Adventure on Foot.

Our 9th standard vacation came to end and our regular school was started. Going to 10th standard is still consider to be important for future career. Every school has separate strategy for teaching to the tenth student. Even our school was having such strategy. We have schedule weekly examination. every one who goes to 10th std. (considering Maharastra State Board Examination stands for S.S.C.). The atmosphere changes a lot around from home to school. where ever you go we get lots of suggestions and comments on the S.S.C. examination and their importance in life. most of the time it's overdose for most of the students. Most of the students were over burden during this year. We can trace back these tensions and pressure once 9th std. results are out.

I was against the memory Test. I had already made up my mind that I was not going to appear any examination. so I can delay further things a bit. (This may sound very stupid idea) but that time my mind was full of such weired things. I was having four time experience to running away from home. Initially with taking money from home and latter almost without money.

School just started and within first week. School declares the whole year time table for the weekly examination and other details. Everyday I was having company of my junior friend Sameer Sapte from my home to school. so parent were not worried about me. I wanted to avoid the weekly examination so I had plane.

Our school is running morning batch for 8 to 10 standard. In month of June one fine morning I went to school as usual. Our weekly examination was held during last period. before starting of the examination. I came down for washroom. The boys washroom is on ground floor. I taken brisk walk after attending the washroom. Our school was not having proper security as such. even on duty security asked me where I am going?. I told him that I left home work book at home so I am going to bring it other wise I had to face the punishment. He didn't stop me for going out.

Once out of the school I started running as fast as I could. I was wearing the new rainy Sandals. I got immediate Sandal bite. I had to stop running and started walking fast. I was little bit scared that some one from school will follow me. It was end of June but monsoon was not started in full bloom. I don't have single money in my pocket. But I had carried my Scout Identity card with me. I had learned from previous experience that without identity card police can catch hold of you and send you in jail.

I reached crossed foot over bridge of Andheri and reached to highway. From western express highway up till Santacruz and from Santacruz via Vakola bridge headed towards Kurla. The Andheri Kurla east Distance is around 12-15 kilometers. It took me 6 hours to reach Kurla. Due to Sandal bite on foot the walking speed was limited. I left the school around 9 or 10 am I was able to reached Kurla by 4.30 pm. I was wearing the school uniform. white shirt and blue pant. To the safer side I had removed my school batch. I had taken rest for while and continued my journey towards Vashi.

The Andheri Kurla stretch was very tiresome. Bright Sunlight and Sandal bite was challenging my journey. But I over ride it. The vakola and near kurla area was new for me. It was all scrap metal market. I was wondering to see small kids younger than me was working at this scrap metal market area. It was very ugly site to look for. I was seeing so much dirt in first time. I was about to vomit to see such dirty place. but I control myself.

I just manage to cross Trombe (Turbe naka by 9:00 pm) I was aware of the fact that nobody is allowed in night to walk from the Vashi Mankurd connection sea bride. I was looking for getting help. I just dared to ask one Truck driver who was just passing the weighting machine to insure that his truck in not overloaded. I explain him that I want to reach Panvel to visit my Grandmother. I don't have money to buy a ticket for bus so could you help me out. He just told me to hop in. He told me that he is not going to Panvel but will be giving me lift up till Juinagar.(one of the railway station before Nerul ) I said fine. I boarded the truck. He further told me that Octroi clearing paper will take overnight so we have sleep inside the truck. This truck was not having National Permit.

I had no choice but to spend night inside the truck. He parked the truck before bridge. There was huge trails of trucks. One side of mind was afraid but other side was happy that I was able to avoid the polices check point at entrance of the bridge. I tried to sleep inside the cabin but lots of mosquitoes could allow me to sleep. The driver offer me to sleep on hips of Gonnies. I had to accepted his offer. It was the month of June but sky was very much clear. I was able to see lots of bright stars in the sky. It also reminds me the starts I have seen in Ghats during my previous runs. I was so tired that I sleep for hours together.

Early morning cold breeze wakes me up. almost by 8:00 am we started our journey. I get down from the truck near Juinager around 8:30 am. I was again on foot. I walk and walk for many hours finally reached to Panvel. It is very difficult to remember minute details about my adventure on foot after 15 years. I had taken rest for while on Panvel S.T. stand. wash my face. I visited the hotel Datta Krupa near S.T. depot. at the cash counter I dared to asked for the help. I told him that I am regular visitor of your hotel my bi-cycle had been stolen and I had to return to Lonavala. so could you help me. I had given the reference about the television set kept near the cash counter. That day the television set was not present at the cash counter. The hotel owner was convinced with my story and he given me 30 rupees in cash. I thank if and told him that I will return the money while my next visit.

