The rainy day

The rain poured down in thick sheets, drumming against the pavement and turning the city into a glistening blur. Riya stood outside the small grocery store, clutching a paper bag to her chest as she stared at the rain in horror.

"Of course, the one day I forget my umbrella, the universe decides to open the floodgates," she muttered, shivering as the wind sent cold droplets flying against her face.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket. She quickly pulled it out, careful not to get it too wet.

**Anu:** *You're dead to me. The ice cream is melting. Run.*

Riya groaned. She had stepped out to buy ice cream for Anu, who was still sulking over her breakup, and now she was being punished by the heavens. Just her luck.

She looked around for any nearby shelter and spotted an awning across the street where someone stood, completely dry. A tall figure in a black coat, his hands tucked into his pockets, watching the rain like it was some art piece in a gallery.

Riya narrowed her eyes.

Dhruv.

For a moment, she debated whether it was worth it. Running across the street would mean getting completely drenched, but standing here wasn't any better. With a deep breath, she made a run for it.

Halfway there, a car sped past, splashing a massive puddle right onto her.

"OH, COME ON!" she screeched, standing in the middle of the road like a soaked cat.

Dhruv turned his head slightly, his expression unreadable as he watched her stomp towards him.

She finally made it under the awning, dripping wet, her hair plastered against her face. She wiped her eyes dramatically and looked up at him.

"Not. A. Word," she warned, pointing a finger at him.

He tilted his head. "I didn't say anything."

"You were going to."

His lips twitched, but he said nothing, returning his gaze to the rain.

Riya sighed, hugging the paper bag tighter. "I hate rain."

Dhruv raised an eyebrow. "You live in a city where it rains half the year."

"Exactly. Betrayal from my own hometown," she muttered, then peeked at his dry state. "How are you so perfect even in a thunderstorm? It's like the elements refuse to mess with you."

"I came prepared." He lifted his umbrella slightly.

Riya glared at it. "Oh, must be nice."

"It is."

She huffed and looked away. "A decent person would offer it to someone in distress."

"You don't look distressed. Just… wet."

Riya clenched her jaw. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

Dhruv didn't reply, but the slight curve of his lips was answer enough.

Just then, a loud voice interrupted them. "OHH, what do we have here?"

Riya turned to see a familiar face grinning at them. Sunny. The walking headache.

He bounced towards them, umbrella in hand, completely dry and full of mischief. "Wow, fate really loves you two, huh? First the space show, now this?"

Riya rolled her eyes. "Go away, Sunny."

"But this is so interesting! A romantic rain encounter, two souls seeking shelter together—"

Dhruv cut him off. "If you don't stop, I'll throw you into the street."

Sunny held up his hands in surrender but still smirked. "Fine, fine. But come on, at least offer her your umbrella. It's the gentlemanly thing to do."

Dhruv sighed, then, without a word, extended the umbrella towards Riya.

Riya blinked. "Wow. A rare moment of kindness."

"Don't get used to it."

She reached for the umbrella, but just as she did, Dhruv adjusted his grip, tilting it so that it only barely covered her, leaving half her body still exposed to the rain.

Riya gasped. "You—this—ARE YOU SERIOUS?!"

Dhruv looked at her innocently. "You wanted the umbrella. I'm sharing."

"You're doing this on purpose!"

Sunny burst into laughter. "This is gold. You two should really start dating."

Riya and Dhruv simultaneously turned to glare at him.

"Okay, okay! I'll shut up," Sunny said, still chuckling.

Riya tried to adjust her position under the umbrella, but Dhruv moved just slightly away every time she did, making sure she stayed half-drenched.

"I hate you," she muttered.

"No, you don't," he replied calmly.

She wanted to argue but realized she was already exhausted from the situation. The rain continued to pour, and she sighed, giving up.

After a while, Dhruv finally, **actually** held the umbrella properly, covering both of them. She glanced at him, surprised.

"No more games?" she asked suspiciously.

"Mm."

Riya exhaled, letting herself enjoy the moment. The rain, despite her earlier complaints, was oddly soothing. And standing here, next to Dhruv, even in silence, felt strangely… comfortable.

After a while, she mumbled, "Thanks."

He didn't reply, but she caught the tiniest nod from the corner of her eye.

Sunny, however, was still grinning. "You two are so cute."

"Sunny, I swear to God—"

"Alright, alright! I'm leaving!" he said, running off with exaggerated laughter.

As the rain finally started to slow, Dhruv glanced down at her. "Still hate the rain?"

Riya hesitated, then sighed. "...Maybe just a little less."

He smirked. "Good."

And with that, they stepped out onto the damp street, walking side by side, the umbrella shielding them from the last of the drizzle.