There is a 'Rainy' season in India. And there was a time when I loved it. Tis was my favorite season afterall. Whether its the torrential downpour or a drizzle, everything suddenly became calm, and fresh. The plants, as well as the mud. The air, as well as the breeze. The mood, as well as the day. Despite the potholes and having to waddle through the flooded areas, jumping in the puddles was a joy. When the seemingly hard splatter of water on the windows brought serenity to our muddled minds. And the so-called 'wind-cheaters' cheated not the wind, but us.....coz they always failed to keep us dry. And we weren't complaining either. Coming home soaked and drenched means having mommy dote on you and make you some garma-garam bhajiyas. And if not at home, the corn on the cob and greasy wada-pavs were always a delight. Afterall, the rain didn't stop our movie lyricists to churn out some romantic 'tip-tip-barsa-paani' melodies, and in turn, making us fall in love.......with ourselves. The smell of the soil helped build the exact aura one needed, to enjoy this beautiful day and all the possible romantic songs that existed in the history of Bollywood.
Here, in US, there is no such season. Coz rain comes in whenever it feels like it. We don't need to call on it. Sometimes, it arrives in a 'good-relief-from-the-heat' time, and sometimes, like uninvited guests. Lets just say, its an annual affair. In winter or summer, in spring or fall alike. In tiny droplets, or in crystallized ice, or sometimes, just plain sleet. Just when you think you can't have a more perfect day, a perfect day for the outdoors, it'll rain. Just when you think the snow's gone, it'll rain. Just when you think the leaves make a perfect pile to jump on, it'll rain. Just when you think the heat'll burn your skin, it'll rain. Coming a long way from loving to get soaked, as a parent, its more of a 'rain-rain-go-away, my-kids-want-to-play' syndrome that's caught on. So each time the heaven showers, we just sigh and sulk and turn on the television for the little ones. Are we growing old or are we just plain loosing sight of what was once beautiful?
As I was driving Anushka to school today, I stopped to let the ducks cross the road. And this happened after a long time. The lake that had been frozen all this time was sparkling and the ice had melted. The ducks and geese were swimming in their perfect V-shaped lines and quacking around in glee. The rain last night was their savior. And thats when I paused for a moment as the memories of the good ole times 'flooded' my little mind. It gushed down my greying cells to bring 'em back to life. Life is what the rain brings with it. Afterall, I know not of a better rejuvenator than the water from up above. I know not of a better de-stresser than the lovely rainbow that sprites up. Let its colors color your smile before it fades away and leaves you at peace for a while.
Stand n stare my friends,
for life offers no respite,
its on to you to find the bliss,
from the little things fine n nice.
