Once In The Rain

Month-June

Time-11.30a.m.

      It was an overcast day with strange chillness engulfing the atmosphere.I assumed that it might rain in the afternoon.I could see my daughter making play boats out of the color papers.I sighed looking at the contrast of the murky shade of the sky and the bright colors of the boats.Suddenly I got the phone call that my boss in the office wants me in the office.I scowled because I had taken a day off to complete some important works at home which I failed to do due to my busy schedule at office and successive tiredness.I picked up my handbag ,office folder and rushed to my neighbour's house with my daughter.Leaving her with their care I hunted for a transport to reach the office.Unfortunately I found none convenient enough to ply in.

             Adding to the adversity it suddenly started to drizzle.I searched for the umbrella I usually keep in my handbag but to my utter disappointment I found it missing.I remembered then that I had taken out that to wipe it clean and has completely forgotten to put it back in the bag.Finding no options or any alternatives I ran for shelter into a tea stall.My phone was continously vibrating due to the incoming calls and messages to arrive early at the office for the meeting which was preponed due to unavoidable circumstances.

               I was partially wet for the tea stall hardly could provide roof to 6 people.Clutching the folder to my blazer I awaited for the lashing rain showers to stop.Then my eyes met with a familiar face and with a closer inspection I recognised her as my neighbour with whom I was not in good terms before a few days back due to a ugly verbal fighting.She was on her scooty driving back from the departmental store.I immediately extinguished the flicker of hope of getting the lift.

              But to my utter consternation she halted a few centimetres away from the tea stall.With quizzing eyes she voiced out --''Are you going to office''?? I nodded in affirmative.She turned her head away from me and looked at the showering rains.I was cursing the rains at that moment for keeping my job at stake.That instant she voiced out again--''Would you like me to drop you at your office,because I am afraid you can't get any autorickshaw in this place and also in this diabolic weather.'' I was surprised at her suggestion,shocked that I had resolved to not take her help in any adversities even.Yet she is suggesting me for a lift on her scooty.With the next call from my colleague to arrive early because the meeting was due to start made me forget all the inhibitions,rejections and considerations in which I was deeply involved a few second ago.

          I finally requested  her to drop in my office nor I would get late for the meeting.She held out a spare raincoat to me to wear since I had nothing to save myself from getting wet tip to toe.She sped her vehicle through the muddy lanes,lashing showers and amid flashing lightnings and deafening thunders.Ultimately after 25 minutes I reached my office and hopped from the back of the vehicle.I ascended  the stairs and pushed open the glass door.She waved me a good bye and I found myself raising my right hand to wave her back.

           As I dashed into the conference room,I held an apologetic look and muttered a ''sorry'' to my chief.He held a sight of relief on seeing me hale and hearty despite these non stop rains.After I occupied my allotted seat I remembered that I had not said her a 'Thank You'.I made a note in my mobile so as not to forget this amidst the heap of chores at home.

      The rains had finally stopped by the time we wrapped up with the meeting.I folded the raincoat and kept it neatly in a spare bag which I usually kept in my office locker.My colleague cum friend enquired that how I was able to reach the office in this weather.I narrated the events and she was pretty surprised at the turn of the events.She was the one who had consoled me few days back when I was very upset with the differences with my same neighbour.My friend dropped me back home and as soon I dismounted from the vehicle I met my neighbour.She flashed a smile and I remembered that I owe her a 'Thank You'.I took tentative steps and finally I was standing facing her straight.In an audible whisper I said'Thank You for today'.She laughed and I was amused to the core with her behaviors.She then placed her right palm over my left hand knuckles and giving them a mild squeeze she said--''What are neighbours and friends for ?? If they would not stand in each others difficult phases then who would?? I let out a chuckle replying ''Might be people of village''.

        Both gave each other a brief look and burst out into a loud laughing.The drizzling started again but we were glad that our differences had got sorted out amidst drizzles,rains and thunders.

P.S..--The characters,scene and the story are purely fictional.Any resemblance with true life and character is completely coincidental.