Mad Max

THE YOUNGSTER revs up the engine and shifts into a lower (top?) gear. The onlookers who huddle near the bus shelter or underneath anything that can provide some space from the downpour watch with a bemused look. As the driver lets go of the clutch, the mobike surges ahead and the pillion rider lifts his legs.

"He makes it! He makes it not!" Suspense escalates among the onlookers as the mobike moves into the knee-deep water pool. Holding the handle steady and maintaining a balance between acceleration and use of clutch, the guy steers it through the water even as the passingby four-wheeler splashes water all around.

Any miscalculation would only mean the bike would splutter to a halt and that's the end of it. Water would jet into the piston chambers and the carburetor and getting it repaired is certainly an expensive proposition. Nevertheless, the guy clears it and the onlookers heave a sigh of relief...some even express their admiration for the driving skills.

Ain't it a common sight in Hyderabad nowadays, what with every road getting waterlogged for every couple of hundred yards. Driving on city roads sure needs a lot of skills even otherwise. Didn't someone say that whoever can drive on Hyderabad roads can drive anywhere in the world?!

By K. Srinivas Reddy

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Section  : Southern States
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