Mr. Rahul KV and the glamorous Rajesh (both r my seniors in SUN College) came to our class for collecting names for the cultural activities for this years college day. I was excited about doing a group dance. I had already pulled in Ribin and Leno into this. Both guys are stiff like me and can’t even jump up and down properly. They were filled with energy for a good show on stage or I’ll put it this way, they were the only folks ready to dance with me. So all where set up and we decided on the upbeat song ‘Brazil’ from Venga boys. My cousin (Ranjit) had already danced for this song and it was well received. So I thought I can learn steps from him and teach all these guys. We planed to have a practice on Sunday after our math class.
Usually I go by Auto rickshaw to tution class, but that day I took my cousin’s (Arun) Passion. He was not at home and I found out that he will be way for another week. After the boring class about equations, I and Ribin started to my home. I had to go to my music teacher and tell him some lie so that I can make time for our practice. I had that in mind and was little over the usual speed. Ribin was struggling at times to catch up with me on his scooter.
Then I took the disastrous curve in front of the SP fort hospital in Trivandrum. I saw one auto rickshaw ready to take the straight road in the ‘T’ junction. I was about to pass him and auto took a sharp right turn to bump into me. All I heard was loud thud and I was on four legs in the canal on the corner of the road. Auto rickshaw was sidewise one man standing inside the vehicle. I saw one wheel (must be the spare one) rolling down the road and Ribin stopping next to me. I started to scold him for his signal less relentless turn.
The crowd gathered around, my bike (my cousin’s bike) was not n good shape. The crash guard saved my right leg; also the first impact was on my shoulder and the rest on the vehicle. So the vehicle took most of the damage from the thud. My legs where trembling and Ribin took care of the situation, noting down the auto rickshaw number. I learned that the driver was drunk and he didn’t see me.
One man in crowd asked whether I need to go to a hospital. I was totally out of my mind thinking what I’m goanna say to my pop. I took my bike and started it, its in working condition, Checked my legs and no problem with those. My right hand had a pain which hit the ground while I fell into the dry canal and some bruises all over, but altogether it was ok. I said “no” for hospital. Then the auto guy was about to leave and I started asking for compensation and all. The folks around me asked how much I need and the worst answer ever made by me came out saying 50 bugs.
I still don’t understand why I told 50 RS. The guy was happy to give it at once. One guy confronted Ribin, who was keen in taking down the number. They had a fist fight becoz I already settled everything and that Ribin was still noting down the number. Every one left except a few asking question like, ‘y did I left him’ when everything was in favor for me. Many had a say that I should have made it a police case. All I could manage to think was to get all this done with out the knowledge of my dad.
Ribin was with me until the next junction and then he left to his home. He repeatedly asked me whether he should accompany me. I was thinking that if ribin Accompanies to my home and I face my dad with usual escaping lies, Ribin can be a weak point where my dad will nail me out. So I convinced him about leaving me all alone after having an accident. When I reached home, my mom and sis was waiting for me at the door. One more fellow dance member was there at home waiting in my room for Dance Practice. Seeing my face mom figured out something went wrong. I showed the bruises on my hand and the ill shaped petrol tank and crash guard of my cousin’s bike.
My younger cousin (Ranjit) was also there who was supposed to teach me steps for “Brazil” He took me to the hospital (SP hospital) straight opposite to the accident spot and the bill came around 750. I had a thin hairline crack on my right hand, got a TT injection and a lot of tablets for the bruises. As I’m an expert in hiding wounds and bruises from my father since child hood, it didn’t give much of a problem.
Leno who was waiting for the dance step came along me to the hospital and went home.
I made out some lie to stay in my room for next two day listening to the song
Braziiiiil ….
I had to be one among the audience that year as my accident prevented me from entering the stage. But next year we went up with the same team and danced for the same song
I made sure that I drive bike very safely or always travel by “Natraj transport”. Song Brazil gives me nostalgic moments about the college days and a much feared memory about a freaky accident.
