POTHA'S DIARY

Rental Bicycle & Me (During the internal war time)

In 1995 -2000 owning a bicycle was a dream of many. Those days, we had nothing except some clothes and Army pass which were most important for our survival. People were struggling a lot for their basic needs. Around more than 10,000 people from different parts of Northern and Eastern provinces were put into a huge refugee camp and provided staple food items on ration cards. The bread winners of the families tried to do some odd jobs and put small shops within the camp. People who were able to bring something, especially money they started small business. In this way, a big belly man opened a small grocery shop and kept two small bicycles. Also , he had hung a text board stated " Rental cycle - Five(5) Rs per hour". Those bicycles were so beautiful with a long seat and a front basket. Two persons can sit and ride the bicycle. Once I went to that shop I just noticed and wondered. I was like dreaming that I am riding it on that moment. I spent more time by looking at the bicycle than buying things. With an unexpressed happiness I ran to the home and told Appa that there is a bicycle for rent. Appa did not listen to me with that much interest. Running a family by the time was a big challenge not only for my "Appa" but for many "Appas" too. Though, I kept on asking him everyday please give me five (5) rs atleast for an hour. One day he promised me if I earned something more I would definitely give you the money. Now I was flying, dreaming about that day and praying for Appa to earn something more. Finally, my prayers got succeed and got five Rs from Appa. I am not sure about the time since we had no clock and all. Once I got the money I reached the shop within 5 minutes like an express and searched the belly man to give the money and take the bicycle. I called twice "Ayya", "Ayya", there was no one in the front . Again I called him bit louder, this time my sound got power and woke the man up. I think he might have a cat nap during that time. He came in a sleepy mood and asked me "what do you want"? I said cycle , that belly man asked "Ah, What ? Again I said, rental bicycle, this time the man said "oh, rental cycle, hmm, it has already been taken by two kids for two hours so, you have to wait till 4'o clock. My whole happiness and energy suddenly disappeared. Then he said you just go home and come by 3.45. I said no , I will be here till the bicycle comes. That man asked , are you going to wait for one hour? I said yes, if I went to home someone would come and take the bicycle for the next hour too. The man replied me, no "Thangachchi, I won't give to anyone, you come and take it from 4-5. Whatever he said, my mind did not accept his answer. I pleased him I will be here at the corner and take the bicycle once it comes. I don't know what the belly man thought, he said ok, then it is your wish. I happily sat down and was looking the way whether the bicycles are coming and checking the wall clock which was hung inside the shop. Now it is my time sharply 3.56 those two kids came and handed over the bicycles to that belly man. My face was brightening like 1000w bulbs. Now had the confusion on choosing the bicycle, there were two colours, red and blue, both were same bicycles. I was thinking for that two minutes because 4o'clock only the belly man will give the bicycle. Suddenly, I was called by him, "Thangachchi, take the bicycle and return it sharply at 5'o clock. I just nodded and took the blue one with full of happiness. The most funniest thing is I don't know how to ride a bicycle because i'd never used it before. Because we were displacing day by day here and there and did not have any chances for it. However, one thing was going in my mind that there are two small wheels which can not allow anyone to fall dawn and it will give the balance. My thinking was right, I learned and started to ride the bicycle within the one hour for five (5) rs at my age of 7.
The rest part will be sharing the1st day bicycle riding experience with Appa
(This is not the exact bicycle which was used by those days kids, bit different and Beautiful one than this😃😃😃)

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