Cat has 9 lives

 Years ago one fine morning in January I was driving my son to his Taekwondo class amidst a mist sprinkled; fog engulfed weather. On a narrow road leading to the arena I could see through the haze a Black Cat crossing the road right in front of me.

I was assured the black cat is going to be the harbinger of bad luck for rest of the day. As per the familiar superstition back home (especially in Odisha), I thought if I back up a little bit I should be able to ward off any evil effects destined for me. 

So I looked at my rear view mirror. There was no car behind me. I backed my vehicle counting 1 to 7. Then shifted back to forward gear and continued my journey ahead. My son was perplexed with this strange behavior of mine, gaping at me with widened eyes. I explained to him about the superstition, to which he retorted back - "You afraid of a kitty cat ? How silly !"

It could be silly, but old habits die hard; especially those related to superstition. Even the most logical and educated folks I have seen harbor some kind or other superstitious behaviors. It probably has to do with some sense of insecurity every individual carries. I am no exception. So I breathed easy after my to and fro motion on road and drove on, assured of all the evils being warded off. The day passed off uneventful. Yet I took no chance. Cat might have 9 lives, I have the luxury of only one.