Braving the Storm

Aanya was playing with her blocks when the sky turned dark. A bright flash lit up her room, followed by a loud BOOM! Aanya dropped her toy and began to cry.

Mama found Aanya hiding under her blanket. "It's just a storm, little one," Mama said softly. "The sky is having a noisy day today." Aanya peeked out with wide, tearful eyes.

Papa brought soft pillows to the window seat. "Let's make a storm nest," he suggested cheerfully. Mama brought Aanya's favorite teddy bear. They sat together, watching raindrops race down the glass.

Another flash brightened the dark clouds. "Look, Aanya, sky lights!" Papa pointed excitedly. "And after the light comes the drum sound." Aanya counted with Papa: "One, two, three... BOOM!"

Mama told Aanya about rain bringing life to flowers. "In India, where our family comes from, rain is a blessing," she explained. "Plants are dancing with joy when it rains." Aanya watched the trees swaying outside.

The thunder boomed again, but Aanya didn't cry. She held her teddy tight and watched the storm. "Brave little girl," Papa whispered, kissing her head.

Aanya listened to the pitter-patter on the roof. Mama hummed a gentle tune with the rain. The storm didn't seem so scary anymore.

"The clouds look like big elephants spraying water," Papa said. Aanya giggled at the silly idea. She pointed to a cloud shaped like a bunny.

The rain began to slow down. "After the storm, we can splash in puddles," Mama promised. Aanya clapped her tiny hands excitedly. She loved splashing!

Slowly, the dark clouds moved away. A ray of sunshine peeked through the window. "The sun is playing hide and seek," Papa said.

"Look, Aanya!" Mama pointed to the sky. A beautiful rainbow stretched across the blue. "The storm left us a colorful present." Aanya's eyes grew wide with wonder.

That night, Aanya hugged her teddy before sleep. "Next time the sky booms, we'll watch together," she whispered. In her dreams, she danced with friendly clouds under a rainbow.

Braving the Storm

THE END