Diwali is approaching. And so are some of my intimate memories with my "One true love." Bosco, my friend and confidant who always blew the whistle at the wrong time. For those who know him, he was the most lovable, intelligent and obedient dog. Diwali after him has never been the same as before. My earlier memories are of spending heaps of money on fireworks which lasted no more than an hour or so. I would invite every possible relative to witness the show which was nothing less majestic than what states do on their anniversaries. It would be lot of pomp and show. Individually I would generate carbon footprints equivalent to a month of any pollution intensive activity. It would take my dad an hour next morning to clean the area around my house.
And then Bosco arrived. The happy, boisterous jumping jack through the year would turn into a demure, timid lad every Diwali. His plight hit me hard the 3rd Diwali he was with us. In a haste to be a part of celebrations, someone amongst us had left the door open. I was lighting an Anaar, Bosco saw this, came running from the inside room, kicked open the hydraulic door and threw himself on the Anaar. Though he did manage to put the anaar out but in the endeavor burnt his paw and nose slightly. Thereon it changed everything. From a loud noisy affair my festival catapulted into a silent night of lights only. I felt his pain with him after that every Diwali. I would sit inside besides the bed cuddling him for the entire night refusing to leave him alone even for a moment. I never went out socializing during those days only to save him some misery. Bosco is now no longer with me but his painful memories are. I have given up on fireworks completely. Everyone around me is amazed at this transformation and my only excuse is that I have grown scared of them after so many daring years.
Bosco has changed me in so many other ways too. He taught me to never take anyone for granted. His untimely demise drilled it hard that life is short and we should spend it appreciating good things in life. We should do what we love often. Thanks to him I never loose an opportunity to tell my family and friends how much I love them. At the same time he would conduct himself such that he never wasted time on someone who did not like him. He had his people clearly demarked. He cared two hoots for his haters ignoring them completely to their utter dismay. In short Bosco taught me to be at peace with myself, care more, love more and give more. I am a lot more compassionate and forgiving now.
To everyone else he was just a dog but to me he was a master. Living with him was an absolute pleasure besides some great learning. Many would laugh at it but I read somewhere "Dogs do speak, but only to those who listen". I did and was fortunate enough to make amend at the right time for I always wanted to be the one my dog thought I am.
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