~ Kaku & Shower of Nature ~

It’s a rainy day today and I have been fortunate enough to be alive and healthy to see and enjoy the sounds of raindrops dripping on sun soaked mud - the fragrance of which embellishes in the air. Taking a deep breath to consume the maximum of such attar, I was chanced upon a street urchin who took shelter in a nearby shop-roof. Fully drenched, he wore a mask to protect himself from the current pandemic – seems like he had no liking to wear the mask and was doing it under duress as being asked to do so.

All of 9 to 10 years of age as I presumed so, he was looking and desperately wanted to play in falling droplets but was being severely restrained by his acquaintance accompanying him. I could sense a deep feeling of desperation of the kid and how his best wish of the moment was being blanketed by a sense of ownership of his fellow being.

Suddenly, he took a stand and started to run in chaos into open aisle of shops near our office, as if freeing himself of bonds of solitude and obligation, he just won’t listen to the calling of his name ‘Kaku’ by his probable elder sister. She starts to severely reprimands but the shouts fall on deaf ears. Kaku resorts to ablutions of his body and soul as if freed from bondage of humanity – for him it is a moment of lifetime which shall be written as test of time for him to cherish as memories. His dance and acts of joy makes people look at him with interest – he has no caring for what people would say or react to his gestures – he is just dancing as a free soul and enjoying a just moment with nature’s bounty.

Having no slippers and a holed T-shirt ‘Kaku’ is the king of times, he looks at his sister who is all red faced and wants his younger brother to come back in shelter – but in vain. Then suddenly something unexpected happens, a nearby shopkeeper comes up with a cup of tea and a bread-pakora, best snack for the time.

Having offered so, his eyes sparkle as he receives the goodies. Kaku grabs his offerings and finds himself a corner, he sits on a pavement and quickly starts to munch – his face expressions showcase his feelings of ecstasy and happiness – life for him stands out complete as he gets his favorite weather, a nature induced shower and a sumptuous munch, what else does he want.

Finally the rain mellows down and Kaku has gulped down his snacks, running back to his sister he clings onto her hand and starts to walk away to his daily chore – begging , for which he has been thoroughly trained. I hope to see Kaku again in his wits but without an open palm to beg – for him life has to offer much more than what it has offered him till now…. Somebody up there must be listening!!!