A LESSON FOR LIFE: a short story by Kaushal Kumar Ram

This story explains the emotional bond between a father and a son. Photo: yusron-el-jihan

By KAUSHAL KUMAR RAM

One early morning, my Dad woke me up and said “Today, I want to teach you how to ride a cycle.” Even the sun had yet not risen and on top, I had gone to bed late into the night. Therefore, I still felt sleepy. However, like an obedient child, I nodded in the assertion. 

The moment I stepped out I saw a brand new cycle. My dad had purchased it for me. I was extremely happy and felt as if I was on the seventh moon. But as I noticed the absence of training wheels, my excitement immediately subsided. Looking at me nervous my dad said, “I’m right here son. Don’t worry.” 

So, I carefully tried to sit on the seat and made an effort to ride it. I pushed the paddles hard and the wheels started turning. As my cycle was moving forward it was precariously staggering. However, I did not fall and it was all because my dad had held me firm. My dad regularly instructed me “Keep the handle straight.” Despite all my efforts, my cycle was going left. “Why is the cycle moving right? Don’t stop peddling. Be careful, otherwise, you will fall down”, my dad spoke loudly. 

Ugh! Who makes someone do so much exercise and that also on the first day! But Dad made me do cycling daily. Then one day to my utter surprise, I realized that my cycle stopped swaying and staggering. 

My happiness knew no bounds. I was Joyful and triumphant. I turned around and looked at my dad who was much farther. That made me scared and I began losing control and self-confidence on my handle.  And for the first time, I fell down. And my bum which was earlier well placed on the seat of the small cycle was flat on the ground. My dad came running and gave me a smile, held me up, and took me back home. 

But strangely enough from that day onward a weird tradition started recurring---I would fall invariably. The moment my cycle would stop staggering, I wanted to turn back and say to my dad, Look Dad …… but I would lose my concentration and the next moment, I would fall down. 

Then one day I made a decision that I will get over my fear. So, I started riding my cycle at great speed, my dad kept screaming from far behind; “Son, you are going too fast, slow down your speed…you are dangerously fast. Look, there is a pothole ahead of you, or you will crash into someone.” 

But all of my dad’s advice had somehow vanished in the face of the speed of my cycle. I cruised at the speed…and the wind started kissing me. But then all of a sudden my foot slipped from the pedal and the next moment I came crashing to the ground. It was a nasty fall and I was injured. My knees bled but above all my pride was hurt the most. 

Dad came running towards me and picked me up. But this time a charming smile was missing from my dad’s face. He took me home and said; “Don’t ride cycle tomorrow.” But I wanted to ride the cycle. Because I knew I fell earlier because of my fear. But that day I fell because of my foolishness. And one thing that I knew was you can fight your fear but not the foolishness. If it is repeated then it will become our habit. 

So the next morning, I woke up before the sunrise and took my cycle off the stand. I rode for miles without falling and returned back home safely. That morning I was the one who woke up my dad and narrated the whole story of my success. 

“Look, Dad, I have learned cycling,” I said to my dad. My dad smiled at me and said, “Yes, you have learned how to cycle but now you should also learn how to walk on the path of life”. 

About the author

Kaushal Kumar Ram holds a bachelor’s degree in BBA from Pokhara College of Management (PCM). He wants to study MBA in the USA. At the same time, Mr. Ram teaches Mathematics and Accountancy at Bhaskar Memorial Higher Secondary School, Pokhara. He is also available for Home Tuition. He teaches the students up to grade 12. Interested parents can contact him at 9806597560.

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