The car swerved around the sharp bend narrowly missing the on-coming bus. Under normal circumstances, this would be considered reckless driving. But he knew the ghats like the back of his hand, and the powerful motor with its rock steady stance allowed him liberties no other car could.

Besides, he had his reasons. Time was of the essence. He had to make it to his destination before dark. He had to meet them or run the risk of never meeting them again.

Accordingly he gunned the motor even harder, taking vicarious pleasure in the tachometers' jump up the powerband. Deftly he played with the pedals and gears, as the tyres scrabbled with the edges of the corners as he consistently cut them.

He drove with single minded focus, not caring for the beauty of the countryside they were traversing..he'd seen it all before, and getting to journeys end was more important.

Ghats done, they settled into a steady clip on the national highway, and before they knew it, they were there, well in time.

And, there they were, his two little girls, with huge smiles on their faces. Next time, he vowed to himself, he'd take them with him on his business trips.

It was too risky not to do so.