Third time unlucky. I missed yet another number in the series. I had to conjure up one. My already zigzagging thoughts became even more complicated. Back to the man with the magnifying glass—searching for the missing number. No luck. So here I am, writing another one as an interlude. A filler, but a true story. 

Today, the day I’m writing this (but not posting it), I had a not-so-strange encounter that brought a mix of drama, thrill, stress, and anxiety. My injection was due today—delayed from yesterday because the doctor was absent. 

And, as luck would have it, Chennai’s famous—or should I say infamous—thunderstorm decided to make a grand entrance, catching us all in an unprepared fashion. The rain came down hard, unceasing and relentless, with an angry and threatening force. 

Flooding followed, as expected. One of my younger son’s closest friends was visiting us at the time. Fortunately for us, but unfortunately for him, he volunteered to take me to the hospital. And just like that—bingo!—the rainwater must have entered the car’s exhaust pipe, and the car broke down. 

It seemed like some unseen force was doing its best to stop me from getting to the hospital. Even the medicine I needed had been delayed—though it certainly arrived with a sense of grandeur. Now, this car breakdown. My appointment time had passed, and after half an hour of frantic, frenetic searching for another vehicle, a kind-hearted autorickshaw driver came to our rescue. 

Finally, we reached the hospital. But as fate would have it, the doctor was stuck too—probably wading, swimming, and struggling through the flooded streets. After a nervous 15-minute wait, the doctor arrived with a ready smile, despite the challenges he’d faced. The injection was administered without a hitch. 

I made it back home safely, and my son’s friend, with impressive determination and alertness, managed to coax the car into starting. He navigated the short distance back to his home with skill. 

And as they say, all’s well that ends well.

The storm continues to thunder, and it looks like it will last another day. Thankfully, we’re well-stocked with essentials and remain... 

at ease. 

Contd. 398. The Art of Appreciation