Part 9: My Big-Bro is gone…!
SHIBI’s DIARY
My name is SHIBI, I am 6 months old Beagle puppy and this is my diary. In this diary, I shall write about my life. You may question, ‘Can dogs write? What stories do they have to tell? They only eat, sleep and bark.’
‘Yess…Why dogs cannot have stories? Are we not living beings? Do we not go through tough times? Is our life honky-dory always as they show in movies?’
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https://www.storyberrys.com/category/shibi-diary/
Part 9 – My Big-Bro is gone…!
‘SHIBI, If I am gone, what will you do? Will you stay with Momma and Papa?’ Big-Bro asked me, while we were munching chicken nuggets together. Immediately my ears perched up, and I said, ‘Woof, Woof! What do you mean?’
‘SHIBI, do not worry I am not going anywhere!’ He laughed out loudly. But I did not believe him.
For the last few days, he was pretty busy. I could sense that something was brewing up, for some serious discussions was going on between him, momma and papa. In recent days, Big-Bro took me out on long drives more often, we would have ice cream or juice, and then we would spend hours playing. Sometimes, I found him observing me very closely. I was now doubtful. he is surely hiding something from me.
After a few days, I saw him packing the bags. I was now concerned. Bag packing means he was surely leaving. So, that day did he mean it when he said he would be gone!’
I watched anxiously as the day proceeded, and then in the evening, Big-Bro took me out on a drive. We went to our favourite Chicken Pakoras stall. He told me, ‘SHIBI, tell me what do you want to eat today? Prawns or Chicken Pakoras?’
Big-Bro used to treat me with Prawns Pakoras once in a while when he used to be very happy. But I was hesitant, for today he did not look happy. He then went and ordered Prawns Pakoras. While we waited for the Pakoras, Big-Bro took me in his arms and said, ‘SHIBI, I am leaving tomorrow for my work. You know offices are open now and I have to report back. You have to stay with Momma and Papa here. Be a good girl.’
My fears did come true. I looked at him anxiously. He nodded. He said, ‘SHIBI, you are the love of my life, someone whom I love from my heart, and care for! You know, I wanted a dog since I was a child but momma never agreed…finally in Pandemic times she agreed……….So many years I waited for you to come in my life…….’
I listened to him as he poured his heart out to me, I understood he was equally disturbed. Then, our Pakoras came. I did not feel like eating and turned my face away. He too could not eat. We sat in silence for some time. Then he threw the Pakoras out, and we returned home.
At home, he packed his bags and momma helped him. I could now understand what was making momma teary-eyed for last few days. I watched them silently.
The next day, early morning, Big-Bro loaded his bags in the Jeep, and we all headed to the airport. Throughout the drive, Big-Bro held me in his arms. I think there was nothing for him to say, and nothing for me to say. We understood each other. He had told me, he will come back soon, that assurance was good enough for me!
At the airport, he hugged me and whispered in my ears, ’SHIBI, remember what I told you. Be a good girl. Stay happy, and do not trouble momma.’
Then he hugged momma and papa, and went inside as I stood out with papa. I did not bark, even for a once. He had told me to be a girl, and I will be.
While returning home, Momma asked me, ‘SHIBI, I am confused. When we leave you for a moment in the house, you take the whole building down by barking. But today you did not bark for once also. You did not pull your leash to go with Big-Bro! WHY?’
I kept quiet and watched the trees passing by. I think momma was confused if I understood that Big-Bro has gone for a long time. Momma would never understand what is between me and Big-Bro, the depth of our love which is beyond words.
I will wait for him to return!
SHIBI, the Beagle.
Next – Story behind my name!