Leap and Fly

The entire team of B.O.Y. 2.0 is on a high after the unexpected outcome of a chance encounter Kaka had yesterday on the highway. Newspaper coverage solidifies the authenticity of an event. And Kaka was the reason and doer!

With fond memories of Rajahmundry neatly stacked, B.O.Y 2.0 is on its way to the famous port city of Visakhapatnam. Kaka is eager to visit, if time permits, the iconic INS Kursura Submarine of the 1971 Indo-Pak war to pay respect.

On the highway, Kaka decides to pull over at a roadside tea joint for a break. The moment he gets down the bike, all eyes are drawn towards him – an old man who is geared up as a biker and laden with badges. Curiosity gets the better of them and thence begins an impromptu (but meticulously calculated!) short presentation on organ donation! That’s one of the perks Kaka rides for – to stop at a random spot and still engage an audience with B.O.Y. 2.0’s cause.

Once in Visakhapatnam, Kaka is received by Chandrasekhar – B.O.Y. 2.0’s host for two days. Visakhapatnam welcomes Kaka and B.O.Y. 2.0 affectionately; there is an interview by The Times of India lined up! Though the interview is conducted over the phone, its impact is for everyone to read!

After winding up the interview and a good rest, Chandrasekhar takes Kaka to meet his riders’ circle – Vizag United Bikers, JCI Visakha Valley, and JCI Visakha Alliance Avengers – at a café. Two of these riders – Vaishali Kulkarni More and Supriya Goel – are creating history in their own way on bikes. While one is an accident survivor and the other has conquered cancer, the theme of their bike expedition was ‘Rise, Ride and Recover’. 

Like the two brave women, there are many people in this world who believe that age is not a factor. Meeting Kaka only cements their conviction! 

Over coffees and sandwiches, experiences are shared too. Somewhere in the evening, Kaka and B.O.Y. 2.0 are mentioned on Instagram and Facebook from this table. 

Kaka is more delighted about this meet because he is able to converse in Marathi physically after weeks! Vaishali, who has roots in Pune, is conversant in fluent Marathi. Another commonality bonds Kaka to the group and strengthens the new association!

The evening draws to an end with a jovial photo session. Rajkiran had promised of only arranging an interview with ToI in Visakhapatnam, which is ticked off. But as Kaka rides back to his accommodation, B.O.Y. 2.0 yearns for more tomorrow… 

Whatever the situation, it is ready to take a blind leap as it believes that it will fly!

Day 039
Rajahmundry to Visakhapatnam | 190 kms
– Juhi Kothari/Shetty