Framed in: The word ‘Rain’ evokes a joy that’s hard to compare. There’s something magical about how every rain carries with it a bundle of emotions, commitments, and memories. That first drop gives us the illusion that it’s here to stay, as if the rain will be eternal. But, as with all things, it eventually fades, leaving behind traces of both joy and melancholy.
After the rain stops, the world undergoes a subtle transformation. Birds dance on treetops that still cling to lingering droplets; walls display intricate, accidental designs left behind by dampness; paths wait eagerly with puddles, inviting children to jump and splash; and the earth releases a fresh, inviting fragrance. Yet, what stands out the most are those delicate droplets clinging to leaves, barbed wires, and blades of grass—like tears that refuse to let go of the rain. They don’t realize that every rain must eventually end, leaving behind only traces of what once was.
But in this moment, I find myself in the midst of a drizzle—not of rain, but of love and warmth that’s gently soaking my soul. I can’t help but wish that this drizzle, this tender rain that kisses my heart, could stay forever.
Framed out: This shot was taken during the final days of my stay in Munnar. It was a lazy Sunday with nothing planned, so my colleague Arun K. Nair and I decided to visit Rajamalai, a world-renowned wildlife sanctuary famous for the Nilgiri Thar. Visitors are usually allowed only up to a certain point, but since the KDHP (Kannan Devan Hill Plantation) has an estate beyond that, and the assistant manager there was a friend, we got special access to explore further. It was like stepping into heaven. The landscapes were mesmerizing, and to make it even more perfect, we had the company of rain! My camera couldn’t stay idle—I ended up shooting almost two rolls of film.
One of my favorite shots from that day was this image of a dripping barbed wire. It took quite a bit of effort to frame it just right. Arun would always tease me for getting caught up in such details, calling it one of my eccentricities, but he was always there to support my creative quirks, no matter how odd they seemed. Thanks for being my partner in crime, comrade!
This picture was captured with my Yashica FX3, and it remains a cherished memory of that magical day in Munnar.
Grey Frames: Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain. An Argentinean Proverb.
