My Driving Dilemma - By Kalhari Kaluarachchi

Written By: Kalhari Kaluarachchi

Category: None FIction story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In "My Driving Dilemma," Kalhari Kaluarachchi shares a deeply personal narrative as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This creative writing piece takes readers through a heartfelt journey of passion, fear, and rediscovery. Through her story, Kalhari explores the complexities of overcoming a traumatic experience and reclaiming one's sense of self.

About the Work

Kalhari Kaluarachchi's "My Driving Dilemma" is a poignant exploration of personal growth and resilience. The narrative unfolds with vivid imagery and emotional depth, capturing the reader's attention through its candid reflection on the challenges of overcoming fear. The story is imbued with a sense of nostalgia and hope, revealing the protagonist's inner strength and determination to reclaim her passion for driving and independence.

My Driving Dilemma

Original Submission by Kalhari Kaluarachchi

My Driving Dilemma

I got my driving license just after finishing high school, at 18. The excitement I felt at that time was indescribable. I even qualified sooner than my trainer thought I would.

I loved driving fast and often dreamt of racing in Formula One someday. Driving was my passion. My father supported my interests more than anyone else; he let me take the wheel on all our road trips.

But one day, things changed. We set out on a road trip together, my parents and I. The road was narrow and winding, with no proper edges, running along the mountains. I was more cautious than usual.

I remembered the words my father’s good friend once said to me: “When you drive, it’s not only you; you’re responsible for the people in the car and those outside of it.” He said this because he knew my obsession with speed. Those words always echoed in my mind whenever I sat behind the wheel.

I never thought that journey would end my driving fantasy. A bus came speeding from the opposite direction on the single-lane road. I tried my best to avoid a collision, but it was impossible. The bus clipped the back of my car, shattering the right-hand signal lights. I stopped the car at the edge of the cliff. No one was hurt, but there was a loud noise from the old bus brakes. The bus was full of passengers, and they also got off to see what had happened.

I froze. I abandoned the wheel, moved to the back seat, and buckled up. My father calmly handled the situation with the bus driver and then resumed driving. He encouraged me to continue, but I was numb, unable to hear or respond.

After that, I never drove with the same carefree spirit. During my postgraduate years, I watched one of my female friends drive, and my eyes sparkled with admiration. She was my best buddy, and I used to hang around with her in her car. It was quite fun and free. It felt magical to see her freedom and confidence. One day, another friend in our group brought a brand-new sports car to class, and while my friend eagerly took the keys, I could only watch. I admired her bravery, but deep inside, I felt sadness about my own incapacity. By then, I no longer remembered the previous incident vividly; however, I still could not drive. My driver’s license was just another card in my wallet.

Time passed, and I became a mother to a young boy. Since I had stopped driving, my father became my driver whenever my husband was away. When my son started school, daily trips became routine.

My father kept pushing me to get back behind the wheel. I didn’t want to—I was still carrying the weight of that old memory. But in the end, almost like a punishment, I started again with an “L” plate stuck to the car. I tried to escape it, but my father’s persistence left me no choice. Slowly, I found myself driving again. It wasn’t the same excitement or energy I once had, but it was something. Each time I held the wheel, I felt a little braver, like I was reclaiming a part of myself I thought I had lost.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform that celebrates diverse voices across the globe. It offers writers an opportunity to showcase their creativity and share their unique stories with a wider audience. The competition is known for its commitment to fostering literary talent and encouraging artistic expression.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Kalhari Kaluarachchi for sharing "My Driving Dilemma" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her story is a touching reminder of the courage it takes to face one's fears and the journey of personal growth. We look forward to seeing more of her inspiring work in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.