Small Story 407.

Small Story 407: Rainy Encounter with the Relentless Pothole For the past two days, heavy rains had battered the Garden City. Shubhas found it increasingly difficult to reach his office. Although there was a Metro connection from his house, it took him seven minutes to reach the station, and the road leading there had become nearly impassable due to the rains. Yesterday evening, as he returned from the station, Shubhas slipped near the corner of his house and fell because of a pothole filled with rainwater. Despite having written several letters to the authorities, any repairs they made were temporary and of poor quality, leading to recurring problems. The fall left him sore and disheartened. His wife, Ragini, prayed every day for his and others’ safe return home. That same evening, the residents of their apartment complex gathered to discuss the worsening pothole problem. The entrance road was riddled with potholes, making it dangerous for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers. Vehicles often got stuck, and accidents were becoming common. Although the authorities did try to repair the roads, the substandard work ensured that potholes reappeared after every rain. Tired of waiting, Shubhas and other residents decided to take matters into their own hands. They agreed to contribute ₹1,000 per apartment to hire a reliable contractor and fix the pothole once and for all. Their collective decision was not just about fixing a road—it was about ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone in the community. All the residents appreciated the initiative and came together with a renewed sense of unity and purpose. K.Ragavan 23-10-25