my mom still echoes in ears. My brother blinked with trepidation as my body was pulled ashore.
Two years hence, my brother still stays at a respectable distance from the restored Lamborghini. Finally, my mom had persuaded him enough to give up his fears and was taking him for his first lesson in driving.
She can count on me this time. For, now, I'm on the lookout for my brother, belted to the backseat.
My father's favorite and mine, the Lamborghini, was too precious to leave behind.
END
