A sudden shower in March. Unexpected after a sunny day. The wind had been gusting since morning. Such sudden showers were a welcome change from the dusty days.
Days filled with thoughts of change.
Everyone talked about the change in the weather. The long cold winter was finally leaving. An unwelcome guest that had to be endured. Bulky jackets and woollens were now being discarded for lighter clothing.
You could feel a sense of expectancy in the air. The cold complacent days suddenly gave way to a new urgency. Your steps had a sense of purpose.
The magnolia and rhododendrons were in full bloom. A riot of pure white and scarlet. The rain was accompanied by some white pellets of icy hailstones. Their staccato beats on the tin roofs drowned out the delightful screams of school children running helter-skelter trying to seek refuge. The deluge caused the drains to overflow with dark brown muddy sludge.
I had but an old umbrella and was trying my best to avoid the overflowing river of mud down the slope. I wanted to reach home as soon as possible. No use trying to stay dry, my shoes were soaked.
Amidst the chaos, I could feel a sense of relief. Thank God. Finally the rain will clear the air, the dust will settle down. I found myself longing for a clear, bright spring day. On such a day, you could see the far way hillsides, the tiny roofs glinting in the sunlight. And somewhere a thin tendril of white smoke rising up from a wood fire.
Right now, I was trying my best to avoid the slush flowing freely. I could see people huddled under eaves and sharing dry spaces. Everyone wanted the rains but few had gone out with an umbrella.
Between the town and home, the road passed through a small wooded area with a few houses in between. Though it was just after 3 in the afternoon, the sky had turned dark and menacing. Suddenly there was streak of bright lighting across the clouds, followed by a heavy roll of thunder. I heard a small scream ahead of me.
There, under a sheltering tree, I saw her. She was standing there, caught in the storm. Without an umbrella. Trying to stay dry and hoping for the rain to stop.
A circle of white hailstones surrounded her. Petals of rhododendron added a pattern beneath the tree where she stood. She looked ethereal.
She looked at me. A faint smile flickered across her lips. Just for a moment as if embarrassed by the tiny scream she had emitted. I smiled back. Her eyes were playful, full of hidden mischief. My mind was trying to find the words in her gaze. The rain slowed down to a drizzle.
She had jet black hair, tied in a ponytail. Dressed simply yet she looked elegant. Her eyes betrayed her, it lit up. I felt I had to help.
"Hi. Hope you’re ok. Need any help?”
She was startled. I guess she hadn’t expected a complete stranger to talk to her. She hesitated.
I stopped near her.
“No. I am fine.”
Dulcet tones. Sweet and clear.
Our first meeting. I was nineteen. My heart melted along with the hailstones.
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----TBC……
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