I was hungry but I don't want to spend money. I had just took some Parle biscuits and ate it. I was having the choice either get into the S.T. and travel up to Lonavala but I choose to walk.
I started to walk towards Khopoli. I was having Scout note book with me. I saw lots of yellow color butterfly dead and lying on the side of the road. I started picking one by one keeping inside my note book. I had never seen so much butterflies together. I almost collected around 50 butterflies. It was sort of fun. I was having blister on my foot due to Sandal bite. I tried to use leafs of plants side of the road to cover my sandal bite and relieve pain from it.

Just before 3 kilometers away from khopoli one truck stopped by me and truck cleaner asked me to hop in. I just look inside the truck there were many other people were seating. These are those people who used to travel by trucks due to not having sufficient money for S.T bus or availability of the mode of transport. I just hoped in. Evey one was observing me but nobody asked me a single question. within 5 minutes we reached to Khopoli everybody was giving money to the cleaner. Even I offered money to cleaner but he refused to took money from me. I was surprise but giving thanks in return to both driver and cleaner I got down from the truck.

Once again I was on foot. I was too much hungry. I had eaten at Maharastra Khanaval in front of Khopoli S.T. stand. I spent 12 rupees on that. I was calculating the amount after taken my lunch. I had spend some 4 rupees on the biscuits at the Panvel. The local ticket from Lonavala to Pune was around 10- Rupees I was knowing this info from my previous visits After taking proper meal after so many hours latter. I was feeling little bit sleepy. But I have to continue my journey.

I started climbing the Ghats. Its was my second time on foot. I was trying to use shortcuts to climb up. Ghat is almost 8 Kilometers. I was half the way from Lonavala. One multi axial tanker was passing by. The driver and cleaner saw me walking on foot. The speed of my walking and tanker speed was almost the same due to the steep slop. I was walking with the tanker for 2-3 minute. Once tanker had cross the steep slope its stops and cleaner signals me to hop in. I was happy. I just get inside the truck. This truck was not carrying any other passengers but previous two truck ride had given me confidence to get inside the truck. somewhere in mind I was feeling safe about this truck driver and cleaner.

It's was totally new experience for me. Due to liquid in the tanker. The truck was vowelling from inside. at such slow speed It was quite shaky inside the truck. I realized that it needs different skill to drive the tanker. I enjoyed this part of the journey. Truck drop me at main road lonavala outside the S.T. depot. I thank them both driver and cleaner.

I got down from the truck and marched towards the Lonavala railway station. I purchased the ticket and able to get evening local around 6:30 pm from Lonavala to Pune. In between I tried to clean my self as much as possible. I reached Pune around 8:30pm. I was wondering what to do next. This time I decided to went to mothers sisters home in Hadapser. I was not so much familiar with road from Pune to Hadapser. It almost 8 kilometers away from Railway Station. I was again on foot.

looking for the Road sign boards I started my journey again. I walked almost for 3 hours to reach Hadapser from main road relatives home was 2 km away. I just stop at one hotel and drink lots of water almost 6-7 glasses of water I had drank. I was not amaze that my body able to consume so much of water due to previous experience.

Almost by mid night I knock the door of my relatives home. They saw me but didn't questioned me much because news of missing from school was already reached to them. My mothers sister gave me some cloths to change and served the food. I ate some food and gone to sleep. I was so tired that I wake let in afternoon next day. I was telling the same story every time once I reached to place (relatives) that I am not recollecting the events How I reached to Pune. I only recollect that I am at so and so location and could not recollect anything before that point.

We have lots of relatives in Pune. Having joint family from mother side and having business relations make lots of contacts. Most of my relatives come to see me. while checking my belongings they found the Scout notebook from my bag. They was shocked to see so many yellow butterflies inside the scout notebook. They were wondering where did I get time to catch these all butterflies. The collection of butterflies during journey added more mystery to my escape form home and reaching Pune.

My stomach was paining for not eating for many hours

The sun was shining hot. I was sweating like a hell. but whom to complain. I had go further. I started climbing the Ghat. It takes me more than two hours to reach the Lonavala. Khopoli to Lonavala distance is 8 kilometers. I first visited to S.T. stand washed my face and went to lonavala railway station. I was so tired that my stomach was paining for not eating for many hours. I was helpless.

