DAY 155

I hate driving in the rain.

Fifteen years back, my vehicle broke down on a dark, rainy night. It was past 11 pm and I was returning home from work. I was tired and wanted to get home quickly. However, my two-wheeler spluttered to a stop in the middle of the road. There I was soaked to the bone, absolutely clueless about what to do next. It was one of those roads that saw zipping motorists but hardly any people on the sidewalk. So I pushed my vehicle to the side of the road and tried to coax my scooter into life again but in vain. Those were non-mobile days. No way to call a friend for help. No public phone booth anywhere in the vicinity. but there were plenty of honking and jeering motorists who passed me by but refused to stop and help. After almost 25 mts, a kind gentleman stopped his car and offered to help me. Thanks to him I was soon my way home. It was an unnerving, unpleasant experience.

From that day onwards I hated driving in the rain. A certain fear would engulf me every time it rained when I was on the road. When the first drops begin to fall I make sure I get off the road as quickly as possible.

Yesterday, I was not so lucky. Driving back home late in the night I was caught bang in the middle of a downpour and a massive traffic jam. I could feel panic draping me like a horrible rash.

Someone taught me this trick recently - when you encounter something that you don't like or something that you fear, just for a moment, force yourself to look it in the eye and see something nice. If you could do that you are well on your way to conquering your fear.

And just for a moment I forced myself to look my fear in the eye and see something nice.

What a glorious sight it was! Raindrops on the windshield reflecting the neon streetlights are like little crystals. Really! Actually, it was a beautiful scene. Then there was the cool breeze. The pitter-patter sound of raindrops on the bonnet. The swishing arc of water as the motorist zipped through the puddles. Soon I was caught up in all these wondrous little sights and did not realize that I drove through some heavy showers to reach home.

This image was taken with my mobile camera. It is the sight that I saw from my driver's seat. Almost like modern art!