Thought of picking up the bike again. It’s been more than a year since I rode. The ‘Thunderbird’ was lying idle with a friend for some time and then not so idle with Kashid. Kashid is one the fittest guys I know. He had been riding it regularly – for office, for football practices, for anything.
I called Kashid and asked for my bike. We met near Nal Stop after a long time, had a little chat over a cutting chai. Called Tamal to join but the rascal was working that day. Kashid was apprensive about me riding after so long and so long a distance at that. Took promise I will call him before I wear myself out. I had to go to Market yard from Nal stop and from Market yard I had to come back to Wakad. Roughly around 30 kms.
Went to market yard via Mhatre bridge, Laxmi Temple. Felt a renewed sense of disgust for motor vehichles and wondering why do we have to drive a motorvehicle at all. Well, reached market yard very sore, got the few documents, had a nariyal pani and started at around 7.30.
Near Bremen Chowk in Aundh, witnessed something unbelievable. As I was riding, a few meters away, saw an elderly lady riding pillion with a guy, her son perhaps. They were dragging a cat along with a nylon rope tied around her neck. I still get shivers down there when I remember that. Perplexed I watched, hoping they would stop not no. They just went on dragging the delicate animal(cats are very delicate). People standing near by just watched in horror. I sped and caught the biker. He stopped. I asked what exactly he wanted to do. He just left leaving his mother and the terribly shocked cat behind. His mother told they are taking the cat home. I was aghast at the cruelty. I offered to take the cat home for her and she agreed. Tried to get the cat on my bicycle but the poor beast just fell off, her mouth was bloody and barely could she stand. And the shock she had had at the treatment was immense. I stopped an auto, gave him money and told him to drop the lady and the cat whereever they want to. Now the lady dragged the cat again to put the cat on the auto and I almost had to shout. I wish I could bring the cat home. I love them. We had six of them when we were in the hostel. Hope that cat’s alive.
Started off again. Very disgusted and very angry. Nothing happened on the way. Kept to my extreme left lest some biker decides I am coming in the way. Stopped near Kalewadi to buy a kg of chicken. Reached home at around 8.45. I had ridden at a fairly good speed and at the end I was feeling very tired. I am not used to riding and was exhausted. Was ok after a few minutes.
Came to office on my bike for a couple of days and then just went lazy. The Hinjewadi roads are pathetic to say the least.
I have bought the helmet. Had to go to Pune for that as I didn’t find any in PCMC area. Shakti Sports had a few but I wear XL and the max they had was L. There is a firefox store in Pimpri Market but the helmets were expensive there – starting at 1500 and up to 6500. Expected for a Firefox. Mine did cost me 250. Bought a small handpump for 250. It’s a handy tool.
I will be coming to office on bike once I fix my schedule. Right now, its topsy turvy.
