Last year at a local event I was inspired to organise a city marathon. This is not connected to any political aspiration but a true love to make people run at my beck and call. I first shared this idea with my gym trainer, he gave me a polite nod exclaiming “Ya sure!” Looking absolutely convinced that this was a temporary burst of emotions.

Next on the list, Mr K. He heard me out and in his business voice said; make a presentation on it next week. Hmm... He wants me to prove myself, what happened to all those promises when we were going round and round the fire seven times and he vowed to unconditional trust. I swallowed my ego and began research to convince my husband that I was serious.

These calls to a variety of runners and organizers were alternated with constant debates with the Maharaj, the great Indian cook, on the consistency of the porridge and the colour of the Rajma, the great Indian kidney bean. I finally managed to put together a PowerPoint presentation when my son hit delete.

Aargh!!!

Although I love my pen and paper I do appreciate the recovery option.

The idea got a big nod and a minuscule budget, which was revised instantly as soon as I left Mr. K’s cabin. After securing the promise of unconditional support of his team, I set up my first meeting in a swanky Mumbai conference room.

After an exciting exchange of ideas and constant approvals of all the experienced minds at the company, I was extremely sure my marathon will be set up tomorrow.

My excitement received a much deserved reality check.

Things didn’t happen that night or the next month and I patiently (beyond my potential) waited. I rushed to our common caretaker and sighed, and sighed again, unmoved he only said, “You have to be patient and polite.”

What!!

A second virtue, when all I wanted to do was fall on the floor and throw a huge tantrum. I gathered myself and walked out elegantly and made some calls starting with please and a sullen face.

Ruchira the feminist constantly debates foul play. In my head I am the warrior princess fighting against all that’s male and evil. It is very easy to go back to the age-old thought of male vs female. I considered the possibility too, that maybe I am not being taken seriously.

I force myself to bounce back, how will we eradicate this thought from our daughters’ life if we ourselves keep using it to our defence.

Six years ago, my father-in-law asked me why I wanted to start working when I was about to plan a family soon, I had answered saying I wanted my children to look at their mother as a woman of substance and experience and feel pride in being attached to my identity.

Everyone has a reason to run, peace, cancer, love, mine is it to prove it to myself that I mean business and am here to stay.

My theme for the marathon has become personal, I will run for myself.

Yet, if there is a morcha against corporate culture I am joining in, I am a good old school mom and pop shop girl, I want my Maggi in 2 minutes, I will do my Tandav (angry dance of lord Shiva) till all the gods agree to my way.

“You are spoilt” Mr. K said,

“Well, You finally get me.”

Ruchira Darda

I am Ruchira Darda, a relationship coach, parenting expert, author, and entrepreneur with over 16 years of experience. Based in Mumbai, I work extensively in the areas of mindful living and emotional wellness. I am a TEDx speaker and focus on personality identification to help individuals and families build stronger, healthier relationships. I also lead and actively support initiatives such as the Lokmat MahaMarathon.