The smell so fresh,
The taste so pure,
The sound so soothing,
I love when it downpours.
Earth begins cleansing itself with a greenish tinge everywhere we see, the trees merrily dancing and moving to the direction of the breeze, the lakes and ponds unite with the sea as if they always belonged together, the paper boats made by kids cruise through the small gutters as if they are all set free, then there is a lightning followed by the thunder flaunting their loyalty, the smell of the mud helps us relax and reminds us that its where we will all eventually go. Once it stops pouring, a rainbow flashes up in the sky as if to pass on a sign that all the impurities in the world is washed away. If the peacock's dance just before the rain, the chirping birds all return to their nests, the fishes are all happily swirling in the water while the dogs runs to a shade with the fear of getting wet.
The Rain has been magical and always been an inspiration to people irrespective of their interests, a writer, an artist, a photographer or a mere enthusiast. There are immense amount of articles describing rain, the poems praising it, the pictures capturing its beauty. Rain always brings happiness and smiles and makes everything so much more livelier.

Simple reasons where enough to make us happy in our childhood. As a child, a permission to get drenched in the rain gave me pleasure which the most expensive toy failed to do. Purposely jumping on the puddle of muddy water made me cheer. The joy doubled when I knew that this act has resulted with a splash on a friend and that he would soon return the favor. Dancing in the rain was one of the beautiful experiences. The colorful umbrellas we then loved, gave complex even to the mighty rainbow. Most excitement the rain brought along with it was that I would get a new shoe, a new umbrella, and a new bag. Small things then would make me happy like a hot plate of bajji and glass of milk when its pouring heavily. The joy of cuddling inside a woolen blanket made me feel so secure from the deadly cold outside.
As a teenager, a ride on the two wheeler when its still drizzling, the feeling of the cold breeze brushing through my hair, the droplets of rain falling on my face very gently taking care that am not hurt brought immense joy. A ride on the vehicle immediately after the rain, made me feel completely rejuvenated. A gang of friends fought for one umbrella and all ended up being wet, the scoldings I got for the dirtied clothes and the caressing hand of the parent that wiped the wet hair in fear of me catching cold is some of the most cherished pleasures of life. The look in the Mom's eyes when we sneezed after getting wet which said- “I told you!!!” and a smile that we return which says “Sorry” are all such precious moments.
But why today, it fails to bring the same joy?
Why does it not make me happy anymore?
Why do I only complain when it rains?
Why do I find the same muddy puddle of water which made me happy very dirty?
Why do I think a hundred times to wear white worrying if it would rain?
Why do I check and re-check my bag for the umbrella?
Why only the thought of getting wet freaks me out?
Why do I not notice the same rainbow which is as colorful as ever?
Why do I not feel guilty when I do not overturn the tilted paper boat made by some kid and see it getting washed away?
Is it not the same rain?
Is it not the same trees still swaying as per the wind's wish without questioning?
Is it not the same fishes swirling in the water merrily?
Is it not the same water trying to unite with the vast sea?
Is it not the same earth that’s still cleansing itself?
Or, Is it not the same me?
I fail to understand what has caused this sudden change and disconnect with me and the nature. I cannot follow why do I not enjoy the smell of the earth, the cold breeze, or the splash of water anymore. Nothing else has changed over time, Has it? Everything seems to be the same for eternity and seems so divine except for me. Is it that I have forgotten to enjoy little pleasures that life offers without seeking anything in return? Is it that I am so engulfed with the materialistic world that I do not even find time to sit by the window and see the beautiful pearl like droplets falling from the sky and seek pleasure!!! How strange is it? We still wish to be a child and think of reliving our childhood, when there are so many things that are constant and can gives us the same nostalgic feeling. Its just we who do not value it anymore in our quest to achieve things of least importance.
Just try dancing in the rain again, just the way you did as a child and see how exhilarating that experience will be!!
Adios,
HPK