Political disagreement between the ruling party and the opposition can lead to a city-wide lockdown in Indian cities. This meant that restaurants, Cabs, Public transport all shut down their services for the day. There were instances of partial lockdown without any prior notice and that is what happened on 4th of July 2022. The cab union of Bombay city went on strike around 10 in the morning and was joined by the public transport union by noon. People who left for work had limited means to travel back home by the time it was evening.
Sameer was asked if he could drop anyone who lived on the same route towards his apartment. The staff had gathered to help sort out transportation. Shalini responded that her apartment was on the same route and that she didn't have her own vehicle to get home. Sameer and Shalini had never met each other before. They both worked on different floors and in different departments. Sameer was a Sales Executive and Shalini was in the accounts department. They smiled at each other after it was decided that Sameer will be helping Shalini get home.
Shalini called Sameer on his line and asked if he was ready to leave. They both agreed to meet in the parking lot in 10 mins. Sameer was the first to reach and as he got out of the lift, he realised that it had started to drizzle. He had just one raincoat with him. He notices Shalini walk towards him.
Shalini: "This has got to be the worst day. First the stupid union and now this rain"
she looks towards Sameer and waits for his response.
Sameer: "I swear, This has got to be the most fuc.."
he stops.
As Shalini was his senior and had worked for the company for over a decade he wanted to choose his words wisely. He smiles awkwardly and speaks.
Sameer: "Aeeee yes Ma'am indeed a very strange day".
They both waited for the rain to stop but it didn't. Shalini had to join an important zoom call with the corporate team in another hour. She had planned to do this from home enjoying her bottle of Chardonnay hence was not in the mood to go back to the office and attend this long call.
Shalini: "Sameer can you please think of a solution. I need to be home soon as I am expected to join a meeting with the corporate head and credit control".
She was looking for an immediate solution.
Sameer: " Why don't you use my raincoat, and I am ok getting a little wet because of the drizzling".
Shalini wouldn't have acted so selfish on normal days but as it was very urgent, she agreed to it. She wore his raincoat and they drove on his bike.
After crossing the first highway they heard a loud thunder and the rainfall got heavier. The sound of the thunder caused Shalini to hold Sameer by his arms. The raincoat wasn't helping her enough. The second thunder was louder, and she hugged Sameer from behind pressing her body against him. She felt Sameer shiver realising that he was without a raincoat. She asked Sameer to stop the bike aside. Sameer did so and they ran under a tree
Shalini: "Sameer dear we should stop here for some time as i don't want you to fall sick"