Short Stories

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Cyril was racing his expensive new bike on full throttle. He looked at the watch and said to himself, “I am running late by ten minutes.” Likewise, Calvin thought, “Despite my earnest efforts to be punctual I am late again.” Travelling like bullets, both of them were rushing from two different places. Tension was running high. They enetered the busy Kenneth intersection where four lanes meet.

It was 8.30 a.m. Many were set on a busy pilgrimage to their work sports. The pillars of tomorrow were seen pushing and rushing towards their sources of knowledge. The vroom sounds of the two wheelers were frightening, while the four wheelers threatened the two wheelers with their gigantic sizes. Many stared in awe at the slanting position of the buses overflowing with crowd. The push bikes will never lose their prestige as many were seen proudly pedaling them. Some youngsters tried to show their valour by flaunting their riding skills. At every signal they were ready as if to whip the horse and start the race again. This is the typical peak hour traffic scene in any busy city of India.

Cyril and Calvin were moving at full speed. The traffic looked like a turbulent river in torrents. Suddenly one of them lost control. There was an unexpected thud. There were sounds of screaming tyres and cursings. Cyril fell along with his bike to the right side of the road and his back hit the ground. Calvin fell a few meters away from Cyril. The traffic came to an abrupt halt as the drivers applied brakes at short notice, and screeching sounds of uneven crescendo was heard. Harsh words proceeded from most of the people as if from faulty tape recorders. Everyone waited anxiously for the outcome of this suspicious spectacle.

Both their bikes had been slightly damaged. Cyril somehow managed to get up; tapping the dust off his pants he moved forward. Both sustained mild scratches and bruises. By God’s grace there were no serious injuries. Passers-by expected an outburst or an argument and they watched the victims as if they were two angry lions in an arena. “Who would win? Who would be the first person to throw the punch?” Both the bikes were new. Calvin and Cyril were young and bubbling with the spirit of youth. The situation looked favourable for a fight.

Some on-lookers started to share their opinion on who was right or wrong, while the inanimate vehicles on the road like unattended orphans were of concern to others. Calvin was still lying on the ground. Cyril stretched his hands and helped Calvin stand on his feet. Lifting his bike he said, “I am sorry. Hope you are not badly hurt.” “Oh, I am sorry. It is my fault too,” Calvin replied rubbing his eyes. They shook hands and smiled. “Come on. There is no time to waste. Let us move on. We are already blocking the traffic and hindering the public” so saying Cyril turned back. The gold crosses that hung from the chains shone on the necks of both. Calvin positioned himself on the bike. Meanwhile some good Samaritans had lifted Cyril’s bike too. Cyril thanked them and started to move forward. Calvin and Cyril rode side by side. The policemen who came from somewhere had no part to play in the scene.

In just 30 seconds the suspicious spectacle vanished. It was love and concern for other fellow men even amidst the busy monotonous life that keeps life going. The maxim, ‘It’s love that makes the earth go round’ was strongly felt. This friendly act brought relief and joy to the travelers as the traffic started to move slowly and smoothly again. Mother Teresa once said, “Stop judging a person if you really care for that person.” “Love your neighbours as thyself. There is no other law much more important than this. (Romans 13:10). We too can change suspicious spectacles in our life into such memorable moments of joy. Add the ingredient of love in good measure with a pinch of patience and surely the pancake will taste good.

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