OurWord

Brinda, Brinda Sahay, an eighty-year-old widow lives alone in an apartment overlooking a park. It is a daily ritual for her to have a cup of tea and observe activities in the park. However,the last couple of days have been interesting for her.

A young boy, maybe 10, has been coming to the park with a black dog to play. What breed could it be? She thought. Seeing the dog run around chasing the ball stirred her memories. Brinda married Keshav Sahay 55 years ago. Keshav was a travelling salesperson. Brinda struggled to engage herself in any activity in Keshavs’ absence.

It was her sudden request to have a puppy surprised Keshav. Keshav was not a dog person, but to refuse Brinda’s request for a puppy he thought would be insensitive on his part.

Keshav and Brinda had a long conversation about the responsibilities in having a puppy in the house. Keshav was clear about training issues, access to be limited to certain areas of the house. Brinda, in her enthusiasm, agreed to all her husband’s dog related regulations.

Brinda reminisced how Keshav researched the breeds.

They decided on a black Labrador puppy from a breeder suggested by their friends. The day before going to get the puppy home, Keshav called for a meeting again. Keshav, on a sombre note, asked Brinda if she was really committed to having a puppy in the house.

” Brinda the puppy is not a toy. You cannot ignore the dog. You will have to treat the dog as a family member. And remember the puppy will not remain a puppy forever. It is going to grow big. A big dog in the house will have challenges. You can change your mind now. We can think over it again.”

Keshav continued, “Brinda at some stage we are going to start a family. The baby will be our priority, always. Do you think you will have time for the dog?”

Brinda quietly replied,” Keshav we will not be the first to have a baby and a pet. So relax and enjoy the experience.”

The puppy, a ball of black fur, came home. Brinda named it Baloo. Brinda fell in love with the little fella. Keshav gradually accepted Baloo. Keshav realized that he had started to miss Baloo  this little family member when he was touring.

Brinda and Keshav had a baby two years later. Baloo was a happy dog. He was growing big by the day. The responsibilities mounted for Keshav. When he was not touring, he had to look after Baloo, Brinda, and the baby. Brinda was too exhausted now to give any time to Baloo. Baloo would love to snuggle up to Brinda in her bed. Keshav was adamant not to have the dog in the bed. Brinda agreed, but she had her weak moments and allowed the dog in the bed.

Brinda grimaced as memories flooded in. Brinda remembered that moment when she pushed Baloo away in anger. She had been struggling with her baby. Keshav assured her that it was normal for mothers to be frustrated post pregnancy.

Days went by, and Brinda would let the house help look after Baloo. Keshav would do as much as he could. Brinda, meanwhile, had lost interest in Baloo’s well-being.

There was more trouble for the couple. The helping hand resigned and left.  Brinda struggled to look after the baby and the dog when Keshav was not in town.

Keshav and Brinda were eager to give away Baloo. They contacted the rescue home. The rescue home informed them that they had no room for more dogs at the moment. They would contact Keshav and Brinda as soon a place is available.

Brinda and Keshav had huge arguments over Baloo. Baloo would witness and hear his name repeatedly. Surely, he knew that his owners were not happy with him.

Keshav in a lighter vein would often assure Brinda that things would fall in place in due course.

” What do you say, my friend Baloo?”

Baloo wagged his tail in response.

It was a Sunday when the couple decided to go to the Botanical Gardens for a picnic with their toddler child and Baloo. The picnic was a success. Brinda felt her love for Baloo again. She observed how Baloo  adored her child. Keshav had bonded well with Baloo too. The picnic had done wonders for every member of the family.

It was time to go home. Keshav whistled for Baloo as he often did. Baloo usually would emerge from the bushes, but not this time. Brinda joined in, calling out his name.

“Baloo, where are you?”

Keshav searched hard and long. No one had seen Baloo.

It was getting dark.  Baloo was gone. The search was called off. Brinda and Keshav, with their child, drove home without Baloo.

Things had fallen in place.

Word of the day: Zhuzh is to improve flavour or appearance.