Cycle on Tiddim Road

Chongtham Ronikumar *

Early one morning, I start to take out my old cycle and start riding on the Tiddim road. The road is very large and full of vegetable sellers. The sky is silent and calm, but my heart is noisy with many thoughts. I want to ride my cycle peacefully, but the two wheeler does not agree with me.

The back wheel of my cycle starts not running again and again. It moves hardly against the road, producing a harsh sound. The friction is so strong that the wheel almost stops moving further. No matter how much I push, it feels like the cycle has decided to give up.

At that time, I remember the story of Karna from the Mahabharata war. Karna's chariot wheel got stuck in the ground during the battle. He was strong and brave, but fate and situation worked against him. My back cycle at that time felt the same. It was trapped, helpless and fighting a losing but an enchanted battle at last.

People on the road stop and watch me. Some smile and some shake their heads from left to right and vice versa. A few whisper among themselves backbiting me . They think I will fall and turn back. But I do not want to give up.

I lift the back wheel with all my strength seeking the divine's blessings and push the cycle forward using only the front wheel. It is not very easy to do that. Sweat runs down my face. My legs tremble. Still, step by step, I move forward consistently. The front wheel becomes my only hope. The road is very cruel but my will becomes stubborn soon.

Everyone is amazed at it. They have never seen such a strange situation cycling in a terse manner. Some clap and some laugh. Yet, I keep moving on. I do not ride the vehicle for impression. I do so to reach home.

In my heart, I silently pray to Lord Krishna. I ask Him not for strength, but for wholehearted guidance. I feel calm after that. Somehow, the road feels shorter. The pain feels lighter. With God Krishna's blessings, I reach my home safely.

This night I sleep deeply.
Years have passed.

Life, like that road, is never smooth. I have an elder brother. Whenever he tries to move forward in life, somehow I become a problem for him. My unconscious actions, my mistakes, even my careless presence become hurdles. I do not do it intentionally, but it readily happens.

At the same time, when I try to succeed, my elder brother acts as a hindrance to me. Our paths cross like two wheels moving in opposite pain. Sometimes, I feel like Karna again- strong but unlucky. Sometimes, I also feel like Arjuna - skilled but confused.

We debate. We argue. And we do not blame fate at any cost.
Then ,one day I understand something important.
The problem is not my elder brother and the same problem is not me.
The problem is that both of us are trying to drive our own chariots alone.

In the Mahabharata war, Arjun wins not only because he has celestial weapons, but Krishna becomes his charioteer. But, He does not fight. He guides. He protects and he shows the right direction.

I have realized that Krishna is ready to sit in anyone's chariot- elder brother, younger brother, friend, enemy , or stranger. He does not choose sides. He becomes invincible support for anyone who surrenders bad ego and asks for truth.

When I accept this, my life has changed as I hope. I stop arguing with my brother. I stop competing with him negatively. I start walking with him. Slowly, our wheels move together when Lord Krishna becomes our chariot until our last breath. The friction reduces and the journey becomes easier.

Like Vayu and Agni supporting Arjuna with continuous supply of any celestial weapon, life also blesses me with knowledge, patience, and courage. These are my real weapons. Not anger. Not pride.

In time, people trust me. They see my struggle. They hear my inner and external voices. One day, I become elected as the President of my country. I stand there, representing the voices of the people, not because I am perfect but I have learnt righteous balance as long as life is on the Earth.

I remember that old cycle on the Tiddim road.

Sometimes, one wheel suffers. Sometimes the other moves. Even the invisible Krishna becomes the chariot itself without harming anyone's identity. Every bad or smooth road leads to victory.

Life is not about defeating others. It is about letting divine wisdom guide both failure and success. When ego steps down to a great level, faith steps in. Even a broken cycle of mine in the past can lead me to get my humble destination as the greatest People's President of our country.

"Insurgents and Government
Swear to support me
As new Arjuna, being a pole star. "