I wrote this book back in 2019, so please excuse my way of writing and if there are mistakes. I promisw the new chapters will be better.

Enjoy reading.

As the rain continued to pour, she drove through the darkened streets, the sound of raindrops hitting the roof of her car serving as a constant reminder of her unease. The memories she had tried to bury resurfaced in her mind.

She couldn't help but think about those childhood days when she had chosen solitude over the joy of dancing in the rain with her friends. It was during one particularly heavy downpour that her life had taken a tragic turn, leaving her with scars that time had failed to heal.

The windshield wipers worked tirelessly to clear her view, but the rain seemed  at her reflection in the rearview mirror, her eyes haunted by the past.

With each raindrop that tapped on the window, the memories flooded back, like a torrent of emotions she couldn't escape. She wished she could drive away from her thoughts as easily as she drove through the rain-slicked streets.

The rain fell in sheets, transforming the roads into glistening rivers. She gripped the steering wheel, driving slowly to navigate the deluge. Rain had never been her favorite; it always brought back memories she'd rather forget.

Today was different, though. Despite her usual dread of rain, she felt strangely at ease, even vibrant. A mix of emotions washed over her, but a persistent happiness settled in, prompting her to hum a cheerful tune-one of her favorite pastimes.

"It's raining, it's pouring, the old man is snoring," she sang to herself, her voice filling the car.

As she sang, she spotted a drenched young man standing by a car, frantically waving for a lift.

Her compassionate nature kicked in, and she pulled over, rolling down the window. "Hey!"

Relieved, the boy rushed over, raindrops still falling from his hair and clothes. "Hello, thank God you stopped the car," he exclaimed, his teeth chattering from the chill.

"You're soaked. Come under the umbrella," she offered, reaching for an umbrella in her car to shield him from the relentless rain.

He hesitated but eventually accepted the shelter. "Thanks," he said, his voice filled with gratitude.

The boy explained his predicament. "My car suddenly broke down, and then this rain started. Can you give me a lift? My house is just two lanes away."

"Of course, hop in," she said with a warm smile, and he gratefully settled into the passenger seat.

As they drove, she handed him a scarf she'd kept in her handbag. "Here, this should help you stay warm."

"Thank you," he replied, wrapping the scarf around himself, the corners of his lips turning upward in a smile.

Rain continued to drum against the car's roof as they moved through the drenched streets. They remained in a comfortable silence for a while, she focused intently on the road, navigating carefully through the rain-slicked pavement.

Unbeknownst to her, the boy admired her fortitude. Her determined face, with raindrops clinging to her hair and the soft interior light of the car casting a gentle glow, fascinated him. He found himself captivated by her presence.

Seeing her concentration, he couldn't help but worry about her. "You're doing great in this weather," he said, breaking the silence. "Thank you for helping me."

She glanced at him, her smile lighting up her face. "It's no problem at all. I'm just glad I could help."

Their journey led them to his destination, and she parked the car in front of his house, following his directions.

"Thank you, I guess," he said, a playful grin on his face as he stepped out into the rain.

"You're most welcome," she replied warmly, "Take care!"

Just as they were about to part ways, a flash of lightning and a resounding clap of thunder startled them both.

"The weather's getting worse," he remarked.

She nodded, concern evident in her eyes. "You should get inside quickly. It's not safe out here."

He hesitated for a moment, then looked at her with a sincere expression. "Hey, it's not safe for you to drive in this weather either. Why don't you stay at my place for a while? It's the least I can do after your kindness."

She hesitated, her thoughts racing, but ultimately, she nodded. "Okay, thank you. I'll take you up on that offer."

And so, in the midst of a storm, they forged an unexpected connection-an act of kindness that led to a new friendship, sheltered from the pouring rain.

As they stepped inside the boy's house, he closed the door behind them, leaving the stormy weather outside. The girl couldn't help but look around, her curiosity piqued by the unfamiliar surroundings.

"You live alone?" she asked, glancing at the tidy living space.

The boy nodded, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Yeah, usually my maid comes, but today the weather is not good, so she won't be able to make it."

She acknowledged his response with a sympathetic nod, understanding the challenges the weather could pose.

