We went inside as soon as it started raining. Haruka gently closed the full length porch window.
"Coffee?" Haruka asked.
"Yes, off course."
He went to the kitchen to make some coffee. I approached the five piece sectional sofa facing the porch window. I sat down and silently stared outside.
-Pitter-patter-
The rain came down, straight and silvery, like a punishment of steel rods. It clattered onto the house and onto the rocks and pitted the sea. The thunder made some sounds like grand pianos falling downstairs, then settled to a softer continuous rumble, which was almost drowned by the sound of the rain.
Petrichor, the smell of parched earth after rain, is immersive, roomy enough to move around in. Its bright mineral tang is edged with vegetal green. There's a hint of sourness, haloed by fresh water droplets. Petrichor lifts the ground, with all its smells, closer to the nose.
There are many negative notions about rain. For some people it brings sorrow and pain. Rain is nostalgic; rain is melancholic; rain is first love; rain is lost love; rain is madness, rain is magic; rain is wisdom, rain is freedom, and sometimes, benediction. Perhaps deep within all of us is the knowledge that rain is life itself and all our emotions towards it are just us being grateful that it pours.
"Isn't it beautiful?" Haru said handing me a cup of coffee, "and it's refreshing too, after intense heat, isn't it?"
I nodded.
I like rain. The richness of the rain makes me feel safe and protected; I have always considered the rain to be healing—a blanket—the comfort of a friend.
Someone once told me, 'Rain Washes Away the Grime'. And I think it's true. Rain makes cars and pavements look clean. Sometimes a long stint of rain is needed to wash away the deep layers of dirt. In the same way that rain cleanses physical things, while you are in a sad season think about what needs to be cleaned or washed away on the inside
We both looked out of the window. It was a pleasant sight.
-CLICK-
Suddenly, we heard the sound of door opening.
"Looks like someone is back." Haruka said
A youth, around 17, entered the lounge. He had short black hair and beautiful Tyrian purple eyes. It was non other then my twin brother Nanao.
"Oh you are here!" I said in cheerfully.
"Yes, I am home. It's raining cats and dog out there."
"Here, have this towel." Haru quickly gave towel to Nanao. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. I will go and make some coffee for you."
Haru went to make coffee in kitchen.
"You are early today." I said while standing up.
"Well, yes....There was a lot of work left but it started raining so they had to delayed it."
"I see." I said in a calm voice.
"Why? You didn't wanted me to come back?" Nanao said, sadness flashed in his eyes.
"No, that's not what I meant, it's just I am glad you came early."
I replied, panicked by his sudden question. He smiled back at my reaction. Nanao is three minutes older then me. Although we are twins, he is completely different from me. While I am silly and get easily panicked over small things, he remains calm. He is intelligent and responsible person. He gives off cool aura around him which makes others comfortable around him. He is one of the people I can rely on.
"I hope you weren't bored?"
"No, Haruka bought me a book so, I was reading that." I said pointing at the shelf where I placed the book earlier.
"Well, that's good."
Soon Haru came in with a mug in his hand.
"Here you go."
"Oh! Thanks Haru." Nanao said smiling.
"You're welcome. It is my responsibility after all I am your little brother." Haruka said as if proud of himself.
"Oh that's right." Nanao said, as if remembering something.
"What is it?" I asked him.
"Sister Rumi said that they would be staying at the villa for tonight. Chihiro and Chiyori along with Shiori are at uncle's house."
"So that means you, me and sis are the only one home?" Haru asked.
"Yes that's right."
"I see."
"Yes, it's fine with me."
Well, being alone is not new for us.
"I am going to change then."
Nanao placed his mug on the table and stood up. He halted his steps before the door and turned around.
"And Sakura please come to study room after 15 minutes. There is something I want to show you."
I was confused but still I nodded. Nanao is not the type to joke so it must be important…I guess?