The Rainy Day

It’s a rainy day.  

Reminds me of my childhood days,  

When it used to rain.  

And we’d call the school,  

“Is it a holiday today?”  

And the reply would come: “No.”  

A little annoyed, we’d get ready for school.  

Putting on canvas shoes, keeping aside the leather ones that would be damaged in the rain.  

With no waterproof school shoes or bags, everything got wet.  

For those carrying a box, their books were safe.  

While putting on or carrying a raincoat to protect from the rain,  

Sometimes carrying an umbrella,  

And still getting half drenched.  

Prayers in school would be in the classrooms during the rain.  

No PT classes either.  

And as the rain continued together,  

The next day the call came from school:  

“It’s a rainy day today.”  

Happy and elated, yes! It’s a rainy day.  

A day to be spent at home.  

Less studies and more play.  

Playing indoors!  

Alone, without any friends.  

And the favorite game of all:  

The house-house doll game.  

Under a table, the sides covered with bedsheets,  

Which more or less gave the feeling of a tent house.  

They weren’t available then, unlike now.  

The dolls’ room, bed, kitchen, utensils—everything arranged properly.  

While everything was done supposedly, imagining and real, a combination of both.  

After all, it was a game to play.  

Every girl’s favourite.