SUMMER RAINS

It was quite hot in the afternoon. On account of evaporation and condensation dark clouds had gathered over the city. Being Holy Week, in the evening I decided to go to the church to say my confession



Before entering the church I stepped into a restaurant to a have a cup of tea. As I sat there and sipped my tea, I heard a loud ear shattering thunder and saw blinding flashes of lightening. It started raining heavily accompanied by strong winds. The huge trees near by started swaying like they were possessed by furious demons. Being summer, most people were not prepared for the sudden rains. They started running helter skelter to avoid getting drenched. Some came into the restaurant and started chatting loudly and excitedly. The noise level was quite high and deafening. I did not want to get up from my chair because someone will occupy it immediately and I will have to stand till the rain stops. So I ordered for two vadas and started eating slowly

On account of the strong winds, a little bird got dislodged from its nest and fell among the people inside the restaurant. Immediately people moved out of the way of the bird to avoid stamping it. The bird scrambled to a corner and started squeaking pitiably as though it was in severe pain. Every one looked at the bird sadly but no one including me came forward to help it in anyway. Finally a worker from the kitchen came, caught the bird and took it into the kitchen. Either he will take care of it or let it go outside through the back window. I only hope he will not decide to make a dish out of it. Do you have any thoughts on the fate of the bird?

It was still pouring outside. So I ordered for a Sugian and started eating it very leisurely. I saw a man entering with a woman. She brought two cups of tea – one for him and one for her. They stood there near me sipping their tea and talking animatedly. When the tea was over, I heard her telling him that it was getting late and she has to rush home. He took out a Rs.10 note and gave it to her to pay for both the teas at the counter. She kept her cup on my table and touched that man’s thighs. He was wearing a spotless white pant. I thought that either it was her way of saying thanks to him or perhaps she was wiping her tea soiled fingers on his pant. Any way that is their business and I looked out. Can you throw some light on this?

It was still drizzling. So I ordered for a Bonda and started eating it. My stomach was full by the time I finished it. I was sitting and thinking what to do next. Fortunately, the rain stopped. I quickly paid the money, dashed to the church, said my confession and started walking home.

The were puddles of water on the road because the drains were clogged The weather was nice, cool and pleasant. I was so full that I will not be able to eat dinner. But I will have a good, peaceful, deep, dreamless sleep.