Second-time lucky

Autorickshaw driver Rakesh Kumar Mishra, 40, got lucky on 9/13 — a second time. A report by Swaha Sahoo.

Autorickshaw driver Rakesh Kumar Mishra, 40, got lucky on 9/13 — a second time.

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Mishra’s autorickshaw was just ahead of the one in which the blast took place at Gaffar Market, on Saturday evening.

While Mishra got away with scratches all over his body and an injured hand, he is clueless about his passenger.

“I was thrown out of the auto but I don’t know what happened to my passenger,” said Mishra, who is recovering at Jeevan Mala Hospital.

“I saw some parts of the auto hanging from a tree as I lay on the ground. Commotion broke out and the next thing I remember, I was being carried by a traffic policeman,” he recalled.

A firm believer in fate, Mishra is unable to decide whether September 13 is jinxed or lucky for him.

“On September 13, 2007, I suffered a heart attack yet survived. This year, I was within spitting distance of the bomb blast but survived with minor injuries,” said Mishra.

He is still unable to believe his good luck.

“I have four children and all of them go to school. What would have happened to them if I had died?” he wondered.