The heat was getting unbearable, and with a sight-seeing trip of Chalukyan architecture planned for the next day, it was only logical that we wished for some rainfall that would bring down the temperature. Nature responded wholeheartedly, and the evening was showered with light drizzle to heavy rainfall throughout Karnataka.
We got delayed in the road, and got little wet while changing buses. Not that we had anything to complain. Not until our bus from Hubli towards Belgaum suddenly stopped in pitch darkness, in the middle of nowhere.
Initially, there was confusion about the cause, but as headlights from vehicles lining up behind us lighted up the road ahead, it became evident that our road has been blocked by raging storm water gushing across the road. Going ahead was dangerous, as the water was flowing with ferocity, and no one knew the depth of the deepest section. Turning back seemed to be a difficult option, as it was almost midnight, and the nearest town was quite some distance away.
The drivers of the different vehicles got down to analyse the situation. Very soon, the cars turned back, realizing that it would be too much risk to try cross the 'river'. But finally, a truck from the other side gathered enough confidence to give it a try. After it reached our side safely, another truck and a bus followed. Our driver finally decided to try his hand and luck.
With our heartbeats getting faster, we braced ourselves for any incident, as the driver put the bus to first gear and ventured into the rushing water. It increased in height and force rapidly as we moved in. We could see the furious current ahead, roaring across the road from left to right. Then suddenly, the headlights went out and there seemed to be a hesitation from the driver! What was going on?
The headlights had become submerged in the water, which was now about 4 feet high and had even started entering the bus. The passengers at the front tried to light up the road ahead with the light from their cellphones, and guide the driver. "Keep to the left! To the left!" someone shouted. We could feel the force of the water that tried to move us off the road. The warmth in the muscles intensified.
With a decisive push on the accelerator, and a steady, firm pull on the steering wheel, the driver urged the bus ahead. And after a few long seconds, the headlights emerged from under the water, and soon we were again on dry ground.
There was applause all around, and we all heaved a sigh of relief. We thanked God and the driver, because a little twist of luck or a small mistake from the driver could have turned this into a completely different story.
The rain stopped overnight, and gave us a chance to complete our sightseeing in a pleasant weather.