And it rained, yet again....

Time and Tide wait for none. Time flew, years passed by, the thoughts of Ruchika came to Sameers mind. Ruchika never got over Sameer. She would still read the letters Sameer wrote to her years back. She would still wet her pillow when she missed him. Sameer would still pick the phone dial her number and cut the call even before the phone on the other end rang.

Sameer is well placed in his life. He is still lonely. He has many friends but not that special person with him. Ruchika owns a studio in Lokhandwala, a plush studio that is dedicated to all forms of art.

“Hello, Ritesh.”

“Sameer, my buddy.”

“I have reached Mumbai.” Says Sameer.

“Yes I remember, you were to reach this morning. Sorry couldn’t come to pick you up.”

“That’s alright you had informed me earlier.”

“Ritesh do you have Ruchika’s number?”

“No buddy I tried to meet her a couple of times, but she refused, I have no idea where she is. I am sorry.”

“Why are you sorry for my mistakes Ritesh.”

“What are your plans for the day?” Asks Ritesh.

“Nothing much, haven’t really thought about it.”

“Never mind, you take your time, let me know if you want to meet.”

“Ritesh, you have been my best buddy always.”

“Chal , maska mat maar, bata Armani laya hai ya nahi?”

They both laugh out loud.

“I will meet you at 5 near Marine drive.” Says Ritesh.

“Right! I will be there.”

Sameer drives through the streets of Mumbai. They remind him of Ruchika. They remind him of the days he spent with her. As he drives he realizes its monsoon already in Mumbai. The streets are clogged with water; the children are running shirtless on the street. The lovers have got cozy under a single umbrella. As he drives past the streets his eyes are filled with tears. He reaches Marine drive and parks his car. Walks past the area where he had met Ruchika for the first time. It was the same time of the year. He stops just there. He wants to walk past, but is unable to do so. He sits down and feels miserable for he is missing Ruchika and has no clue where would he find her. He wants to desperately tell her how much he loves her and that it was the biggest mistake of his life to let go of her.

Yes, it hurts, after all I am human.

Sameer closed his eyes with this thought and tears rolled down his cheek. He sat alone. He looked up at the dark sky. It starts to pour heavily. Sameer is letting himself get drenched in the rains, for nobody would know that it’s the tears that are rolling down.

Just then a car stops near him. Sameer gets a pat on his back. He is more than surprised.

“Mumbai rains are to die for isn’t it Sameer?”

And somewhere in the background the song played.

Wise men say only fools rush in, but I can’t help falling in love with you.

************