Archive · 20 Sep 2026
An AI-Free Ode to Eighties Friendship and Misadventure
The writer remembers a funny story from the 1980s, before mobile phones and social media.
One night, a friend named DB called to say that people were beating him.
Seven friends quickly drove off to rescue him.
They forgot to ask where he was.
They searched several roads but could not find him.
Instead, they drank rum, talked about DB, and ate kheema dosa.
DB was safe and later agreed to a compromise that included another beating.
Today, he jokes about similar incidents by sending photos on WhatsApp.
A writer recalls the 1980s as an era without mobile phones, social media, or AI.
Seven friends rushed out in a Premier Padmini after DB called to say he was being beaten.
They forgot to ask where DB was and missed his follow-up call with the location.
The friends searched roads in Madras, drank rum, and eventually ate kheema dosa.
DB survived the beating and now sends WhatsApp photos from beatings in locations around the world.
- Who
- The writer, seven friends, and their friend DB.
- What
- Friends tried to rescue DB after he called saying he was being beaten, but they could not locate him.
- When
- On a Saturday night in the 1980s, with a visit to DB the following evening.
- Where
- Madras, including Nungambakkam High Road, Chamiers Road, and Dr Radhakrishnan Road.
- Why
- The friends believed DB needed immediate help after calling from a telephone booth.
- Era
- The 1980s
- Initial call
- DB said he was being beaten and asked the friends to come immediately.
- Rescue group
- Seven friends left together in a Premier Padmini.
- Main problem
- They did not ask DB where he was calling from.
- Search area
- Nungambakkam High Road, Chamiers Road, and Dr Radhakrishnan Road.
- After the search
- The friends drank rum and ate kheema dosa at an all-night café.
- Later communication
- DB now sends WhatsApp photos when he is being beaten in locations around the world.