Chalti ka Naam Gaadi

   It was when we shifted to Agra Cantt. As father  who was in Indian Air Force and posted at Sri Nagar  ( J&K), was transferred from Sri Nagar in early 70’s . We were excited that we were shifting  to a place  which is world famous  for one of  Wonders of the   World , The Taj Mahal . We never had been there. City had a magic spell on our minds.  Lots of images were gushing through our minds ,How does it look like ?  What is special about  it?
    Reaching there  we got a warm reception from  Uncle ,Who happened to be my father’s friend ,who was also in IAF and was living there for couple of years. Father had informed him about our arrival . Though it was simple  but was nice thing to see. We got to know from our father that  he was his school mate and belonged to a village near our native  place  in Distt. Hoshiarpur ,Punjab. We were glad to reach there. Father and uncle just loaded the luggage on a Auto and hired another one for us.  Then we were taken to an  Air force Colony , called 4 Area  on the road leading from Agra  to  Fatehpur Sikiri.

   As we reached there we got down and unloaded the luggage  and we were guided to an accommodation  where our Uncle was living . By the time we reached there it was bit dark in the evening. We could not make it where we have reached. Obviously we were unable to gauge the topography of the place. We were served with some tea and snacks. We enjoyed the snacks and we just slipped out  with the children of our new uncle to have a stroll out. Parents warned us not to go too far. I found the place interesting, as the surrounding had a huge   open space  near the Block of  Defence Quarters .It was having good green cover, and there was a small park for the kids of the colony, there were some swings and slides. However we did not get the chance to play there as the darkness grew more bolder. We returned back as we heard our mother calling at a distance.  Dinner was ready  and we were made to lineup  on the mat on the floor. We got the dinner served ,we giggled  while we ate as we  found some favorite dish Kheer . Mom asked to stop  stupid things and finish the meal. We were later guided to beds. We stared at the ceilings as it was something new for us to see. The roof of the Houses were made of asbestos . We were having some stupid ideas rushing our minds.  Making some joking comments, like it is good place to make swings and play. Mother nagged us and asked to sleep quietly. We poor children had no other option but to pretend to sleep.

           Next early morning , just at the fad end of the sleep ,I heard  rooster’s wake-up call to the heavenly bodies , indication for them its time for new day. it was a pleasant day  bright  golden ball rose up from nowhere in the east presenting the world  with  new dawn.  The morning activities started as usual birds rushing out of the nests ,people moving out for daily chores and activities. Uncle was reading to go for Duty very early. Father was also ready as he had to report to his office on joining at Agra.

    However, we had some couple of days at our disposal for joining our new school. The things were moving in a slow pace. I got up  early as the curiosity in my mind was not allowing me to prolong the inspection around the new abode. Just as a natural instinct in the children, they are difficult to hold on for a period of time. The feeling of etching constantly provoked me for exploring the geography of the area.   I saw uncle's children were preparing for school. I was told that they were to catch the school bus. Their lunch boxes were being readied and my mom also helped my Aunt  in serving the kids with break fast. We were asked to get our brushes and bath first. As I was moving out for washroom I saw that at the corner of the court yard there was a small poultry shed were I saw some Hen, Chicken and Rooster. I liked the sight as it interested me . I went near that and waited for a while .My mother insisted to quickly finish the bathing .I hurriedly made up .Breakfast was waiting  for me .it contained fresh eggs omelets it was a delight for us.

          Having my fill ,I moved out  like a member  of search party. I ventured out of the house. I found a kitchen garden where my Uncle had grown some vegetables. I simply inspected the garden and was busy for a while after I had done with the garden ‘s inspection ,I ventured out  and saw a vintage car there . I had a close look at it.  It amused me. It was a black colored “Austin”  make  It looked as if some royal family resided there. I could not make it who was the real owner. Days past I never took seriously about the ownership as the car never moved an inch  during our stay at the house of my Uncle.

