For 61- year-old Mr. Kumar, honking his horn as he drives around town has always brought him a peculiar satisfaction. However, a couple of years ago, his honking habit began to escalate. No longer limited to moments when obstacles were in his way, Mr. Kumar found himself honking even on clear roads. He honked when he got in his car and continued honking upon his return home.
After complaints started pouring in from neighbours and friends, Mr. Kumar realised his honking had become an involuntary compulsion. He no longer seemed to have control over how often he pressed the horn—it just happened.
Mr. Kumar’s wife, Sheila, now fears and prays that her husband doesn’t cause too much noise disruption across the city. When she rides with him, she finds solace in playing classic Bollywood songs like “Apni To Jaise Taise” and “Yeh Dil Diwana” to soothe her own nerves amid his relentless honking.
Mr. Kumar has sought help for his honking issue—but to no avail. He consulted two psychologists and a neurologist, all of whom attempted interventions, yet the noisy honks persisted. Mrs. Kumar mentioned that even prescribed medication only heightened his anxiety, resulting in louder honks. Local mechanic Tinku tried to disconnect Mr. Kumar’s horn, only to find it mysteriously repaired and operational the very next day.
At a loss for solutions, the Kumars have now accepted his honking addiction and seem prepared to move forward, honking all the way.
