It was drizzling and cold winds made the scene just perfect. I was at my friend’s place having a beer and standing on the balcony. My eyes were closed and my face had a smile for I was enjoying a moment in peace.

*Doorbell Rang*

Vivek: Hey, Rushad! Can you get the door please?

*Hi, I am Rushad btw!*

As I opened the door, I met you. You were this beautiful person who had an irritated face. Your hair was wet due to the Rain. You came inside the house and asked me, “Umm… I am sorry, Are you Vivek? I am here to deliver this home made gift basket which was ordered by Vivek Tripathi, House No. 33, Pear Society”

No, I am his Friend. Hi! Vivek is inside. Can I get you anything? Maybe a Towel and a hot cup of coffee, you are completely drenched.

“No, it’s fine thanks.”, You said just before your funny little mind decided to take up on that offer when you saw the rain falling heavily from the balcony.

“On second thoughts… Coffee sounds good, if you don’t mind.”

I still remember that innocent smile of yours.

Vivek was stuck in some meeting which he was attending through Skype so I decided to pay for the Gift basket he had ordered. By this time the rain was pouring down so heavily that there was no way you could have driven a scooty. Keeping in mind your personal space, I decided to make you coffee and stand in the Balcony while you were sitting in the living room chair, overlooking the balcony.

*Confinement makes you talkative, doesn’t it?*

“So… You are?”

I am Rushad, Vivek’s friend who is also stuck due to rain. (Smiles on both sides due to “also”)

*I will never forget the conversation we had after that*

“You know… Rain is like so weird, while falling it looks amazing but once it mixes with the mud of our cities, Yuck! And for people in their homes looking from the balcony it’s so pretty (I laughed softly as I was one of them) and for those who have to roam around the city to earn a living it’s kindly tacky (She laughed softly as she was one of them).”

You make gift baskets? Or, do you work for some company that delivers online ordered stuff, like Flipkart or Amazon?

“So basically, I have a small shop in the city where I make these gift baskets. People can either buy them from there or order online. Usually I have a few people to help me out with the deliveries but thanks to Rain I had to come all the way here to deliver this package.”

You could have come tomorrow as well, why today in the rain?

“I am very passionate and professional about my Business and on date delivery is vital to it.”

*The way you spoke about your work reflected your love for it. You were so zealous and driven. I loved that quality of yours.*

“What about you?”

I am an Engineer, one of many, who came here to catch up with an old buddy before leaving the city. You see very soon I will be going to another place and start off again and this Vivek is my best friend in the world so I decided to spend some time with him before I leave.

“Oh, I see. Happy?”

Oh yeah, very. I like change and I wanted this particular one a lot. I am giving up my career in the corporate world to Pursue a career in travelling and writing. I love doing both.

“Woah! That requires a lot of guts and dedication.”

I guess so.

*Then something happened, I never thought would.*

“Wait… Rushad, right?… Are you Rushad Roy of Transient Writings?”

Yes.

“Oh my god! I am so addicted to your site. I never thought I’ll get to meet you.”

Haha, thanks but it’s nothing. I just write some lines along with a few pictures that I click.

“Okay to you it may just be a site but for many like me it is a page where we find happiness, meaning, fun and tbh a little bit of Jealousy from your amazing travel pictures.”

Well, it is always amazing to hear such words from someone else about my work.

*Vivek walked into the living room.*

Vivek: Oh hey, is this the Gift Basket?

“Yes.”

Vivek: Great timing yaar. I ordered it for this amazingly stupid brother of mine, Rushad.

What?

Vivek: Yes, this is your going away gift you idiot. I will not miss you at all and I really won’t miss travelling with you.

*Vivek had tears in his eyes for you see we have been in touch for over 16 years now and it was difficult to process this change*

I will miss you a lot brother and Thank You for such a wonderful gift. I love it.

*We hugged each other and shared a moment of brotherhood.*

I guess I should also thank you… Oh dear, How stupid of me, I didn’t even ask your name. Miss?

“Maanvi”

Thank you Maanvi.

*Rain, I have always failed to understand Rain. I stopped just at that very moment.*

Both You and I decided to start for our respective destinations but thanks to Rain, Uber and Ola were of no use.

“So… if you are looking for a ride, can I drop Mr. Rushad Roy to the Metro?”

Umm.. If it is not too much trouble, sure.

*7 Years into the future, date: 30-Aug-2027.*

A letter came to our doorstep. It said:

“We are pleased to inform you that you have been invited to Harvard School of Business as a guest lecturer on Entrepreneurship.

We would be honoured if You (Maanvi Roy) would accept this invitation.

Looking forward to hearing from you.“

I placed that letter into a gift basket I tried to make and came running to you, Maanvi.

I remember how we met and I am forever grateful to that day’s Rain for bringing you in my life.