Black Eyes

Lost, I wandered into this area. Hid myself as much as I could from unwanted attention. You know - the kicking, pulling my tail, stone throwing, name calling and of course the chasing me out of a space.Why? It's not as if they need it. But that's humans for you. 

Girls everywhere I look around me. Maybe I'll see if I can make this my home. Some people dared to feed me, some giggly girls apprehensively patted me. Why were they scared? Did they think I would bite? Me, bite? Not unless I am threatened and I felt no fear here. 

Days go by and I slowly venture up and down the road...hmm, I knew the girls went somewhere round that winding road. Let me see where it goes... Interesting more girls! Should I settle down here? But there is food upstairs some days. 

Hey guess what? I get a regular meal and some rubs and hugs from the same people. Maybe there is hope here. But hold on, they seem to have another dog?! It's a lady...she is a bit odd...teeth a bit askew. Perhaps they need to take her to a dentist? But who cares, they love me...they feed me. And all I need to do is wag my tail at them. I can manage that. I think.

Days, many days have passed. The toothy lady has disappeared. Wonder if she is at the dentist? Does it take that long? She has not returned...Can I take her place? Apparently not! The guards and other men chase me. 

Sigh, I ll live at the bottom, near the tea stall. The girls often meet here, blowing smoke out of their mouths, shrieking with laughter, eating and most importantly sharing a pat and some tit bits with me.

Life goes on. I meet other dogs but this one pack- huge brown lad and his entourage surround me. They circle me, they watch me, they threaten me but I stand my ground. There is a feeling in the air that I might have chased off Ms Funny teeth ladydog, but I continue holding my air of innocence and nonchalance. 

Phew...that worked. They leave me alone....well, all but that smokey grey one. He has a look in his eyes that I...wait a minute! I think he has the hots for me. Might explain why I find him one step behind me many a time. Hmmm...

Cannot shake him off. What do I do. He sniffs me out no matter where I hide. 

Eureka! I have managed to rise above him. The tops of these noisy, smelly machines. I scramble on top and rest the night away. Except, the humans chase me off. Why? The machines rest all night. How does it matter if I sleep like a dog, (or is it log?) up there? 

You tell me. 

- As told by Black Eyes to Deepali, Breach Candy, Mumbai