Fire on the Mountain

As a child many of us may have played this game called fire on the mountain..run run run...in marathi we call it dongrala aag lagli pala pala pala..little did I know that as I grow up, some day this will become a reality in some form.

In past few years ,have across many fire incidents in societies around us ,caused due to short circuit in AC,cracker landing up etc.Everytime felt very bad and sad.Took a note of what went wrong and discussing it with people around and after few days it was gone out of memory.

This Sunday morning, the day started a little late. It was my daughter's birthday and midnight celebration had continued till late.I was just in process of bringing milk bag from door,planning to cook all her favourite dishes when my househelp called to inform that there was some incident in society lobby and there was smoke everywhere and before I could guess what has happened the fire alarm started ringing.The society officers and volunteers started guiding how to evacutae the premises and checking on every house.

I went blank for a second,woke my family and asked them to get ready in 2 mins ,took some wet towels (thats what I had seen on all social media)and just our mobiles,card and keys.

All people evacuated the building and firebrigades arrived in no time to control the fire that engulfed our meter room and smoke emerging which rose to upper floors in no time.

Thanks to Almighty all were safe and the fire was controlled before it spread outside the room.But yes half day was spent outside the home in night suit, guessing what had gone wrong,what more could have happened,how we were going to celebrate the birthday,when do we get access to home..so many questions and no confirmations...just the wait..finally we got access to our homes in the noon.Power was gone but we were inside our home .

It has been two days now and the restoration process is in full swing. Two days and so many learnings.

As for the event, presence of mind is most crucial.Not to panic ,switch off mains ,gas connection,take what is most important not to forget the wet towels,keys and mobile.We did all this but I realised we can keep a small bag ready esp important for those residing in high rise buildings consisting of napkins,one pair of clothes,house spare key ,photocopies of important documents and basic first aid and torch.God forbid if such situation comes we can save time. Secondly never ever take the lift.We need to build our stamina if we wish to stay on higher floors.Climbing and getting down is not easy.Never ignore alarms and instructions by society.

I come from a city where load shedding was common during summers. So studying in kerosene lamps,then solar lamps sleeping on terrace or with windows doors open was part of regular life.We didnt even realise that we studied for crucial exams and excelled without air conditioners and sometimes even without coolers.But times have changed.Kids nowadays are tuned to stay in air-conditioned rooms. I narrated my daughter many stories about our childhood experiences without power and how we made them enjoyable and made her understand the memories we create and stories we have to tell.She then took it sportingly and accepted it

Once in a while such a reality check is also essential to make all understand that nothing can be taken for granted. Power paisa all are important but at a point in life nothing works but Divine intervention.

The way all neighbours came to help is commendable. As exams are going on people couldn't shift and neighbour's from adjoining wing opened theirhearts and houses.Thats the beauty of our nation and people residing here.The people who are involved in restoration are working tirelessly to relieve all from the discomfort and stress.Their efforts are beyond words .They are saviors and Grateful is the word which just lingers .

What we plan is as per limited understanding,

what happens is as per higher scheme designed by the Almighty. Sometimes we are left just with questions but having patience and faith reveal all answers.Everything falls in place.We are always watched and cared for.Its just a matter of time.We need to see at the positive aspect and focus on positive to keep moving in the right direction in life.Never assuming or taking anything for granted.Everything is temporary so live fully and happily each moment. After a while when we look back everything looks absolutely perfect as if jigsaw puzzle has been solved.