I made up my mind and decided to go to Station Master. I told him a story that I am victim of pick pocketing I need to travel to Pune. I was worried about how to reach without having the proper ticket. He just looked at me and told me to catch the Madras express and get down at Pune. I just requested him to inform the Guard about this so If Ticket Collector showed up he will not catch me for without ticket. He was very co-operative. I don't have to wait for long Madras express was on time. I had to wait for only half hour. I boarded in ladies compartment which is attached to the Guards compartment.

The mail depart from platform by 4:30 pm I was standing in the door for long time. thinking about my next plan of action. what to do once reached to Pune. I reached to Pune by 6.00 pm. I don't want to go from main gate so I look around. I spotted many people are going from different exit than regular main gate. I just followed them and I was on streets of Pune. I just decided to end my journey and I went to my Uncles house. and as usual same story was repeated. This time I had to leave in Pune for few days. Our relatives want to try something else for my mysterious journey from Mumbai to Pune. but I will post those details some other time.

I was scare to death !

Despite the fact that I had not given my 9th final examination I was promoted to 10th std. as special case and due to my track record. I was center of attention for everyone in society in school. Even my schoolmates try to ask me about my venture. But I was very firm about my fake story. I had to face lots of social embarrassment. I was more attentive more observant. I don't want to exposed to the world.

My family members was worried about my future. I was in my own world. looking for next adventure. last incident I had sacrifice my bi-cycle. Even father sold his old bi-cycle in fear of my escape through the bi-cycle. one day evening me and my father went to barber shop. It was day before my regular weekly test of 10th std. It was Friday evening . Father was very cautious about me. He don't want to loose me from his eye site. Barber finished business with me. It was my fathers turn to cut his hair.

The barber shop was poorly ventilated. I requested my father that It is very hot inside the shop so I will wait outside on scooter. He initially refuse but latter allow me to do so. I taken this chance. I seated on scooter for 3-4 min. I was waiting for the opportunity to runaway. once barber turns his back on me I immediately jump off the scooter and started running fast as I can. within minute I saw barber also running after me. I run fast as I could. and at the crossing the road I just jump into to the moving auto rich show and order him to take me to Andheri railway station.

I was so scared that if barber could have caught me. I was breathing heavily. I was having only 10 rupees in my pocket. I was worried about auto fair,before station arrive I told rich show driver to stop and told him fake story that I am victim of pick pocketing and I had to travel to Charchgate. I had only 10 rupees. to my surprise he believed on my story and taken no money from me.

I just get the local train ticket to Panvel and catch the local. I change local twice at Dadar and Kurla. and get into the Vashi local. during that period the Vashi was the last stop for Harbor locals. I was having little doubt. am I traveling with proper route. The doubt become reality. I have taken wrong route to reach Panvel. The Panvel route was via Diva Junction.

Local reached to the Vashi. All of the remaining people get down. I was totally new to the railways station. Many times station was seen through the S.T Bus. It was almost 8.30 in the night. There was ticket collector who check my ticket. He just mark the ticket with pen and handover the ticket back to me. I was now on foot. Next complete journey I have to carry on foot.

I started walking towards the highway. I walked almost for two hours. One Petrolling Police Jeep stop in front of me. Inspector ordered me to get inside the Jeep. I was scare to the death. Now everything is finished. I was in big trouble. Jeeps had taken a speed and Inspector asked me about my where abouts.

Inspectors was little bit suspicious about me. He asked me,"Did you running away from home? where you stay? what is your native place? etc. I told him the half truth. I told him my real name, real address, real native place everything true. except I had change the references. He further threatened me tell me the truth or I will put you in remand home. I pleaded him not to do so. I told him that I don't want to go to remand home. Even I refer to the movie seen two days ago. I was continuously talking about my self. I have to defend my self. I told him that I am alone in this world except my Grandmother. she stays at Andheri. I am working as Hotel boy at Hotel Datta Guru near S.T.Bus depot. I get earning about 300 rupees per month. etc. I had gone to meet my Grandmother. Now I have to reached the Hotel as early as possible. I have ticket to Panvel but I mistakenly get into the Vashi local. I had no money further to travel. All this data of payment and remand home was from movie "Salam Bombay" I had seen that movie two days before this incident took place

Jeep stop well before the Panvel S.T. depot. and he ordered me to get down. He suggested not to travel alone in so late. I thank him for giving me lift up to Panvel. Jeep turns back and taken different route. I had to walk at least 15 minutes to reach Panvel S.T. depot.

