It was the first time I went through something so graphic. Was a Saturday evening, around 8pm. After spending a good time with two of my friends, I was bidding them goodbyes. Mom had asked me to fetch some money from the ATM as she would be needing them early, the other day. After bidding them good bye, I stepped out to go to the ATM 10 mins near. Although it was cold, I decided to wrap around my "dupatta" since I felt comfortable in it. Having my destination so close, I decided why wear a helmet? Adding fuel to that thought, I felt, why not feel the breeze on my face today for a change. Helmet anyway I wear so religiously everyday.
Rode to the ATM on my white Activa, while humming a nice Bollywood song, feeling fresh. On the way back, with something on my mind (something which I do not remember anymore)
On a turn, on a road very familiar to me, the piece of memory I have is of me speeding over a speed breaker, and saying "Oh Shit!" and then I don't remember what happened.
Although I had not fainted, I was dizzy. I remember a man shouting "Ajun kiti loka padnaar ya speed breaker war?!!/ How many more people are going to be victims to this speed breaker?!". I remember a lady holding me tight, and giving me water to drink from her bottle. Then a man asked me is there a number we can call for you? And I immediately murmured my mom's mobile number. After a while (I had no idea about time in that state), I heard my dad speak and hold my face and nervously ask me am I OK? Then I saw my mom walk from a distance. Walk swiftly towards me. Next I remember my dad putting me in the back seat of the car and my mom saying, "Thanks a lot!"
While driving, I was telling my mom, don't worry so much. I am ok, I am ok. Next the door opened and I saw my Dad and a compounder kind of guy getting me a wheelchair. I got up and somehow had to struggle to sit in it. Then I realized I had wounded my knee bad. Then again i recalled it pained when my dad put me in the backseat and pushed my leg. It pained and gave me a feeling my leg was twisted. But then forgot. Then I realized I also had bruises on my face and hand. My face!, that is what started worrying me. I quickly put my dupatta on my head while I was taken to the hospital. People were staring at me. I was more worried about the torchure I am putting to their minds on seeing me like this, than how bad my condition was from the fact that they stared, I was taken to a room where a young lady doctor came and asked to to lie down. Mom was peeking from the door and the doctor asked her to wait outside. Then she inspected my wounds and started with the one on leg. Asked me to lift my foot. And when I did with difficulty, she told the compounder in the room that since I am in control of my foot, it may not be a fracture. She then said she will be cutting the cloth over my knee to treat it. I said in my mind, Do whatever you want just heal it! Then she said shell be spraying H2SO4 on the wounds and that it may sting a bit. I was like ok, go ahead. It stung and burnt so bad. Gosh I screamed and pleaded her to stop. Then on my face. It was horrible. I tried not to shout too much as my parents were worried and standing on the other side of the door. But I was unable to control much. While all this was happening, I had told my mother to call the friend of mine, Gaurav, whom i had bid good bye some time back.
Next I was taken to the Xray room on the lower floor just to ensure there is no fracture. My face hurt. More than my knee i think, although the knee wound was deeper. I was conscious about my face.
The person to take the Xray had gone for dinner and we were waiting. My dad nervously peeked inside to just see me. I knew he is the weaker one among my parents. After his retirement a year ago, he had already been going through confused phase in life. He is a kind who is always too worried about how his daughter drives, what time she leaves, why is she not home yet. In short a DAD. I saw him nervous and so asked him to come and sit inside. He quietly sat on the chair in the corner, not looking at me. Gaurav and my mom came. I then recalled my face! I hid my face from Gaurav. I was most worried about how ugly I must be looking. Gaurav being on of the most understanding beings I have ever come across, did not react. He responded in the most positive way. Which my mom was already doing since I was asking her "Am I looking very ugly??"
Xray was done and after few more minor wound touchups, I was again on the wheelchair to leave for home. I had another friend of mine(Snehal) and her brother come to help me out. Gaurav, Snehal and my dad got down at the spot I had fallen to pickup my bike and dads bike. Reached home, Dad helped me reach the lift and then up. My friends came up, made sure I was ok and left for their homes. My parents started their duty of taking utmost care.
After this started the process, of informing some close friends and my manager. Got accolades of good wishes and get well soon. I dared to look in the mirror after huge efforts to see my face. Dint look that bad. A day passed and then my face got uglier. My eye all puffed up, scratches on the skin. I felt depressed. But my mom, Gaurav and a call with my dermatologist helped me come out of it.
Today when I think of it, I am overwhelmed with how much I went through in such little time. Resentment of NOT wearing a helmet even if it was very near which would'v saved my face, resentment of not wearing a jacket which would have saved my hand scratches, resentment of not concentrating on my driving and speeding as well. All this resentment cost my parents more than me. Trust me once I fell I do not remember much that happened. But my parents saw their daughter, hurt on her face, sitting beside a road, blood on her knee, and giving them blank stares. They received the phone call saying their daughter met with an accident. I have read stuff similar to this, but now unfortunately experienced it. Some mistakes I make could have such a huge and negative impact!
I had just missed my eye with the scratches. I am recovering. Missing some important meetings in office, missing out on spending time with friends, but will resume my normal life soon.
This concludes to my appeal to people to wear helmets all the time, concentrate on driving while doing it, drive slowly, better safe than sorry and most of all, value every moment you have and do not try to test the courage of your parents, you are their strength but also their weakness!
Be safe, Be happy :)
