A Rainy Day

After the scorching heat of the Indian summer, the cloud builds up is a boon. The first drops of rain and the smell of the soil is the happiest, the most heartening and refreshing feeling for me. This is followed by the incessant downpours, the slush, the seeping ceilings and the endless sitting at home!

A rainy day to me is a fun day at least at the onset of the monsoons. After taking in the fragrance of the soil I sit perched at the window and watch the dancing droplets on the puddles that have already formed. If the rains are heavy with a strong breeze, thunder and lightning, I am even more excited. There is a certain thrill in this fury of nature. I am hungry all at once and look forward to a hot cup of tea and “pakodas”- they seem the perfect snack on a delightful rainy day. The trees and plants outside are teeming with life, the greenness so appealing. As the rains continue to beat against the windows we settle down to play Scrabble. There are clothes that refuse to dry and many errands waiting to be carried out but the worries are kept aside. A sudden break in activities is sometimes welcome. Little kids in the family come with requests of paper boats. There is a general excitement.

0As the torrential rains continue this euphoria dies down. Sunlight is awaited like never before. Clouds which had made us happy, now bring with it a dull depression. The croaking frogs suddenly seem deafening. Yet, every summer, I look forward to the rains to spend that ideal rainy day in the confines of my home.