“The year 2020 has been filled with so eventful and yet locked us in throughout. Post lockdown, I finally made up my mind to start something new that I’d always talked about- cycling.

As a kid, I always loved cycling but never quite got enough of it. Considering the amount of free time the lockdown offered, it made perfect sense to include this hobby into my lifestyle. I finally went ahead and bought a cycle for myself. I still remember how ecstatic I was when I brought it home, eagerly waiting for the coming morning.

Over the next 19 days, I went around the city exploring places and lakes. I was on a roll; I didn’t take a single day off from it. I’d never felt so happy and content being able to do what I enjoyed the most, and in the process, trying to live a healthy lifestyle.

On the 19th Day, on my way around the city, I met with an unfortunate and serious accident that led to multiple fractures. I was out on my usual daily ride across the city when some auto-rickshaws were driving really rash. To save myself from crashing, I braked but lost control in the process and skid with my bike falling onto my right hand. I suffered multiple fractures on my wrist and elbow which led to a surgery during which they installed a Titanium plate inside my wrist. I was in excruciating pain and my head was spinning. I was fortunate enough to not lose my consciousness, and some gracious pedestrians helped me up.

Post surgery, I was barely able to do anything. I was in a lot of pain, all plastered, and needed help to get up, eat, change, bathe and practically everything else. It was a helpless feeling and left me shattered. I spent my days lying in bed doing nothing. My little one would come to me and ask me to hold her in my arms, and I would have to make her understand that I could not.

But like every other story, there was a silver lining. I started recovering after four months, and I became hopeful again. While the accident had me broken and I was down for months, I had the urge to get back on my pedals.

Now, after four months of recovery, I am still not 100% fit, but I am back to cycling. I feel better, stronger, and more determined. It has been 8 days and I am back to being one with my passion. My hand still hurts, but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. My plan for 2021 is to cycle all 365 days without missing a day. I know it is far-fetched but there is no harm in trying. From the 1st of January to date, I have ridden a total of around 220 km. So far I haven’t missed a day, and I intend to keep it that way!”