The...rain

Rain wakes mixed feelings in me. Because, as a Keralite, my rain memories are very very rich. Some times, rather most of the times, the feelings are just beyond words!!

One pleasant memory of rain is of Francis, whom we friends most often call Panchi. This rain story goes back to my school days at Edappally, then a village like part of the Kochi city.
Myself and Panchi were studying in class five. The school was just reopened in June after vacations amid heavy rains.

In the morning I was eaagerly waiting for Panchi. Because we had many monsoon-entertainments like rain walking, boating (in the near by pond) etc...

It was almost ten 'o' clock and going to be the bell to begin another year (as I saw peon coming with a hammer to ring, rather beat the bell).

I saw Panchi coming by daring the heavy rains, no umbrella not even no school bag. He looked as if he was swimming in school dress.

Being a government school there were many friends who belong poor families and did not have a bag, umbrella or uniform! But Panchi was from a economically well off family.

In the afternoon, I could find the reason for Panchi's 'poor avtar.' His younger sister was in hospital. His mother had to attend his sister and was not at home. I suprised to hear it as the reason for him to come drowning in rain, without bag and lunch?!

He had two elder sisters, brother and relatives staying nearby only! It was revealation for me. The sudden temporary absense of his mother made him totally chaotic. Because he was under her caring shadow till that date.

And many days later I noticed he started coming smart again. Later I came to know that his sister got relieved and his mother is back at home.

Is it a rain story? Ya, it is story happend in a rainy June...I can still see Panchi ..coming ..as if he had a dip in the near by pond!!!