Treaded Miles : Her Story [On Hold]

Chapter 1

I hate rains.

As the water pelted on my roof in full force, I tried to match the pace with my steps on the stairs and rushed to the rooftop.

They bring positivity.

I made a face, shading my face with my hand and scurrying to the wires to snatch the drying clothes. A slow hiss left my lips as water droplets kissed my face and dribbled to my chin.

They bring relief.

Coming under the swing shade, I threw the clothes on the seat and wiped my face and arms, hating the clamor. I glared at the sky as if complaining for the hassle.

They bring optimism.

I touched the clothes. They were still damp which meant I had to repeat the whole process of drying them. Shit! I was really looking ahead for a calm and lazy day.

They bring... memories.

Sitting on the swing, I pushed my toes on the humid ground and added motion, noticing the rain washing the scenery. A nostalgic smile fitted onto my lips, recalling how I used to wait for monsoon in my home. I used to sit on my beanbag near the window with a hot cup of cocoa and potato crisps. Or, I could be found on the terrace, dancing in the rain.

Listening to the pitter-patter, I looked down on my hands and released a low hum. Those were the tales of past. I had to focus on how long it would take to get the clothes dry. It was the weekend and I had some plans. I had to do grocery shopping, take Tyson to the vet clinic and visit the nearest foot spa for some pedicure.

But, I was here on my roof, blaming the rain for ruining my plans and knowing that I had to cave in this haunted house people called my home for the entire day. Actually, it was my husband's property. I was sponging on his wealth and living very luxuriously.

A crack of lightning jolted me and I wrapped my arms around my torso, releasing a soft gasp. Damn it! The sky had begun to turn darker shade of grey and the gorgeous afternoon resembled dirty twilight. I ran an eye around. Women in the neighborhood scrambled to take their clothes off the wires too before trotting back to their den. With a heavy sigh, I picked the clothes and got up to sprint downstairs.

The rain wasn't going to stop anytime soon. It was better to iron dry the clothes. I was about to move when I heard the new neighbour calling me, "Hi Pratiksha!"

I turned to smile at her, "Hey Prerna!"

She was standing near her ledge, getting soaked in the rain. Pure bliss glowed on her face, "You washed your laundry too!" She eyed the clothes in my hands and I shrugged, "Yeah. I was free so I thought why not but I had no idea it will rain."

"Yeah. The weather changed suddenly." She agreed, tilting her face up and hummed in delight. "But I love it."

"I can see that." I chuckled. She grinned at me and leaned a little closer, raising her voice. "I love rains. I used to wait for monsoon before my marriage."

"Guess I'm not the only one." I muttered under my breath and looked at her, "I think your love isn't over."

"It will never be over." She smirked, spreading her arms and twirling. "Do you know how much Tushar hates the rain!? Sometimes, I feel my dad has gotten me married to a kill joy."

I grinned, openly. The sound of my laughter was almost foreign to my ears. I clammed up when she began to narrate an incident to verify her theory.

"No, seriously. I was in Delhi. And, we had a puppy in the neighborhood. I brought it home and my beloved man was like," She cleared her throat to mimic her husband's voice. "Prerna, what's this? What is it doing in here? Go and put it in an animal shelter. I'm allergic. I can't stay here. And... This and that... Phew!" She rolled her eyes. "Heartless jerk! I just wanted company. He leaves me all alone when he goes on his tours."