The traffic coming in from the Chennai airport was lighter than usual. I was riding with the regular driver, Rajan. He was more talkative than normal. The questions revolved around the differences and advantages between cars made by Nissan and Ford. It was an odd conversation that in its own way was immensely engaging.
As I sat in the front passenger seat watching traffic, I was struck by the differences that one could see in the traffic on this night. Usually Chennai roads are clogged with men and families on motorcycles getting from point A to B. Tonight it was different! First, the volume of travel was noticeably less, especially in the number of motorcycles. Second, the riders were different. For the first time, I did not see one family on a motorcycle. Perhaps it was the fact that this was the eve of a holiday, but the explanation did not make much sense. The riders were primarily young couples, dressed up, enjoying each other’s company.
One particular couple caught my eye. I think the bike was the clue – a classic Royal Enfield that was in perfect condition. The combination of bike, ride, and riders was an ideal advertisement for the bike! It reminded me of an old photo I just found of Dad on a similar bike circa 1971. They weaved it and out of traffic with a natural ease that made riding a motorcycle in a congested Indian city look easy. As we came to a cloverleaf turn, something fluttered off their bike and into our path. I heard the sound as we ran over it. I wondered what had been lost.
They immediately slowed and tried to pull off to the side. I could not hear her words but the hand and lip movement said it all; “You, God – don’t put off my rescue! Hurry and help me!” (Psalm 22.19)
Life comes with all kinds of twists and turns. Taking action in traffic is easier and safer with help. They pulled to the side of the road. Without hesitation, we drive on.
