The Department of Highways....

Scene 1:

The family enters home later in the night one Saturday. Clears the post box on the way. There is a letter from the Department of Highways......hearts beat loud enough to be heard outside as they go up the interminable stairs with sleeping (and HEAVY!) kids in their arms.

Mental rewind: Did we jump a red? Not at a working signal....didn't hit anyone, didn't steal road supplies yet (though with costs spiralling, might have to consider that when we invest in real estate!).....kids are in bed, couple race to open the letter.

Here's the kicker:

It is a reply to an online complaint at http://darpg-grievance.nic.in/ !

A Government of India initiative to help people address problems dealing with government departments, civic amenities.....yes, we can have intelligent initiatives (despite loan waivers - yeah, how about we encourage money lenders at their usurious interest rates and at the same time say,"Okay banking sector, your paperwork and bureaucracy are more important that giving loans to farmers at lower rates of interest.....!)

On a scale of less grandeur is the grievance cell - they can answer online complaints. Back to the script now....

Scene 2: Emotion of extreme shock and skepticism expressed by lead actors. What does the letter say to the complaint? Drummmrolllllll...."we don't have jurisdiction, you idiots.....while we now have to talk to you, we still can't do much to help. Can you do take a piece of the Dept of Administrative Messups' peace of mind? Okay, you have some company - check out names and addresses of others who have complained. What? No, we did not ask them if we could share their names and addresses with complete strangers. Okay, can I roll over and go to sleep now?"

Scene 3: Couple resolves to fight on.....Dept of Admin Messups, here we come.

Scene 4: 30 years later, couple walks up the same stairs. Hopefully they have that job security and unfortunately road supplies are missing....again this month, no luck on nightly potential burglary sessions! No kids this time, only grandkids and absconding parents of grandkids. See letter from Department of 'This is the umpteenth department you have complained to for an irrelevant problem.....we don't care if you have to use a power boat to get home....don't you know to swim yet?!' The letter says - the said road that flooded 30 years ago does not exist. But thanks for asking!

Scene 5: Obit for couple 'The triers are coming up....run for your lives!"

Credits: Based on a true story (scenes 1 & 2) and imaginary reconstruction of likely story paths.

The playwright does use an existing entity...wish ineptness was fictional. Please blame the Government of India for skepticism. Recipe requires sarcasm....idolatry idealism only brings you as far as the shore. Swimming provided by Bannerghatta Road.

Jai Hind!