For those between the ages of zero and two, it was no more than the largest version of a bird. For the crowd between two and 10, it was sheer fun and thrill to watch the machine zoom past making a tremendous noise, stand still in mid-air, turn around and zoom past again. Even those who might have seen a helicopter thousands of times did not fail to fall over each other at the Chowk Bazaar square, which was converted into a makeshift helipad. Those stranded in water upto 15 feet cursed the object as it flew past seemingly oblivious of the fact that they were there with outstretched arms.

It was a two-day fun world trip for free. People of all ages, sexes, colour caste, creed, had a great time -- of course in areas where water was about two feet. And the bridges turned into a tourist attraction spot with people out to see the floods. There were many watching the raging river from the bridge, while water was rushing into the drawing rooms of their houses they left behind.

The police force, for once, was not accused of nabbing organised gangs, checking traffic irregularities, containing house breakings and armed loots. Instead, they were patiently seen trying to explain to the people that it was not a time for sightseeing, but lending a hand in the rescue operations. A man entered a police station in a low-lying area to register a complaint that his cow was missing. The police stationed there could not do much - they were themselves in two feet water with the station diary missing!

However, among all, children were the happiest with holidays declared till September 27.

The floods were also one of the rare occasions, which would discourage a person from choosing a career in politics, which has become a lucrative option of late. Leaders and politicians were beaten, manhandled and showered with the some of the choicest abuses. The entire civil administration, the civic body and the air force were in sharp criticism, leave aside the respect they draw on normal days.

Various voluntary organisations and NGOs, whose efforts during the floods and after the waters had receded drew praise, also deserve a word. While many questioned whether the relief actually reached those who needed it most, those involved in the efforts seemed to be in the utmost hurry to get out of the city. Reason? Even they were not spared by irate people, who accused them of not being there when they were marooned and helpless.

While for some the three days were some sort of a celebration, for thousands others it was the test of perseverance and patience. Just a few glimpses of Flood '98. The worst may still come.