They tell me, eleven years is a long time
To hold on to a second-hand car
But how do I explain, that
For a little over a decade
She just stayed.
Through heartbreaks and happiness
As people left and others walked in
And I coped with lonely cigarettes
For a little over a decade
She just stayed.
Through long-distance drives
As cities changed five, no, six times
And I struggled to find my home
For a little over a decade
She just stayed.
She just stayed
Till there was no journey ahead of us
And I decided to move on
Because there comes a day in all our lives
When poetry gives way to practicality
But, right till the edge of that dead-end
She just stayed.
- - - - -
Post Script: I just handed over the keys to my 2007 model second-hand silver Maruti Suzuki Esteem LXi. In a few days, there'll be another car parked at the designated spot. A more practical car, with all safety and comfort features. And I'm sure we'll have our own adventures in the days to come. But today, I can't help think about the crazy stories this girl was witness to. DL8CK9883, thank you for the memories. Exit stage left.
