I've known for a while now that it would take something fairly compelling to get me blogging again. And I feel compelled to blog today. If life is about unexpected events, then today has surely been a "lively" day. Now this one is going to sound like one scripted story minus the heroism(alas)!!!
Story Background: I'm on my way back from work at 5 pm. If my boss is reading this, I don't do this often, just that I came into work at 7 am today. Any brownie points for that? Anyway, back to the story. I caught a sudden cold today and on my way back, decided to pay a visit to the doc. Parked my car road-side, made sure I kept my laptop bag in a manner that it wasn't visible to the normal passer-by, and was on my way. Unfortunately, the doc had just left.
A quick stop at the chemist to pick up some cough drops and I headed back to the car. The excitement begins. I thought I had spotted my car among the many parked cars. But the driver's door was open and someone was leaning in. It took me a minute to realize that IT WAS in fact my car, that the anti-theft alarm was blaring, and that a guy was reaching in for my laptop. I crossed the road after making sure I won't get run-over in the hurry. I wasn't running, as I wanted to surprise the guy right when I was "on" him. But I guess my piercing look gave me away. I realized he had spotted me and I started running towards the car. After panicking and freezing for a minute, the guy dropped my laptop right outside the car and started running away.
Now I am the impulsive kinds, or so I believed till today. And in a hypothetical situation, I would have bet that I would have run after this guy and nailed him to the ground (or at least tried). Thankfully though, I got to the car, put my laptop inside, locked the car, asked a sabzi waala to stand guard and only then- started chasing the guy. Man, I can't remember the last time I was so mentally alert. Completely aware of the traffic and the fact that I should not get carried away. Now, they say people in Bombay don't help. But this one guy on a Kinetic rode upto me and offerred me a lift to chase the thief. I almost got on when it hit me that Mr. Kinetic could well be an accomplice.(I'm sorry if I got that bit wrong.... in which case he really was a genuine guy. Thanks!). Anyway, I chose to run instead, and lost him in some khopcha (hidden corner). I found the Kinetic dude talking to another guy driving an Astra in the by-lane where I was. I realized that there were just the three of us and a boy walking his dog in this 500 meter long lane. I maintained my distance and got to the main road, again, very aware of my surroundings. Walked back to the car, got in, and I'm home typing on my laptop. Ha! and Ha again!
Lessons:
- It is possible not to let the adrenalin rush take over. I surprised myself by thinking straight and knowing when to back off. Thank God I didn't hitch a ride on the Kinetic or chase the guy into the deserted lane
- Never leave your valuables in the car, even in a crowded place. And never assume you are the smart one by tucking away your valuables under the seat. Someone might just be waiting for a smartass like you (me, in this case)
- When we read about people working in groups to rob others, it seems improbable that it could happen to us. But just being aware of such happenings can help you in tricky situations
- Whatever happens, it really is for the better. Imagine if the doctor would have been there...mera bechaara laptop!
- Girls have it all figured out: Major mistake on my part- not screaming like a girl..... a filmi immitation of the "chor, chor" dialogue could have served me well. I suggest that's the first thing you do should you find yourself in such a situation
- Stay fit, kya pata kab bhaagna pade..... that's true for the thief variety and the almost-robbed variety
- At times, it takes weird things and rude shocks to get you to do something you like. This got me blogging again :)
On a serious note, please beware of ---->your valuables, the fact that someone might be observing you and also be wary of people who offer help in such cases. Do not get carried away in the moment. Even if he had indeed run off with the laptop, it's better not to put yourself in a situation where things could turn out worse. At the cost of sounding dramatic, I'll still say that it never hurts to be cautious.
Done. My first blog this year. I hope the others aren't as filmi.@ Uday, Aneesh, Chandu.... guys, I'm waiting for the promised blog-posts on my page
@ Priyanka: I promised I would ping you when I blogged again, hope to be more consistent this time
@ NK: Thanks for the motivation to get me blogging again. (Just to clarify, he wasn't the guy trying to flick my laptop. Nk was telling me to blog just the other day)
@ all the others: Hi!
