APPsolutely clueless

Some folks still wait for a taxi like it’s 1997 

I know what you’re thinking. How bad can it be, really? Truth is, whenever someone tries to explain a new technology to me, I totally tune them out. No new apps. On that I am crystal clear. Ride booking services? Naturally, I have resisted each and every one of them.

The other day, a friend dropped in for a visit. She had hitched a ride from someone who was passing by. The day was bright and sunny and we were all aglow with the warmth that washes over one, while connecting with a long-lost dost. Birds were chirping, butterflies flitting about, bees buzzing, and flowers bobbing their bright heads in the soft spring breeze. It was a perfect feel-good day.

Until my friend decided to head back home. How did she plan to do this? ‘Oh, I’ll use my app,’ she replied airily. Secretly impressed, I zipped my lips. There was no way I was going to expose my incapabilities. Half an hour later we were still chatting, but I noticed her jabbing at her phone impatiently. In a helpful spirit, I asked what she was up to. ‘I’m trying to book a cab but somehow it keeps showing my home as the pickup point, rather than yours.’

In her effort to sort out this confusion, she had apparently booked a trip four times, and soon started getting calls from the drivers, circling her house like hungry hawks. ‘Madam, where are you?’ ‘I’m at Cross Road.’ ‘But I’m outside your house on Canal Road.’ All four drivers were taking turns to tell her, persistently, ‘Cancel your ride and book again.’ By now her forehead was glistening with sweat.

All this while I sat with my fingers crossed under the table, praying fervently to all the gods on my list, that she wouldn’t ask for my help. She did just that. ‘My phone is acting up. Let’s try from your phone.’ ‘I don’t have the app.’ She looked at me incredulously. 

I offered to call my neighbour, a pro in booking rides, and put her on speakerphone. ‘There’s a destination and a pick-up point…’ she was explaining patiently, when my friend’s husband called. ‘You were supposed to be home an hour ago.’ ‘Yes, just trying to book a ride.’ Good man that he is, he said, ‘Stay right there. I’m coming to get you.’