Apple: My new car...and he is automatic :)

I am a proud owner of a hatchback. And yes, he is automatic. I bought the automatic car as I gave up in my attempts to drive another hatchback, which was like any other car: manual. I shied away from driving because of thoughts of shifting gears in middle of traffic... having to use the clutch and accelerator with proper timing and yet ensure the car does not crank or stop as I shift between clutch, break and accelerator, watch out for traffic, pedestrians crossing roads, watch out for wrong-side over taking, the traffic light, policemen who choose the shop canopy to shield from sun or rain and of course the lavishly distributed potholes! Phew! So much for driving!

I settled for the three-wheeler India-wonder called auto-rikshaw. Yet pangs of guilt hit me when I take out my driving license only as a proof of address to establish myself as Indian citizen! I would slide it back into the valet with a sigh and an assurance "Someday I will justify the laminated license to drive".

On a very normal day at office bumped into a colleague who used to be join me at the bus stop for the company bus. She has been missing for a month or so. I assumed she must have got posted onsite. As we got talking she said she has started driving. I opened my sob story of failed battles with the gear-clutch-accelerator-break combo. And lo! Upfront she tells me of the AUTOMATIC version of a hatchback of a very reputed automobile brand. I was speechless, DELIGHTED, excited, could see my dream-to-drive flawlessly....EFFORTLESSLY come true! :)

Five months later, I drove my automatic hatchback to office.

I was looking for a name for my new car. I turned to Happiness, my invisible muse, and asked… What can I name him? In the usual breezy, casual, cool yet matured manner, Happiness said, “Apple”. I was bewildered and asked “Apple”? But why? Whistling past me, Happiness said, “ To me he looks like the shape of an Apple and so is his colour.”

And so my new car is named Apple. Apple of my eye! :)

Apple was named after his colour and the first impression he gives when you look at him. Apple was centre of attention to many colleagues who had not heard of a car without clutch and almost gearless. Though they have heard about it, it was very interesting to watch them open the door, bend down to check if not a clutch what is in its place.... and ask "what is the L for? What is the 2 for"... so how do you drive without a clutch? Do you get enough power to overtake? Does he consume too much gas? .... And yet ask again, before closing the door.... "How CAN you drive without a clutch"? :)

I smile and reply.... Driving is meant to be enjoyed and not worrying over a few pads and stick. The traffic and roads provide enough subjects to worry about!

And to ensure Apple is always seen as an "all washed shining boy", I signed up for car care service in my office. I take him for timely servicing. I need to keep him oiled and running... take care of!

When I see my lil one fall asleep as I drive her around, I take it as a certification of smooth driving and feel proud every time I drop back my parents and little one safely, back home. I feel proud to zip past any other driver who is seen sweating in traffic, complaining of clutch, as I park in the basement parking of a mall, no fear of driving out or pulling from the packed car park smoothly, I feel happy to reach my parents place on my own as and when they call me, I feel being mobile and on your own makes life so much simpler!

I am proud of my Apple! :)