India, April 9 -- I consider wildlife sightings a matter of chance. They arrive uninvited, unattended and undefined. They simply happen.

Among the many species I have longed to see, flying squirrels held a special fascination. I had dreamed of spotting one someday - anytime, anywhere, anyhow. Yet, I never ventured into its habitat in search of it, though forests remain a constant presence in my life. A few like-minded friends would occasionally share midnight photographs of flying squirrels on social media - images I could only admire from afar. I never joined the quiet race to find one.

It was without doubt, a surprise - one I had never imagined, not even in my wildest dreams. And yet it had to happen and it did.

One brisk Sunday in J...