 As days passed and after couple of months we got our own accommodation in that very vicinity. Just within couple of days we shifted to our own house which was  not very far off from the Uncles house.    After some six months or so  when  we had  shifted  to our house  my uncle got his transfer to Amritsar IAF station.  Now it was our turn to reciprocate  with the friendly gesture.  We got busy in helping  Uncle’s family for packing   of luggage. All arrangements were made for booking the luggage by Rail. It was a very lucky time for us we got so many things which Uncle had discarded  as not to be carried to new place of posting.  It was a treasure house for us.  As my Father was his close friend he entrusted various responsibility for looking after the remaining  luggage. May be father had some commitment for shifting the goods after some time.  Indeed we did it all as planned. We were rewarded with some hens , some metallic furniture and a precious  Gift “ The  Vintage Car” too went in for our favour.  We brought the items to our home  but at that time the car was not brought . Something  was disturbing  which haunted our small  minds , Mother and Father was having an argument on some issue, what we over heard was about the bringing of car to this  new house.  We were bit concerned  why the car is not being brought here  , we were imagining about having a jolly ride  on it. I never knew about the  fact that it was Uncle’s property.  All sort of things flashed in  our mind.  Why was mother averse to bringing this prize catch home. It could be a Land mark and off course a matter of pride. In the colony.
    ( Black Beauty )

    One day I dared to ask my mother about the story of the car. I was just told that this still belongs to my Uncle. Some how we managed to bring the car  Home. Before that for a considerable time it was standing on Bricks in front of house of my Uncle, as was under repair.  Actually it was a great precious  collection  of a senior 0fficer of IAF, who had handed over the keys to my Uncle for  repair and keeping it for  later sell out to some interested person having keen interest in Vintage car. My Uncle however could not refuse  as the officer happened to be his commanding officer. Obviously he had already taken the price  of it in advance  The price tag is really confidential.  My Uncle was Working as Mechanical Fitter in IAF. Since he had a  Mechanical  bent of mind  so he was occupied in repair of vehicles officially  . So he tried his hand in repair of the said car at home when ever he got some time. Now the onus  fell on my father now. My Uncle had entrusted the responsibility  to my father to take care of it.  Father was too happy to find such activity. Slowly and gradually it became our hobby. We used to clean the car on Sundays and father used to open the workshop at home in our effort to keep the car in working condition . We would enjoy this activity. It was a great experience for myself ,my brother and Father. At times after quite a effort and hard work we used to hear the car engine start  making some rumbling sound ,that would thrill us and fill our minds with new hopes to have a ride and tease our neighbors. It used to be a lucky day when we had opportunity to ride the car , that to after a lot of struggle . At  times  we all had to push the car  for about 500 yards and  still it failed to ignite. Slowly it became an embarrassment for our family. Still we did not discarded the hope. Father had consulted some professional Mechanic  who advised to replace the battery. We did it and we were happy that the car moved  and we had a happy ride of the whole colony. We children were sitting  and enjoying the car. As if were Royal princes . The rides made us feel on the top of the world.

    Father was happy about the fact that  his  efforts had borne fruit. The next Sunday we planned to visit Taj Mahal in this Royal Cab.  Father agreed to the proposal.  We made preparations for the royal journey.  Dressed in the finest clothes we  kept all the refreshments  in the car. We thanked the car as it started the engine  aou faces were cheerful as we were now about to have a ride to the Great monument Taj Mahal. As the car zoomed form Zero  to  35 kms/hr speed  it gave us a reason for smile  after some travelling  we happened to reach  Agra fort  and within minutes we were there at our destination.     

      How ever it was our third visit to The Taj , but it is very special thing about Taj every time you visit Taj it has its spell over your mind . The grandeur of the Taj never dies. Always  there is new perspective , you enjoy it .

      As we were  children at that time even then it had a great impact over our hearts. Obviously it is a monument of Love , glorified  eternal love.  It had enchanting effect on the visitors ,Why should we feel bored over there it has a splendid ambience  ,where all the lovers of the world (off course of soul, art and human being )  have an ambition to visit the monument and praise the beautified love in the form of Taj. So we never  had an feeling of  boredom. The Taj complex is a marvelous place to enjoy, and have photo Sessions.  We had lot of fun . After spending the day in the lap of beautiful land mark  and worlds greatest  wonder . we set to return  to our home.  We loaded  the belonging  in the car. Father on the steering started the black beauty.  Thanks it started to zoom. We were happy  that our efforts and hardwork had paid rich dividends. After about one hour or so we were at our home satisfied.

