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When Her Asthma Saved Their Life
Sometimes, survival comes from the most unlikely places. Her asthma sensed the carbon monoxide that filled the room and saved their lives. What once felt like a weakness became their unexpected strength.
Padma (Mrs. Group Captain Jaikumar) had lived with asthma for as long as she could remember.
Some days were manageable, while others felt like she was breathing through a straw.
Over the years, she had grown used to carrying her inhaler everywhere, and she was always extra cautious about dust, smoke, and anything that could trigger an attack.
Her husband, Mr. Jaikumar, was a serving group captain in the Indian Air Force — a lean, disciplined man.
Lean—when compared to Mrs. Jaikumar!
They were my neighbors in the serene environs of Shillong, in the Air Force Quarters for eastern command.
She was the one who taught my wife how to make the dosa batter, in what proportion the lentils & rice should be used & soaked before grinding them to make batter. It was so subtle that my wife still follows it and never goes wrong.
The house they were occupying was huge for just the two of them — two bedrooms, a living room, a study room, a kitchen, balconies, and a servant’s quarter.
