An Ode To The Wheels Within

It was just another rough day at the hospital when my friend invited me to a cycling endeavor on the streets of Karachi. I thought to myself, “cycling, in Karachi? Why would someone pursue cycling had they been on good terms with the gym? Or risk their lives to flaunt their recreational mood on a good day? Could it be safe keeping in mind the safety concerns and political unrest for the past few years? What do medical professionals do in their idol space? I sat behind a desk flooded with in-patient files broadening my perspective on harmless fun in Karachi. Being an adventure aficionado, I left behind a lot of memories of creative writing and favourite sports which began their slow decline as I entered the realm of medicine.

Taking the sage advice, we decided to ride solo because my friend feared I will unleash my wilderness on to the streets. However I kept my cool and didn’t hit the roads and limited my edition to parking spaces and sea front. After much decent practice, we departed succeeding morning prayers and embarked on different routes decided prior to departure. Over the weekends, mums and their little duckling joined the ride and suddenly, I felt I was riding into another dimension. Cycling re-defined life in Karachi and the peloton I cycled with totally had me re-imagine its limits. Every Sunday, over 100 cyclists joined and rode into different parts of Karachi; of course the line of travel were carefully selected in accordance with the safety concerns. The group also announced competitions by the kilometer and planned trips to slightly remote islands, beaches and highway.

During one of my rides, I met a woman who owned a 1000c.c motor bike and professed her lifestyle and the taboos attached to it. Her rousing story moved me when she disclosed how she performed daily chores including going to work on her motor bike. Graduating from foot to cycle empowered me with my right to move around freely. When deepika defined her choice to arrive late from work, I thought why not ride to work? I found it difficult initially as people cooled their eyes off, followed me briefly, mouthed obscenities, and mistook me for a daughter of anarchy; nonetheless, the chauvinists failed to throw me off my pedal. Using cycle as means of transportation to work gained me a space in the parking lot though it did prompt an ongoing war between the motor lads and I. people en route became accustomed to my standard routine and I was praised by my fellow colleagues who drove my confidence over. 

The government perhaps could join in hands to promote this two-wheeled action and act upon building a network of segregated lanes for bikers for a safer journey and prevent danger posed by trucks and construction roads. However, one of the paradox elements of cycling in Karachi is that it's not as safe as people might think. Female riders suffer disproportionately as drivers are impatient against their slower average speed. We need to polarise all the fractious groups into a united front to get these basic facilities take form. Perhaps, with the advent of metro bus facility which apparently in shambles, and lack of divided lanes for heavy and long vehicles; cycling network is eagerly awaited by the connoisseurs of the pedalling platoons.

My story is perhaps another women empowerment story on wheels, defeating the conventional notions of female domesticity. However this story only implies to me and perhaps people like me. Just like how deepika’s movement implied to her only. Where women’s participation in variously areas of workforce is debated, this could hopefully abrogate the poison from reflection over several issues associated with women and their right to move freely. Defying the repressive tradition, women should use this mode of transportation to reach schools and offices, healthcare facility and other workplaces.  I’m content with the activity as it keeps me fit and healthy, mentally empowering and physically forward. Perhaps a hashtag trend could spell out which way the masses pedal! 

The Five-point Palm Heart Exploding Technique

No, this is not an elaboration of bill’s death over the hands of Beatrix kiddo. Instead, a five point notice of what we need to notice!  Here are a few points which may prove our sub-optimal decision-making abilities and re-think the holy month’s blessing.

 Astray point no. 1 - A month prior to the arrival of the holy mirth; the conspicuous display of same old articles in new packaging and attractive bargains provokes the holy genie in us and we begin listing our purchases and start nagging our folks. The billboards, TV commercials and print media are splattered with appealing chaffers and we end up stocking the most un-wanted items off the shelves. Carbonated sodas, flavored concentrates, and the mother of all the frozen items are a few felons that occupy our depots. The important buys of the month turn into tons of unnecessary stock that ends up in our storage rooms wiling our funds.

Astray point no. 2 - the most deploring branding is of apparel. The holy month is preceded by Eid festivities however; the clever branding attracts the women cohorts into exorbitant clothing and related cops. I often find myself preoccupied with tailors and several designer lines to choose from, leaping from one mall to another. Female masses baffled by the marketers, various brands release other captivating advertisements announcing their volume 2 following the first phase of Ramadan which proves our insanity and spur. With designers hitting a high note over their sartorial games, as a result, we end up doubling our purchases.

Astray point no. 3 - the transmission on the tube is disturbing, informative and entertaining all together. The inspiring programs lined up for the holy month does answer our pleas and adds to our entertainment in general. However, shouldn’t we employ this time in the recitals, remembrance and prayers? The viewership often justifies their clung attitude of watching these broadcasts with getting through the prolong duration of the fast. Ramadan themed programs televise a population hysterical over freebies amid other things. The viewers lose control of their dignity and some hosts stripped off their integrity!

Astray point no.4 – the aftaar and sahoor culture is a major curb of them all. The practice of midnight matches, snacking and hangouts prefacing sahoor is a norm and the reason behind our early rise nonfeasance. The eateries too don’t lag behind flashing their inaugural deals to cater to the famished following. I attempted to break my silence at one baggy marquee however found myself in shambles. Fried stuffing, creamy delicacies, carbo packed sandwiches and meat starters satiate one’s appetite and we often fail to flourish at main course. Oh sorry, there was no main course! Also, most luncheonettes lack a separate prayer area for the females. Where prayers and silent submission in supplication should always forgo sahoor and aftaar yet I find people orating at considerable length on just about any subject…

Astray point no. 5 – despite the brutal heat wave that struck various parts of the country, masses sizzle outdoors appeasing into unnecessary activities; women at the malls, boys at hangouts, children at summer camps and men perhaps driving everyone around. This time of the year, we prepare ourselves for prayers, forgiveness and mercy. Therefore, do not get lured into cunning on-goings; do not be bothered by perplex festivities… help yourselves revive your religious functioning as it should prove to be a cut above the rest!