Chhotu, Sheru and that Smile :)

April 23rd 2021 :- Going home late evening during a lockdown, the road was deserted – the only sound I could hear of were ambulances in motion with sirens aloud; thinking whom it could be; hoping the patient gets the treatment he needs.

Crossed a hospital on the way – busier than usual, vehicles thronging the parking lot; people standing in groups with tense faces. People hoping that their loved ones could just see through the night and the supply of oxygen & medicines will streamline with dawn. The condition is precarious and sends a chill down the spine. Feeling helpless I continued plying on the deserted road. :(

At the next junction a 4-5 year young street child, not one bit worried about being on a National Highway just amble’s down the road; carrying something very cozily on his shoulders. I coaxed the parents being careless about their children and skeptically looked to see what he was carrying on his shoulder; astonishingly it was a puppy. :O

Moving on, I kept my eyes on the road and the foot on the accelerator but my mind stayed back with that child. Anxious to see them closely I took the next turn back.

Reached their dwelling; the mother and the father were sitting outside trying to sell earthen pots; hesitatingly I asked them where the boy with a puppy went; they called out for him. Out came ‘chhotu’ and following him was this cute white pup. 

Was amazed to see a hut of not more than a 10x10 feet - had a bed, 3 children watching a cable television, a fully equipped kitchen, storage for things and they had managed to fit in a street dog too ;))) 

They had so little but had everything '+' a smile on their face.

Asked ‘chhotu’ to pose with ‘sheru’ for a picture; chhotu smiled; sheru frowned :P Captured the moment; handed them a 20 Rs note to buy some biscuits for themselves and left with a smile on the face :)

It is amazing to see the bond a child and their pet share. Have seen numerous children continuing with their whereabouts even when there is a death in the family or someone is very sick at home; but sobbing persistently when they are unable to find their pet. A child will always feed a pet before themselves; look for it the first thing in the morning. This love is special coz the same is unconditional; no strings attached. Love that is possible only when there is a child and their pet –coz both have minds devoid of anger, hatred, selfishness, ego, guilt and hearts filled with love and compassion :)

PS :- Reached home, braced ‘Nike’ my pet dog – kissed him and told him how much I loved him. Had all his attention just until Krishna bought him a piece of his favorite cake! Did I say pets were selfless? :):)