For the uninitiated, a ride in an autorickshaw in India could end up being any one of the following things – playing a high-thrill video game with unexpected happenings, riding a roller-coaster, albeit slowly, or just a super-fun ride.
As for me, been there, done it and love it. It’s in the genes too. My children also love the autorickshaw.
So, we are heading out to meet family at the other end of the city. The kids protest when we mention the word taxi. So ‘Autorickshaw’ it is. There are hundreds plying, but not one stops when we hail. Finally one stops for us.
We should’ve figured this one out but ..well. How can the four of us fit in comfortably? There was a time when we could, but the kids have grown vertically and we, parents have grown horizontally!
Both the children want to enjoy the wind, so both ends are taken. Hubby dear and I squeeze in, in the middle. Two of us rest on the seat, two move forward. Much like stuffing an already full bag, we are in, but very excited.
The auto-driver starts and we are off. We have an hour-long trip. The fun part is that the auto is open on both sides and each of us take-in what we want. My son counts stray dogs and the occassional cow, my daughter looks at hoardings, I watch people, my husband, not sure, as I can’t turn my neck to see.
About ten minutes into our ride, the sky is filling up with grey clouds. Where were they hiding? There is a sudden cooling effect to the breeze. Very soon the rain drops are plopping, big, grey ones.
As the auto driver rides on impassively, the frequency of rain drops increases. Plop plop plop….they fall faster and faster.
The kids whoop in joy. And suddenly all hell breaks loose. The rain comes crashing down in a heavy downpour. The auto moves on with an unruffled captain at the helm.
Usually autos have tarpaulins to cover the sides, when it rains. This one has none. So the rain visits us inside the auto. We squeal as the cold makes contact with skin. Both kids are drenched. My stole offers some cover to the four of us. It is total fun, as we resign ourselves. Water hits the roof and sprays our faces. We wait for these moments.
Outside, on the roads, traffic is thinning out. The roads look deserted. People are seeking cover under bus shelters and the ledges of buildings.
In one bus shelter, a cow stands with other people, waiting out the rain.
People from moving buses look down on us. I look up at them – all so serious and deep in thought.
Children of a primary school are being stood in line for dispersal. They look adorable in their bright-coloured raincoats.
A young couple stands under the shade of a huge tree, oblivious to the world.
The auto-driver looks focused as he weaves through the traffic at the junction. He would win any video game hands down, as he deftly manoeuvres the vehicle right and left, through any small gap. Our bodies sway with the movements.
The trees look green and fresh in the rain. There is a lady, with a huge, red umbrella, walking at a leisurely pace – everyone else is scrambling for cover.
As the rain peters out, we finally reach our destination. We are soaked but very happy.
We get treated to hot coffee, mugs of hot chocolate and pakoras! Perfect finish.
Nice ! By the way, which city is this? In Kolkata, the small sized autos take 5 people.
3 on the back seat and 2 on the either sides of the auto driver 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you. Bengaluru😆😆
LikeLike
Ahh Bengaluru.. my 2nd home… my husband is there. And you know what? I am going to Bengaluru tomorrow, to visit him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow…enjoy. have a great trip.
LikeLiked by 1 person
In ahmedabad, Gujarat there are 8 people can sit. 😛
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yeah, I’ve seen those big ones..but sadly not in Bengaluru
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sad. 😜
LikeLiked by 1 person
I fell in love with few lines …Very soon the rain drops are plopping, big, grey ones….few made me nostalgic ..Both the children want to enjoy the wind, so both ends are taken. 🙂 (This reminded me of my childhood )…and few others left me in splits ..kids have grown vertically and we, parents have grown horizontally! .:D …
Awesome as always 🙂
LikeLiked by 4 people
Aww..thank you NJ. Glad it took you down memory lane. Big hugs☺☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
OMG, what an adventure!!! I laughed when reading this: “He would win any video game hands down, as he deftly manoeuvres the vehicle right and left, through any small gap.” Glad you arrived safely and happy – although completely soaked.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The auto-drivers are very skilled. One usual reaches safely. But you should see them weaving through the traffic…it’s an experience😆😆😆
LikeLiked by 1 person
I guess although I have a wild fantasy I can barely imaging reality. For someone like us it needs a lot of trust to get on… lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
Can imagine☺☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful story! I could feel myself right there with you. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, that looks like fun! You know, I’ve heard of rickshaws, but I didn’t know there were auto rickshaws. Well, at least they have a cover. My husband and I took our daughter out to play the other day and ended up caught in some light to moderate rain. After all the heat and dryness, we didn’t mind at all!
LikeLike
Thank you Marissa. This comment showed up only today on my WP dashboard. Can you beat that? Wonder where it was hiding. I can imagine playing in the rain, especially when the summer heat is killing.
LikeLike
Yeah, don’t know where these comments go to sometimes!! Yes, rain is a welcome change here!
LikeLiked by 1 person
this is very nicely expressed… i had a smile on my face while going through it… 🙂 this is also a wonderful experience that we get in our country… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Ashish
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed your story; it’s funny and in the same time feels like I was there. I laugh about “parents have grown horizontally “ All the best to you, Nimi.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Adrian
LikeLike
What an outstanding and fun adventure! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it usually is. Each time is different though😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your blog has fabulous narratives & fotos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Cindy☺☺
LikeLike
Love the rains in Bangalore! This post reminds me my childhood. Thanks for a trip down the memory lane 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So happy that this post brought back good memories for you. Thank you for stopping by
LikeLike
Yes :))
LikeLiked by 1 person