       Back home the scenario changed  Father now had an new idea at the corner of his heart, he now  was secretly planned to keep the Black Beauty with him. After consulting my Mother , he decided not to dispose off the Car of my Uncle. Rather he was planning to keep it himself for obvious reasons. It was a moment of tension  as he took a decision. Mother however did not want that the Black Beauty should be retained. For a good number of weeks the issue  was a bone of contention within my parents.  Father was desperate as he genuinely wanted to help his old classmate , as he was now got transfer and it could be a big liability. However fathers spirited pleading prevailed. The Black Beauty was there to stay in our residence and will become our symbol of Royalty. Father had obviously made some sort of deal. Here I will not disclose  “The deal” amount. But  it certainly added to our assets.  Next couple of weeks it performed well. We were happy to have ride off and on .  After couple of months  it remained parked in front of our house.  Then some thing happened . one day father was ready to take the Black beauty to some place . He was  dressed up well  and he tried to start the engine but it was not to be. He repeatedly tried to start the engine. It behaved like a cold dead body.  Father got impatient and started to abuse the car.  We clearly saw the  temper rise .  He was so up set that in fit of anger he threw his shirt , changed the trouser . and had to don the mechanic’s uniform.  After struggling and trying all the tricks under his belt the Black beauty refused to move.  Just as it was so much of pressure that he was not successful in starting the engine and obviously in a fit of anger he could not apply his talent .  At last he gave up. He was feeling so much up set that, we were feeling the heat. He then vowed to  dispose off  now.

       Almost he  spent about three four hours all in vain. Just when he declared that he should now quit. Suddenly while refixing the parts at the end of the day, he tried once again  something unexpected happened  the engine suddenly started.   With a roaring sound seemed as if it was all OK . my father  watched in surprise. Then he noticed  some sparking in the bonnet underneath the engine. Some how it was a difficult place to reach as there is not much space under  the belly of the car. As by the time the snag was detected the engine body was quite hot and it was difficult to fix the electrical fault then. Father decided to wait till one hour or so.

         By the time Mom had prepared the lunch and was calling us . We decided to change the priority to fight the biggest of the problem of mankind  the hunger . our hungry bellies  were definitely  taking the toll. The mind could not be focusing on the problem  ,and the war broke between hunger and hungry  for a moment we shut down the thinking process, On how to deal with the  car.

     Just as were had our fill  ‘ Paet  Puja “ we call it in usual casual conversation , we relaxed for some time. Father too had a short nap.  After just hour and so Father got up and  started with the “Operation Black Beauty” Like a true soldier  he  was engaged in his act.  He examined the car bonnet  to  ascertain whether it was some serious problem , on close examination he detected some  evidence that the .it appeared as if some rodents had done some mischief, in their process of sneaking under the car ,as it was usually stationed most of the time, had infact tried t o intrude  or may be adventure was in their mind of rats is my wild guess.

 Father found the cables were damaged by the intruders. Insulation was applied on the joint and  again the effort was made to start the engine. The Black Beauty responded well. Father felt a sigh of relief.  The hard labour paid off car was    now in fine tuning. Father decided to have a ride. We all got excited for a joy ride.  Just we quickly hopped in and within minutes we were on the road  , going after about few kilometers  on the NH  father decided to have  some ice cream and stopped at a ice cream  kisok  .  It was a fun time  but very unexpected.

       After couple of months after My uncle had shifted out of Agra ,  returned in hope that the car might have been sold out  by then.  He found the lack beauty standing there gracefully , being identified as a land mark in the colony.  We felt bit proud  and boastful about the prized  property.  Uncle then inspected the car on his own and was quite happy that  it was infact working. In the evening he proposed that we will go outing  for the last time . probably was planning to quit the IAF job  obviously for some family problems.  We all were happy for a unexpected picnic in offering.  Mom and Aunt  started to make arrangements for the Sunday  trip to Agra fort and  Taj Mahal.   Uncle was in the driving seat  we al were seated in the rear.  He took the black beauty on the busy Bazar of Agra. Obviously they had planned to have some shopping there. Just as Shopping ended  he drove through the roads leading to Taj Mahal on the bank of  Yamuna river.

                                

      
                        


 After spending good time at  Taj ,parents decided to  see the Agra fort , there we were introduced to the place where Mugal Emperor  Sahjahan , the builder of the most splendid monument of Love, Taj Mahal , he  built in the sweet memory of his beloved wife , Mumtaz Begum ,was imprisoned  by his own son Aurangazeb  and was kept  in Agra fort  for the rest of his life. It was told that he was allowed to see the Taj from that special cell only once in the day that to through the mirror.
                         

     We enjoyed the  visit very much.  It was  evening by then  Sun was ready to get down from the skies  making way for the waiting stars to take over. The trip was officially declared  as complete. We jumped into the car and within few minutes we were heading to wards back home.   

