Madness & the drizzle..

  "Second again? You should have got first at least this time," Dad was visibly unhappy. "You understand the competition in today's world right? I am not asking you to run in the rat race, but you had the ability. Imagine how great an achievement it would be to have been conferred first rank in Engineering. Your Principal too said the same."

      I was in no mood to either explain or argue. The fragrance just before it rains is scintillating. I left the door ajar and stood by it experiencing the beauty of the fragrance. He continued as I kept nodding in agreement.

     "A professional degree eases life. The better you score, the better are your chances of settling down early in your life. Pick an institute of repute and enroll for your masters this year. Life is short, don't spoil the precious moments."

     He was right. Life is short and I was least interested in spoiling it this way. I wanted to jump on to the cycle and take a ride in the superb weather. Wow, the thought itself was pumping up my spirits!

Moments before it rains, 

An enchantment therein lies,

As the beauty of heavens,

Descends into the land of mortals!

     

 A mesmerizing stage was set on earth for the rain drops to dance.

      Mom arrived, half drenched. Fetching a towel, she ordered - "Run! Get the chillies before they get dampened. I have spread them to dry on the terrace." I was half way up the staircase before she reminded me to take a bowl to bring down the chillies. Sensing the urgency, Dad sent the bowl with the milkman. His hands still had drops of fresh milk on them. He had just milked the cows. He sported a cheerful smile on his face.

     He lent a helping hand as I hurriedly filled the bowl with chillies. "My daughter passed intermediate. Results came yesterday, second class." I felt the pride in his voice and smiled back. "Mother has promised to get a new dress stitched for her. Will join her to typewriting class in these holidays." My supposedly intelligent brain was wondering, - 'They still have typewriting classes in this age of smart palmtops & touch screens!! Madness personified.' As we finished collecting the chillies and were descending downstairs, he extended me an invitation - "Your mother is coming our home to wish my girl. You too accompany her and wish the little girl. You are a huge source of inspiration to my daughter." I reluctantly nodded. 

    The first drops of rain. So sweet is the sensation when they come down. I was getting lost in the drizzle, when Dad interrupted - "Did the milkman say anything? The mad fellow seems very happy since morning."

    Before I could reply, mom murmured - "Maybe madness is the difference between being happy and unhappy."