The Green Page

Shiny spokes, sturdy pedals and a big basket. My first bicycle holds a lot of fond memories. It was the easiest way for my parents to bribe me into studying harder. Although it never happened, my parents got me one anyway. The art of balancing a bicycle was one of the greatest achievements in my childhood. Just like a bird spreading out its wings and flying without falling for the first time, it was a liberating feeling. From that point, my bicycle became my most reliable friend.   From riding it to school every day, attending tuition classes in the evening, taking part in friendly races and learning to ride without using the handle bars, I spent a lot of time with it. But what a bicycle taught me was more than just riding skills. It taught me important lessons in life. If balancing a bicycle had been simple, I wouldn’t have appreciated the patience, concentration and perseverance it required. I distinctly remember the moment after the training wheels were removed. A...

A notification popped up on my phone. The famous ‘Kindle’ e-reader was on sale. I frowned and sighed with disappointment. Despite my neck being bent over my phone half of the day, I would not trade a paperback for a thousand e-books. Just the thought of visiting the library to borrow a book or to the book fair to buy one, thrilled me. Words fail to express the joy of sniffing the pages of a book. There are uncountable small yet special moments with a book. The journey begins with allotting a special place in the book shelf that is already stacked to its limit. Rummaging through the study table to find a bookmark to ensure that the pages are not dog eared, is a ritual for every bibliophile. Just like holding a pet, I hold my books with both my hands. Lending a book is always frightening but it marks the highest level of friendship. The very thought of not being able to share these moments with an e-book, saddens me. My phone vibrated again. This time the offer was for audio b...