BY DR ASHUTOSH APTE  

 

PUPPIES are one of the cutest creatures created by God. They may belong to any breed. But they simply belong to only one society which is a four lettered word ‘cute’. These little one’s have innocent expressions and every activity of theirs is packed with spontaneity. They are always eager to exploit this newer world. This enthusiasm to scrutinise is observed in whatever they do. The way they tilt their head while exploring an unfamiliar world the way they play with any cloth or the way they are eager to pounce on an object is brim full of innocence. It is fun watching them play. One such cute little puppy was nurtured by one of our neighbour. It had a magnificent golden colour with lovely fur adding to it’s beauty. His eyes used to sparkle with curiosity whenever it observed anything new. It had an innocent expression, which is a signature expression of the young pups. The habit of tilting his head to one side while observing and before obeying his masters orders made him appear gorgeous. He used to wag his tail and move around his master revealing his affinity and portraying as if never to loose his proximity .

 

The master in these few days had trained him well to respect his orders and took pride in exhibiting this master-pet compliance to all those who were known to the master. All of us envied this relationship and wished it to mature further. But unfortunately this sweet little cute puppy was lost one day. The master endlessly attempted all the means to find him out. But could not succeed. Dejected and depressed, he could not focus on his routines, lost his cravings and even with great difficulty could control his emotions. He was all the while worried about well being of his darling puppy. He kept on praying for the puppy’s good health. Some days passed by. One day the master found out his sweet little puppy playing jovially with some naughty and non-acceptable kid from a different family. He confidently went to the family head for claiming back his heartthrob. After some deliberations in the interest and happiness of the puppy it was decided to identify the real master who will take proper care of the pet. Puppy was placed in the center with old master and new non acceptable master standing on either sides.

 

Each one decided to summon him. Genuine master would be the one towards whom the puppy will be tempted to go. The original master was confident about winning the contest. As the two of them took their positions and started coaxing, the puppy saw on either sides, tilted his head, wagged his tail and with a spark in his eyes to the dismay of old master moved towards the new owner. The original master was left surprised, shocked and dejected. He could never imagine that once a part and parcel of his heart can ignore him and move on with a new acquaintance. With a heavy heart without uttering even a word he moved away. He could barely drag his feet as he inched towards his home. Deep in the background he could overhear a few lines. “Ek hawa ka jhoonka aaya Tuta Dali se phool Na pavan ki na chaman ki Kiski hai ye bhool Kho gayi, kho gayi Khushboo hawa mein kuch na reh gaya Mera jeevan... Mera jeevan kora kaagaz kora hi reh gaya...”