Rain !!

I watched with amazement as rain droplets covered the window and a thick stream dripped right at the center of the pane. Sipping my cuppa, I leaned in closer to hear the a-la nightingale sound, awaiting my flight departure at the Mumbai airport. I watched the bubbles rise in the puddles with amazement as each drop made a spatter. In my mind, the professional said ~ 'what the heck, another flight delay'; but soon the kid overpowered him and said ~ 'let's enjoy one of the greatest gift of nature, Rain !!' I soon forgot my trivial worries in the grandiose sight and the anticipation of the sweet smell that would permeate from the soil beneath.

As a kid, I always loved rains, jumping in the puddles, sliding over the wet mosaic of the balcony. It was time to play games other than cricket in the colony playground. I loved watching the rain wet the leaves and cleanse the trees, rocks and buildings. I would imagine the Rainbow to be a huge seven colored swing on which the rain-god took a ride. Some of my most memorable walks have been in the rain. All wet, I would lift my head to the sky and let the rain fall on my face with my mouth open wide, as if requesting heaven to pour out its nectar of life.

Even after the rain is gone, the cool zephyr would fill the home; the surroundings become so clear as if everything has been given a fresh top-coat; the sound of the water as it gushes through the drainpipes in the neighborhood, the moistness at the corners of the windows and walls, all affirming that GOD was here and she showered her catalyst of growth and life today.

I guess everyone loves rain for some reason or the other. It's amazing how a simple phenomenon of precipitation continues to give ~ inspiration to poets, imagination to artists, free irrigation to farmers, brings life to the half dead - half open buds, quench of thirst to the 'Chataka' (mythological bird that drinks only rainwater), food diggers get an excuse for relishing 'Pakoras', kids get to sail there 'Kagaj ki kashtis' and get drenched in Nature's love shower and all living things get respite from the harsh summer. 

To me, being in the rain revitalizes my soul. The lyrics of Madonna's song quite aptly describe my feelings:

Feel it on the finger tips
Hear it on the window pane
Let love come down like, Rain

Wash away the sorrow
Take away the pain
Let love come down like, Rain !!

I'm looking forward to the monsoon ........... I hope it comes soon !!