The girl continued to explore the house with her eyes, taking in the tastefully decorated interior. It wasn't a grand mansion, but it was spacious enough for one person. Tinted grey wallpapers and foggy grey tiles created a harmonious atmosphere that perfectly complemented the cream and white curtains.

She was lost in admiration of the well-organized and neat interior when she suddenly heard a fake cough. Startled, she turned to see the boy looking at her, a playful grin on his face.

"Sorry, I just-" she began, but he cut her off with a warm smile.

"It's okay," he reassured her. "I know this place can be a bit overwhelming at first. Make yourself at home. The kitchen is right over there if you want something to eat. I'll go and have a bath."

She smiled back, feeling more at ease in this newfound friendship. "Thank you. A cup of tea would be lovely."

He nodded and headed towards the bathroom, leaving her to explore the cozy haven that had opened its doors to her on this stormy night.

________

In a cozy home in India, the morning was bustling with activity. The young girl, with a sense of urgency, descended the stairs from her room to the dining room, her voice echoing through the house.

"Maa, my breakfast! I have an appointment at sharp 9 o'clock, and it's already 8:15 here," she exclaimed, a hint of anxiety in her voice.

Her mother, busy in the kitchen, looked at the clock and smiled. "Wait for 5 minutes, dear. It's almost ready," she reassured her daughter.

"Okay, Maa," the girl replied, her tone slightly impatient as she settled at the dining table and began to study her case file.

Minutes ticked by, and the anticipation grew. Finally, her mother emerged from the kitchen, carrying a plate with a delightful South Indian breakfast - fluffy idlis served with vibrant green chutney. The girl's eyes lit up with joy as she caught sight of her favorite morning meal.

With a happy squeal, she thanked her mother and eagerly reached for her plate. Before she could even take a bite, she couldn't resist expressing her delight. "Maa, this is so yummy!" she exclaimed, her mouth already half full.

Her mother chuckled at her daughter's enthusiasm, appreciating her love for good food. "Huh?! First, eat, then speak," she teased, watching her daughter with affection as she devoured her breakfast.

The girl savored every bite of the idli, the flavors dancing on her taste buds. Between mouthfuls, she managed to express her appreciation. "Maa, it's so yummy," she said, a genuine smile on her face as she kissed her mother's cheek once her plate was clean.

With her belly satisfied and her spirits lifted, she grabbed her handbag and prepared to rush out the door, eager not to be late for her appointment.

"Hey, silly girl, don't forget your file!" her mother called out, reminding her.

She halted in her tracks, a playful smile on her face, as she clicked her tongue and playfully slapped her forehead. "Sorry, I forgot," she admitted, picking up her important case file.

With everything in order, she was ready to face the day, fueled by her mother's delicious breakfast and armed with her determination to make her appointment on time.

In their home, the atmosphere was tinged with tension as the daughter prepared to leave for work. Her mother couldn't help but express her concern.

"Did you talk to her?" her mother asked, her voice tinged with suspicion.

The daughter rolled her eyes, a hint of annoyance in her tone. "Nah, but what's up with you? Like whenever I get a call from her, you're all about 'what did she tell you' and 'blah blah blah,'" she replied grumpily.

Her mother, clearly trying to divert the conversation, shifted her focus. "Aren't you getting late now?" she inquired, her eyes darting away from her daughter.

"Yeah, okay, bye," the daughter said, hugging her mother briefly before heading out to her car, ready to make her way to the hospital where she worked.

As she left, her mother couldn't help but worry. Her husband, observing the scene, approached her, offering support.

"I know how possessive she is about her sister. God knows what will happen when she finds out the truth," her husband commented, a sense of urgency in his voice.

He gently held her shoulders, offering reassurance. "Tell her before it gets worse," he advised, then left her alone to contemplate.

Left to her thoughts, the mother wiped away her tears and reflected on the heavy burden she carried. "That tragedy took away everything from my one daughter," she whispered to herself, her voice filled with sadness. "I'm trying in every way to mend it, but I can't let my other daughter worry. I know she's possessive, but I also know how sensitive she is,"

With a heavy heart, she gathered her emotions and returned to the house, determined to navigate the delicate balance between protecting her daughters and confronting the painful truth that threatened to unravel their family.

