Sunday, November 6, 2016

A New Friend : A Story for my young 'M's, 'A's, and 'S's


Hello friends!
I want to ask you what you think about cats. I really, really, believe that people belong to cats.  Every cat that I have known has owned me, unlike our dogs, who have always ‘belonged’ to me.  Please read on, and I think you will see what I mean.

 It is some years since we had a cat in the bungalow. We miss living with a cat. Or we did until some days ago, when I first met this one, the one this story is about. And do you know, she  lives in our compound!! The night watchman lives with her and she allows him to pretend it is his house.

She's called 'Gunnu' and she is tiny and pretty. Her tail almost looks like a squirrel's tail and she's just slightly larger than a squirrel herself. Her fur's a mix of gray and brown. She's tiny, and she isn't going to grow any bigger.

I love the way Gunnu comes trotting out as soon as I go downstairs for my walk after dinner. First I hear a loud 'Meow' and then I see her charging full speed at me. She greets me so warmly, mewing all the time as she rubs against my legs and circles my feet. Then she does the entire walk with me, trotting hard to keep pace and not tiring of the repeated marches to the front gate and back. If she gets tired or hungry, she doesn't complain.

She follows me upstairs after pretending – in typical cat style - that she can't decide whether she's going to stay out or come in. Once she’s in the dining room, she visits the corners to check for mice. She checks behind the cupboard as well. Then it is time for a quick inspection of the entire floor: Drawing room, verandah, guest bedrooms, and my room.

It's time for a little hide and seek there as part two of my evening exercise. Gunnu decides which nights we play and which nights we don't. See, when you live with a cat, she takes charge.

I am waiting to hear her purr. That's one of the happiest sounds in the world. I'll let you know when I hear it!

Cats!! Cats make things happen. Believe me.
See, I just sat down and wrote a story after years!