It was almost 11.30 pm. The S.T. depot was empty. very few people awake. most of the waiting passenger were in half sleep. I had just escape from big blunder. I am still amaze that the 16 year kid could convince Police Inspector. May be It was my luck. but considering the fact I had given It's logical that Inspector has no other option than believing what I told him. If kid is running away from home How could it be possible to know so much details near Panvel S.T.Depot.

I was very much tired and hungry. after my lunch I had not eaten any thing. I just drink lots of water. I mate one old person on the S.T. depot. I was alert. He just inquired,"what are you doing so late night at the S.T. Stand." I told him that I am staying in Panvel Bazar and I have sleep disorder. My home is very small and to kill the time I am at S.T. depot. I was stark awake. I taken power nap for 5-10 minute. but worried about some body will catch me.

I had to wait until the down. I started my Journey towards Khopoli around 4.00 a.m. I had only two rupees left in my pocket after taking Panvel ticket. I usually don't drink the tea. but outside S.T. depot I have spent one rupees for the tea.

I was too much tired but I had to carry on. I had taken rest for 2-3 min in after 5-6 kilometers. I continuously walk towards Khopoli. after 9.00 a.m The heat of the Sun started building up. I was not having any water bottle or any such thing along with me. I don't want to get dehydrated. I used simple technique to avoid dehydration. whenever I see the Dhaba. I was drinking lots of water and requested waiter to bring me some Sugar. I was eating two-three spoon sugar for every visit to Dhaba. This approach helped me to avoid fainting out.

The Panvel Khopoli distance is around 33 km. It took me almost 8 hours to reached Khopoli. Around 12 noon I was near Khopoli. I had made up my mind. every now and then I was shifting focus from one corner to another corner of the road. constantly telling my mind that I will stop at next corner. I was not having any specific thoughts in my mind but I was keenly observing the surroundings. walk walk continuous walk........to be continued

People love to hear the mysterious stories rather than pure truth

It was like addiction to adventure on bi-cycle after the two incidents. Third incident took place after 9th std. examination. First time in my life I had join the vacation cum regular class for the 10th std. I was quite regular to the class never bunking the class and securing very good marks in almost all tests. Up till now I had run away from the home before the examination. My mind was addicted to adventure I had took third chance to run away from home. It added more suspense to my life and more misery to my family members. But I was taken by the thrill, challenge, tension during the traveling.

I had class from morning to evening. we had two breaks in between for refreshments and for lunch. During second break I just took my belongings and started my journey to Pune. It was not much different than previous one. I had taken halt at Panvel and Lonavala. I had reached Lonavala by mid night. next morning I was riding the bi-cycle in streets of Pune. I was having enough money to run the body engine running.

I was too much of tired bi-cycling almost 160 km. I need to wash my self. I went to swimming pool to clean my body. I want to get read of my bag and bi-cycle. I just left my bag in swimming pool area. and left the bi-cycle near by S.T. stand. I was out of my mind. I had no logical control over my feelings and actions. I just want to create mystery. During whole day I was wondering the streets of Pune. Constantly thinking how to defend my self once I reach to destination. Destination which was not known to me.

Late in evening to kill the time I had went to the theater in Deccan area and watched movie one and half time. The idea of going to theater is not originating from my mind. It was based on the passing comments of one of my colony friend. Even I done fake calls to my Uncles home that I had been kidnapped and they have to arrange for the money for the same. I used the public phone for the purpose. I was in my own world. very ruthless, careless about the others feeling. Not thinking about my family. I was too much self fish. but It's stage of frustration.

I had lots of relatives in Pune. Even in Deccan area we had relative. I just went to their home and told regular fake story that I don't know How I reached to Pune. They immediately called my uncle and I had taken to my uncles home that night. Next day morning my father came to Pune and we both travel back to Mumbai.

We went to see our family doctor. My family members told him everything about my Pune visit and not recollecting anything. Doctor suggested to visit the Psychiatric. Dr. Vahiya is Psychiatric. He had conducted some small test and given the report. My family members does not told me the result of the report. but the report says that I was lying. That's the naked truth. but family members and my relatives are not believing on this report. I was the only person who was knowing that I was lying.

Every body was wondering about my visit to Pune and not remembering anything at all. I realized that people love to hear the mysterious stories rather than pure truth.