WHEN IT RAINS...

Part 5

Siddharth reached Divya's home as per Mr. Menon's call. He saw three cars were parked outside and heard the loud chattering sounds of people from the living room. He waited in the veranda as usual. Divya was the first one to notice him. She came out as soon as she saw him.

My cousins are here...

Divya said excitingly. Siddharth nodded. By then Mr. Menon entered.

Tomorrow we all are going to Munnar. It's a two days trip. Be ready by morning at 7'o' clock.

Siddharth looked at Divya in a tensed expression.

Is there any problem?

Mr. Menon asked.

No... Not at all, I'll be here in the morning... Siddharth said.

Once Mr. Menon left inside, Divya asked.

What happened Siddharth? You've any work tomorrow..?

No... Just tensed about being away from my family

Oh... If you want I can talk to grandpa.. we'll adjust in Hari's car.

Divya said though she was really expecting him to come. But she can understand his situation. His father was sick..what if there would be an emergency or something come up?

No... You don't have to do that... Anyway, it's my job... Don't worry, I can handle it.. will see you tomorrow...

Siddharth assured her and turned to leave. Divya nodded and joined her cousins with a smile.

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

The next day everyone was in excitement. They hit the road before 7:30 in five vehicles. Sadly Divya wasn't sharing the car with Siddharth. She had to join with Vineeth, Keerthi, Gayathri, and her parents whereas Siddharth was with Divya's grandparents and parents. The journey was quite fun for all. They stopped at different places to take pictures and eat breakfast. Siddharth sat inside the car and watched Divya and her family eating, ice creams. He was a little jealous, seeing how peaceful their life was. All the youngsters were almost his age. But, see, how their lives were different from him. Siddharth wasn't complaining about his responsibilities but still, he always wanted to have a better life. His gaze shifted to Divya. She looked cute while eating that choco-bar. His heart melted like the ice-cream when Divya handed him a chocolate cone. Even though she was chilling out with her cousins, she never failed to forget him which often surprised Siddharth and deeply touched him.

Munnar was a beautiful place to visit. It's like a paradise on the earth. The green valleys perfectly blended with the fog... Never-ending tea plantations... Hilly forests on one side of the narrow roads which was contoured according to the terrain... And the fresh air with a little drizzle, everything was heavenly.

The day was very well spent. Everyone wrapped themselves in sweaters and shawls in the evening as the temperature started to drop into minus. Their accommodation was settled in a farmhouse owned by Vineeth's father. It was a pretty big house at the top of the hills and had an amazing view of the entire Munnar. Elders retired to their rooms after dinner. Divya and her cousins have plans for a campfire. It was a fun hour, everyone sang, danced played and some silly games. Divya wanted to invite Siddharth but she couldn't find him anywhere around. After one hour everyone was feeling sleepy started leaving. Divya became restless as Siddharth was missing. He was not in the house. 

Divya, where are you going... come let's go back to our room. Keerthi said.

You guys go inside, I'm going to get some water from the kitchen

Divya excused herself and sentthe girls inside.

She excused herself and started searching for him. Finally, she spotted Siddharth inside their car, talking on the phone. Siddharth noticed her and end the call. He came out and asked.

What are you doing here?

What are you doing here? Are you going to stay in the car? Didn't hear what uncle said? There's an extra room for you too. And why are you not wearing sweaters?

Divya suddenly snapped at him, seeing him shivering in the cold. Siddharth startled for a moment not knowing what to say.

I'm sorry... I was just... worried

Divya realized she was shouting at him. Siddharth blankly stared at her frowned face, as she was the beautiful thing on the planet.

Siddharth, is everything okay? Did you talk to your mother?

Divya asked him in concern, seeing him not responding. Siddharth came out of his trance and replied.

I was talking to Amma ( mother) only. Everything is fine at home.

Divya nodded in relief. Divya removed her shawl and extended it to Siddharth.

Take this...you are shivering...

Siddharth was stunned. He immediately refused.

No. I'm okay Divya... you'll need it more than me.

I'm already wearing sweaters...take this Siddharth or you might fall ill.

While they were arguing, suddenly a monkey jumped on Divya out of nowhere and snatched the shawl away. Before she could do something it ran away, making her lose her balance. But before she could fall, Siddharth caught her tight.

Both of them were taken aback by the sudden monkey attack. Divya was too scared to react. They were almost hugging each other. Siddharth could feel the heat transfer and his cold body suddenly started feeling warm by the embrace. Divya snuggled closer to him. They stood still for a moment. Both of them didn't want to break the contact. But Siddharth's conscience made him pull them apart. Divya's cheeks were already burning. It's the second time they were being so close like this. She started to move towards the house.

Divya...I want to talk to you... Siddharth said,

Divya stopped her tracks. Her heart started pounding harder. She anxiously turned around and faced him.

Siddharth took a deep breath and said.

Please forget me Divya... I'm not the one for you.