"Didi, Maa brought someone!", bhai exclaimed. We
ran towards the door.
Shining black eyes, blinking. Smooth and white cottony skin.
Tiny tail, wagging. Maa brought a little Puppy. "So cute it is!", I
exclaimed. Bhai ran to Maa, "Who is it Maa?". Maa smiled at us,
"She is Family.", "Family, Maa?". "Yes, a new member
to our family."
I was pleased knowing this. I always wanted a puppy. Bhai
was 3 years old, he started jumping, "I want to hold & play with her
Maa. ", Maa said, "Dear, She is so tiny to play with you." Maa
laying Her down, "Son, now go and observe what she does." Puppy
started wandering here & there, bhai ran behind her.
Meanwhile papa arrived, the puppy very smartly went to him.
Forgetting all his tiredness, he started playing with her. "How shall we
call her papa?", I asked. "Jimmy!", he said. Maa came out,
"That's pretty, Jimmy!" and the puppy woofed. "Ahaan! She learnt
it's her name. ", I told.
Jimmy became our darling with each passing day. She followed Maa, wherever she went. Waited at the doorsteps for papa to return from work. If ever was I upset, Jimmy licked my hand and consoled. Anytime she did a mischief, a single call "Maa", she would run and hide under the bed. Would never heed to any of us but no one could force her do what Maa once denied. Major task was taking her for bath. Hearing "Bath time", she would try her best to hide so that we don't find her. If ever we brought another pet just to play with, she used to be so envious, didn't talk or even look at us for some time.
Whenever we left her alone at home for some hours, she used to argue with Maa when we returned & scold her as if she wants to say, "How dare you left me alone, I missed you all so much." Would never allow any child to take and play with ball my bhai had, she would snatch it, run & hide it under the bed.
9 years passed & the days were adorable.
One day, we found Jimmy had a Tumour on her leg. Tensed
atmosphere. Papa came and we consulted a Doctor. Dr. said, Jimmy needs to get
operated. For us, Jimmy's health was priority. Jimmy got operated, now the
tumour was no more part of her body. She was fine now. The tumour was sent for
Biopsy(A test to know the reason behind the Tumour).
The days passed good. Then we had the biopsy report, Jimmy
was suffering from cancer. We broke down. She was our sweet heart, a reason for
our cheerful days. But now the Disease, eating her up day by day. And she
stopped taking food. Vomited everything her stomach held. Had no more strength
to stand up, she chose to sit. Maa often kept speaking to her, Jimmy stared at
her as if pleading, "Help me, paining hard." But we were helpless,
Dr. already confessed no cure. Maa often cried, we could not see Jimmy in pain.
One day early morning, Jimmy seemed good, "Maa, she's
fine!". We got relieved. I was in hurry for college, left saying goodbye
to Maa and Jimmy.
4:30 pm, bhai rang me, "Didi, Jimmy left us!", I
could hear Maa crying. I ran, clueless. I saw her. Yes, she was gone. Papa was
quiet. I broke into tears, "Jimmy!!", no response. Maa was in pieces.
Maa described how Jimmy reacted just before she left. Maa
told, "I just went to see how Jimmy was doing, I opened her room. She
gathered all her strength to get up, walked to me and sat near my foot. I
pampered her and noticed her body was cold, I asked her to go and sit on her
bed. She did walk till her bed but could not handle herself till sitting down,
her body fell down. I thought she is weak and so it's better not to disturb. I
went to another room and started my work. Suddenly I heard a sound, I ran to
see, Jimmy was taking hiccups. I was in shock. And I cried loud
"Jimmy" and her eyes, looked at me. Last look & her head fell on
the ground.", her voice broke "Jimmy left me.", everyone at home
broke into tears.
Handling the situation papa said she needs to be buried
then. We went near an Ashram, Flowing river beside it. Papa dug a bed for
Jimmy, and we let her Rest In Peace. Bhai was silent. We lit some candles near
her bed and Prayed for peace of her soul.
From "A month old" to "only 35 days to be 10
years". Memories, Mischief, always alert & caring.
It is truly said, "Dogs don't bother whether you are
Rich or Poor, Pretty or Ugly. Just give them your heart & they'll give you
theirs".
Miss you Jimmy, Now & Forever.. Love you always...
