The sky was the colour of brazen ash, with pockets of blemishes, never letting you forget that it was monsoon. After ascending the hill to Madikeri, finding the way to the budget hotel was a no brainer. There were innumerable private sign boards that lead you to your respective stays. The hotel manager was obviously courteous, as he knew we were coming from Bharatonline.

It was 2008. No terrorist attacks, so far, no tsunami or major outbreaks. The last year of a rather adventurous decade! Things were peaceful to a point that there was almost a lull. And then it erupted. The shock-waves travelled far and wide, taking every soul in its menacing grip. 2009 saw, even the local tea vendor becoming increasingly aware of a global crisis termed