The cycle in a young lad's life is a little more precious than a Rolls Royce for a grown-up car enthusiast. It manifests the very first moment of pride in his life. In some families, a cycle is gift-wrapped first and then the learning happens. I suppose such instances are rare.
The usual instances are when the child has to learn and then earn his cycle. Where he has not got a cycle, rather he has to earn it! Many households if not all, would stress on learning to ride a cycle first before buying one. It's more of an Indian rule passed on over generations. A father would observe him ride till the hunger in his belly grows assertively.
That first cycle between the age of 8 to 10 shows a child's investment. It shows his confidence in his dream. He cajoles for a cycle a couple of times. He insists, threaten with tears, or even blackmails at the table. Till the hunger in his belly reaches a tip-off point. He determines to get his own cycle. He starts by venturing out to find the prices of the cycle and where is it bought. And he starts gathering money for it. He would go to his savings or even coerce it from the ladies in the house. He even charges fees for running small errands and chores. The mission has begun - and the hunger wont stop.
The father plays his part in the plot. He smiles and teases and tests a little more. The child insists, the father resists. Isn't this a replay of what happened some decades ago? The child shows his helplessness but wont shrink. No reasons taken, no excuses tolerated. He will demand his father to come along to the shops and study what cycles are on store. What was window shopping some decades back, is now done through Shopping Apps.
The child pleases, the father teases. The father takes him to a cycle store and prods to pick some cycle. The son likes frills and glitters, while the father wants him to see the gears. Small tip-offs happen inside the shop - and are controlled. (Thanks to the pokey salesmen!)
"How much money have you got?" Is this enough for the cycle you want, or would you want to pick the cheaper one. How about a smaller cycle with supporters - that small kids use? Insult becomes guidance, and humor helps. Do you want to take a decision now or study some other stores too? Heard there is a market for cycles there. The father wont let the hunger stop.
If this is any war - who will emerge the victor - the father or the son? The father-son duo walk to the shops study the different cycles. He helps to bargain. Check whether the decision is correct. Today, he learns to walk holding the finger - once again. It's not a bargain. It's not a challenge. Is this an episode or it is a new chapter?
The sleek cycle comes home. The gleaming owner is riding the cycle. Grinning ear to ear. The grin grows from the lad's ear to the fathers. When they come home riding it to Grandpa - the grin extends.
Quipping, Grandpa says - Isn't this a Cycle?