A Conversation with Mr.Cloud

Me (Waves frantically): Hey Mister!

Cloud (Perplexed): You talking to me, lady?

Me: Yes…any chances of pouring here? Its almost mid-July.

Cloud: Nope. That’s not on my to-do list. I have to go somewhere else.

Me: Aww, c’mon! You bring in my favourite season. Nothing at all?

Cloud: You’ll have to ask my boss about that.

Me: Who? Indra? Aren’t we doing enough to make him happy? I heard of some yagya happening in the city to please him. I even saw pictures of it in the newspapers.

Cloud: Yeah that’s right. And you burn firewood in it. How do you think he’s gonna be happy with that?

Me (Sheepishly): Ok I know where you’re going with this. Spreading the eco-word, eh?

Cloud (In a raised voice): Its not some funny business lady. You’re the ones who cut trees, you’re the ones who use those vehicles, and you’re the ones who use plastic. And yet, you blame us for not being on time. But there’s nothing we can do about it. Our boss tells us to favour greener places.

Me: So isn’t this city green enough for you?

Cloud: Well, my fraternity is divided on that one. We haven’t reached a consensus as yet.

Me: I know you can convince them and sort things out, right? Besides, the kids love you.

Cloud: Yeah, mostly ‘coz they get to bunk school when they fall sick. But I’m telling you, that’s not my fault. If only somebody told that to their mothers. I always end up bearing the brunt for it. You know how these mothers can be. They just need somebody to put the blame on.

Me: But we are in dire need of rains here. The city is dealing with water shortage problems.

Cloud: From what I know, you guys have four dams to you, right?

Me (Clears throat): Yeah, sort of…

Cloud: See! And yet you… (Sighs). Ok, I’ll see what I can do; but I can’t promise anything. And until I’m not around, why don’t you guys start fixing your roads? Or you’ll hold me responsible for those potholes. Now if you’d excuse me, I have to be somewhere. The press must be dying to cover me. and I like to look good on TV.

Me: So when can I expect you back, with a bang? Err…or should I say, thunder?

Cloud: Ha! Why don’t you ask that to your folks at the Meteorological Department? They seem to know quite a lot on my whereabouts.

Me: Really?

Cloud: Are you kidding me! Those dimwits can never predict my arrival. I’ll come when I have to. As of now, I gotta go. Bye!

Me (Sighs): Yeah, bye.