Cars, Cabs and Cellphones

Yet another traffic episode...

Here I am driving today to work...I lost my chaffeur privilages. Reminds me of "I got a new car this week...my wife will use the new one and I will be relegated to the old"...This is typical when couples in the US get their second car.

My situation after moving back is a little different. We finally decided to get a second but smaller and an automatic model to suit Bangalore traffic.

I am now using the new car (reminds me of guys driving a scooty) until she gets used to the Bangalore roads and traffic. It is only natural that I will be relegated to the old car soon.

Back to traffic story for today...

On the santro to work...during the commute, I notice a vehicle too close for comfort in the rear view mirror. A Qualis SUV Cab, literally stuck to my little Santro's bumper. As if that werent enough, the Qualis driver wanted to ensure that I notice his flirtations with the santro bumper by honking and flashing the headlight.

Well...that is it and he had it...Or may be not. I parked my instincts when I set in to drive a toy car. So my rage has turned into resignment. I religiously put my left indicator in frustration, wait for the next opportunity to move out and give way. Of course as a responsible driver I had to wait before I moved out. But our Qualis Cassanova cant wait...more honking. Finally I cave in, allow him to pass. He moves in front of me, narrowly squeezes past a couple of other cars and moves forward - looked more risky than his stunts with my car.

Well...he is now stuck in traffic and I am in his blind spot. We are not moving. I notice that this is a Cab and it has a note on rear windshield that reads, "If you notice rash driving, call...". And you know what happens next

Now I am busy dialing this number from my cell and at the same time maneuvering my way as the signal changes green...I get through first shot - must be my lucky day.

"Hello...Helli...evaru (Who is it)"
"I am calling to report rash driving of one of your vehicles..."
"Elli...(Where)"
"Marthahalli overpass...Driver is rash and has been getting close to many vehicles and cutting across lanes when there is no room for movement. Vehicle number is ..."
I have to write the reply I got in English.
"No...I was driving quite ok..."

I see our Qualis stud who is now right in front of my vehicle, talking to me from his cell phone.

So much for rash driving report...I guess the sticker should have said,
"If you notice rash driving, call the driver to discuss"...

I hang up...laugh out loud and move on.