    On the way uncle drove the Black Beauty  over the road very confidently. Then suddenly some thing happened  which was never expected. The car hit some rickshaw  while we were  passing through a narrow bazaar. Suddenly the engine stopped, however it was moving steady speed so nothing serious happened. Off course some damage was done to the rickshaw.  Some how my Dad intervened and sorted out the matter with the rickshaw puller. We had some problem in starting the car. Father and uncle had to use their expertise and trade skills to re-start the car.  We again set towards home, suddenly some thing again happened when some bicycle hit the car though it was dead slow because of market pace and crowd, Uncle had applied brakes and tried to honk the horn, but the horn did not work , uncle pulled out his neck out of the car window and shouted don’t you know there is a car. After using some hot words he checked out in fact the horn was not working.

      Father than jokingly said, “I think we should buy some musical  toy  for the children so that we could warn the passer by”. This broke away  the tense moments in the car, every one had a big laugh. The idea clicked and we were given toy  trumpets and for the first time we were asked by our parents  to blow them  so that we could use them as horn for the Black Beauty. Thanks we reached home safe and sound.

      Just a few days later , the Black Beauty had some guests . Actually they were vintage car lovers. They tried to crack a deal with my father , but by now  father had developed some inclination to retain it for some  couple of years. The visitors returned dejected. However they had made a offer. Since father was  interested in  keeping it  . He in fact found some pleasure in repair and  maintenance work   we were  happy too. Some  couple of  days later  father again tried to start the car , but it refused to start. Father got furious. He again had  to open the workshop kit . Mom got angry and shouted from the kitchen , “I was always against the keeping of this car, it is a problem for us.  What is the use of it. ?”  she asked my father.   He had no answers  but he too got agitated about the status of the car. He had cared about it , tried to up keep , regularly maintains it. Why this hell it is happening so? Confused he was, murmuring to himself. Again Mother was making some harsh comments  while in kitchen- Saying , “you have wasted whole evenings and Sundays  for this stupid  thing, haven’t you ?”  Its better you open a garage for motor car repair , you might earn some thing extra if you want. “What’s the use  on trying to run a car which is almost a scrap, even a bull cart  is good than this ”  , she shouted. At this father got angry , and asked my mother to mind her business.  The heated arguments were now taking a war like situation. We all felt the heat . Both the sides were not ready to   let the issue die down.

     Mom again said,” it would have been a good thing if you had sold it out to the person who came last time”.  Father too realized his mistake,  he then decided to get rid off it, As he murmured –“ its true  ‘Chalti ka naam gaadi hota hai’.” 

     Now gradually, father had made up his mind to dispose off the Black Beauty.  He planned to make a overhaul of the engine of the car for a final time.  After a weeks time the car was  fine, it started as if it had a new engine.  Luckly,  after about a month a person came enquiring about the car, may be father had sought help of some broker.  He inspected the car and asked my father about the price, Father made some discussions  and the person sought permission and left.  Just a couple of days  he came again with some other person. They had a trial run for few minutes and  after some discussions with his  companion came to my father  and offered some money, but father did not accept it, he again  tried to convince my father for  a deal, but it was not happening. At last the other person had some talks  with the  prospective customer  , and eventually he took out some more currency notes and asked my father to accept it.  After a long deadlock , father   asked some more, he then added  some currency and handed it over to my father. Father accepted the money, he gave the documents  of The ownership to the person . The new owner of the Black Beauty now saddled on the driving seat and took control of the steering wheel. As he turned the key the engine roared with a sweet sound and it started to move out slowly. And there it stopped to say good by to us,  we were   feeling sad , but it was to happen one day,  This vintage car was really a memorable precious thing in our life.

          We had our last glimpse  , and slowly it went out of our sight. Mom had a sigh of relief.  Father too felt relieved as the tension was mounted as he was not very sure of the  Car whether it will perform or betray. Thanks it did work, and the new owner was quite happy with the deal. Mom asked father as to what was the deal  ,Father said 2500/- , we were surprised at the deal, We jokingly asked  really was it worth Rs.2500/- , even our scooter  valued  more . Father said thanks it worked otherwise it could remain with us for a couple of years and it could  have reduced to Rs.200/- then. Its true its worth when it works, “Chalti ka hi naan Gaadi hota hai.” That means  ( vehicle is worth  only when it works.)