RAIN RAIN, DON’T GO AWAY!

BY: PRATHAM GOLCHA

Monsoon always captivates people of all ages, shapes and sizes. Not just captivates, but it also spellbinds and awes us with its sheer beauty and magnificence. Rain is a beautiful phenomenon that has always carried a plethora of emotions with it for every person. When a kid watches rain for the first time in his life, it is pure jubilation. Painters, poets, craftsmen and all forms of artists revel in the monsoon season, where the rain is an object of pure attention and personification. When I was a kid, just like many other kids, the wait for monsoon was real: the schools would reopen in June/ July, one got to chew on those bhuttas on the streetside (corn getting stuck between teeth is a pet-peeve), make those paper boats and float on the streams of water outside home. The scary eyes of a mother are not even enough to hold kids back from playing in rain or simply getting drenched and reveling in the monsoon. Such is the fascination that the season brings with itself.There are numerous emotions attached by humans to almost everything in life, because we of course, are predisposed to psychologically. This is precisely the reason why people claim to feel much relaxed and calm when they simply see or hear rain. Truly, it’s magical. The thought of rain drops falling from the cloud might be of little significance to us in today’s lives, but certainly it is mindfulness that can truly help us embrace the intricacies of life. Remember, when you watch those slow motion videos of rain falling on the leaves, it feels so relaxing? Do you still have nostalgia over the smell of petrichor right from childhood? Even the most luxurious of brands of scents would probably be unable to replicate that smell, it’s heaven-like. Right from joy and nostalgia, to melancholy and reflection, there are a wide range of emotions that the season makes us run through. This allows artists, poets, etc. to delve deeper into themes and emotions and thus, bring out the very best in them, such as me writing this! Rain is a great example that exemplifies the virtues of renewal, growth, purification, and progress. That’s the law of nature. Since childhood, various poems and stories on rain have continued to be a part of our textbooks and written pieces. Having read and felt all of this so much, what is the reason for us to reflect again, even if it means harboring a new perspective? The profound resonance of the monsoon on one’s emotions can make even the biggest extroverts go pensive, and the introverts a karaoke singer.After all, look at the birds dazzling in the rain! And since we talk about our counterparts on this planet, how can we forget our jiggly friends, the snake! Since time immemorial, so many of our festivals and rituals have been tied to monsoon. This same monsoon has now been subjected to climate catastrophes, unfortunately. Every monsoon season brings with itself nature’s fury. We see roads being inundated, homes being washed away, people dying of the monsoon’s ugly wrath, and so much more. The worst part, all we have is ourselves to blame for this conundrum. The endowment of nature has always been present on this earth, but how and what we make and do of it is where the key lies. Anyway, another thing that scares me in the rain is the fear of walking inside home with dirty feet or muddy shoes. No, muddy shoes aren’t the thing, the scolding of a mother definitely is!Well, one can go on and on and literally write a thesis on monsoons and their pure charm. There is always a flip side to even the best of the things in the world, and the rains are no different. Like always and everything in life, it’s a mixed bag as well. But yes, just like me if you do have a pen in your hand with a beautiful write-up to complete, and a perfectly brewed filter coffee, there’s nothing better! The preferences are sure to vary from person to person, and everyone has their own ‘perfect scene.’ When in India, we all know how the potatoes and onions are required to dip themselves in the batter and get deep fried, just to be accompanied by some masala chai tea latte (pun, intended), making for a perfect combination for a rainy weather. While a young chap like me should essentially be loving such stuff, I would be one of those rare Indians who would rather avoid this combination and perhaps, go for a coffee and cake. The perfect personification of romanticism, the greatest poems of heartbreak, the most beautiful of paintings, the favorite of good times, and maybe, the best of life, are enjoyed when there are drops falling with varying speeds that can be seen through our silos and windows. That is the beauty and majestic essence of this season, and maybe you too should sit back, relax and let nature work its magic on you! Rain rain, please do not go ever away!