Good Bye Carlos and Farewell My Friend

 AP 9BK 9660 came into out life in September 2007, exactly on emonth before Anjali was born so it was pretty much Anjali's older brother. Fittingly it was Anjali who named him Carlos and so it remained - sturdy, loyal, resilient, reliable - for 1.85 lakh kms, over 18 years almost. Many out station trips, work, drops to school, ice cream, friends, airport drops and picks, Carlos has been through it all with me. And it never had much of trouble, gently taking us all wherever we wanted.

I still loved its reassuring hum even the other day as it smoothly tackles a good road - like butter. 'Don't sell it sir' said at least two mechanics, one in a rain drenched night when something got stuck. I remember that youngster gave me some philosophical insights into how they also are part of us or something profound like that. Carlos certainly was that for me. 

But after the Ertiga came into my life thanks to Ram who was against me driving to Pune in Carlos (though Carlos was doing a  great job). Carlos was relegated to the city duties which he handled very well. For a couple of years now Ranjan's driver Babu has been asking if I would sell it to him. I told him I was not planning to.

But in the past couple of months I realised Carlos needed to be running on the road and not sitting at home. The best way was to have Babu care for it - he really loves it. So I told him to take it.

This morning Babu took Carlos and I felt a piece of me going with it. I caressed it quietly so no one would notice, thanked it, wished it well and as Baby drove away, a lump formed in my throat. It was there when Anjali was born, when she joined school, every day taking her to school for many years, picking her, all her school shopping, all her shows and practices, outings, the many ice cream visits in the evenings, the many Pune, Mumbai, Goa, Bangalore trips we made with friends and family. Mostly the safe space which allowed so many wonderful conversations, so much shared music. 

Carlos, you've been brilliant. I'll miss you buddy. I'll miss seeing that familiar blue when I open the door in the morning, the ease of your steering. But I also know you were made to ride the roads and not to sit in the garage. Enjoy your time and thanks for all the lovely rides, memories and for taking care of us so safely all these years and miles.