The girl, seated by the window in the stranger's house, gazed out at the pouring rain, cradling a cup of coffee in her hands. Her thoughts seemed to drift with the rhythm of the falling raindrops.

"Here comes the rain again
Falling on my head like a memory
Falling on my head like a new emotion
I want to walk in the open wind."

Her voice, tinged with sadness, carried the weight of memories and emotions as she hummed the lyrics. The words seemed to resonate with her, painting a picture of her inner turmoil.

"Here comes the rain again
Raining in my head like a tragedy
Tearing me apart like a new emotion
Oh
I want to breathe in the open wind."

As she continued to sing, her eyes welled up with tears, reflecting the pain and rejection she felt deep inside. The melody flowed through the room, a melancholic soundtrack to the rainy day.

Unbeknownst to her, the stranger boy emerged from his room, drawn by the heartfelt tune that had filled the house. He couldn't help but notice the sadness in her voice and in the tears that lingered in her eyes.

Deciding to give her some space, he quietly retreated to the kitchen, not wanting to intrude on her private moment. He understood that sometimes, the rain could bring with it a storm of emotions, and he respected her need for solitude.

As the girl answered her phone and heard her sister Reem's voice, her heart swelled with affection.

"Hey, Reem, how are you?" she asked, her voice laced with genuine care.

"Dumbo, I'm all fine. You say, how are you?" Reem responded, the endearment affectionate and playful.

The girl's voice quivered as she began to speak about her day. "The day was beautiful, and then suddenly it started raining, and..."

Reem cut her off gently but firmly, sensing her distress. "Ay, Dumbo, shut up. Don't stress over it; everything will be fine."

A hint of sadness still lingered in the girl's voice as she confessed, "I care about you. I don't want to ruin your life."

Reem's tone turned more resolute. "I'm in such a good mood; please don't ruin it. Listen to me."

"Dumbo?!" Reem called out, playfully reminding her of their nicknames for each other.

The girl snapped back to the conversation with a faint smile. "Ah, yeah, sorry. Now tell me, baby sister, what's on your mind?"

Reem's voice brimmed with excitement. "You know I was applying for jobs, and guess what?"

The girl leaned in eagerly, her anticipation palpable. "What?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"I got a job at Malhotra's Fashion Designers! They loved my design so much that they approached me directly," Reem announced, her happiness pouring through the phone.

"Omg! Baby sister, I'm so happy for you! This calls for a celebration," the girl exclaimed, her joy mirrored in her sister's success.

Reem chuckled warmly. "Okay, now bye. I gotta tell Didu also."

The girl laughed heartily. "Yeah, otherwise, she'll kill you for telling her late."

However, Reem couldn't help but steer the conversation back to a painful topic. "And what will she do to you when she gets to know the truth?"

"We shouldn't discuss it now and forget it, Reem," the girl urged, attempting to shift their focus.

Reem's voice tightened with concern. "I can't forget what involves your life being at risk."

"Baby sister, you yourself told me to enjoy this moment, so let's not ruin it," the girl implored, her tone filled with hope and love.

"Okay, bye then," Reem finally agreed, hanging up the call.

As the call ended, the girl closed her eyes, her heart filled with a mix of emotions. She cherished these connections with her sisters, the moments of joy, and the unbreakable bond they shared.

As the girl recited the lines of the song, her voice carried a sense of nostalgia and longing, and she continued to hum the tune softly.

"Ye suhane se pal hai, bas yahi tham jaye
Bhool jao wo raat, nayi tu khushiya de."

Just as she was lost in the melody, the boy suddenly interrupted her with a curious question. "You know Hindi?"

Startled by his sudden remark, she paused and looked at him with a polite smile. "Sorry, I disturbed you in between," he offered a somewhat awkward apology.

"It's alright," she reassured him with a friendly tone. "And yes, I do know Hindi. It's my mother tongue; I'm from India."

A sense of surprise crossed the boy's face. "Me too," he responded, a smile forming on his lips. "I'm also from India."

In that unexpected moment, their shared heritage and connection to their home country brought a sense of familiarity and warmth between them. The music of their conversation continued, now intertwined with the melody of their shared culture and language.

______

A/N

I hope you all will love this. Do comment