My last bus

"Bus is at 6.45, and its just 6.20. I have ample time catching it". I said, getting ready to leave.
"But monu, if it doesn't turn up? And seeing those black clouds, I doubt it will ? ". Uncle said in a usual caring voice.
I was at my uncle's house in a remote village in kerala. An unexpected weekend visit. It’s a nature's paradise here and that too within the reach. I always loved coming here. God’s own country and it is !
"It may rain, monu. Tomorrow is Sunday, you can very well go tomorrow afternoon. Stay here tonight".
"No uncle, there is plenty of work for tomorrow. Then I do have umbrella with me". I said in hurried voice. "Next month, a week here, promise".
Walking through the green paddy fields, I saw the black clouds. "Rain means romance... romance means my princess". Thought for a second, took my cell, dialed "P for my princess". The answer was short "No service available".... "ha ha ha...Today night I am not going to get any sleep. She will tear me apart. Catch the bus first reach home and call her first".
I reached the bus stop and the rain gushed in like anything. As sung by “Crooked Still” – ‘..two sisters came walkin.. the dreadful wind and rain..’. Yes never the right combination, the Wind and rain and my fancy umbrella was no match for it.
I recalled my words... "Romantic rain".. not always...
The bus stop was an old tree with a small shop underneath it. May be the shopkeeper read the weather news and so I was lonely  standing in front of the closed shop with the gushing rain as my lone company. May be city life has spoiled me or my imagination was aiming for something improbable, but I thought - “A lift?”
With evening getting dark and rain creating havoc, my heart may have skipped several times.  Catching a public transport is turning out into a chilling experience, unbelievable!!!
Then suddenly, from the far end of the road, a ray of hope emerged. The little giant was moving towards me at a snail’s pace. First time ever in my life, I didn’t mind it’s slow pace but was thanking almighty for showing it come. Life changes every second and suddenly again the rain seemed romantic.
As it was coming close to me something happened in a flash, another vehicle, a white Sumo overtook the little giant. Its headlight paved its way, clearing the gloomy dark. It came so fast and halted in front of me. I stood still for a second without knowing what was happening. The next scene I saw was my bus overtaking the Sumo.  Yes !! The bus just went without stopping.  It took time to realize the fact, but what did happened was, I MISSED MY LAST BUS!!!
Then the power window of the Sumo came down. An elderly person forwarded me a piece of paper and asked “Mone, how to get to this place?” I was standing there as a loaded canon, ready to blast off whatever going to come my way. What stopped me from exploding,  was still a mystery. Controlling myself, I read the address. Told them the way and they left thanking me. I was still standing there trying to recall what happened.  As a conclusion, I had to admit; nothing happened! I just missed the last bus !!
I turned and went back to my uncle’s home to see off today; and wait for tomorrow for another adventure with FIRST BUS…..