It was like a double-spin attack but they handled each bowl with care. On the one hand, there was rain and on the other there was traffic jam on a narrow road with pot holes all over. It was a tight rope walk for them because they carried a couple of heavy bags in both the hands and one on their heads. Yet they seemed to be happy because the shopping part of the festival of festivals was under their control!. In a way the menfolks were happy since all they had to do was to shell out the amounts demanded by the ladies. As far as crackers are concerned, the children trusted their dads.

On the eve of Deepavali, there was enough indication in the sky that the rain would be in its elements by 4 pm. The only question was whether it would take rest on the Deepavali day. ” No chance, folks. I will be in full swing and you can sit at home and watch my performance even as you eat your favourite sweets, wearing your new cloths”, the rain seemed to say. The people had to abide by the orders of the rain. One expected some fire works by evening but the rain was reigning supreme.

On the fourth day the sun packed the rain bag and baggage and the day seemed to be more charming than the festival!