I
Dinner was always a lively affair in the Sharma household, but tonight there was a hint of concern in the air. The table was set with steaming bowls of dal, fragrant rice, and crisp rotis. Niharika, dressed in her usual cotton kurta and jeans, sat quietly, absorbed in thoughts about the latest book she’d borrowed from the local library. Her grandmother, looked at her with a worried expression.
The Sharmas lived in a peaceful neighbourhood with small independent bungalows separated by narrow lanes. On one side was a row of houses, while the other side featured a community park, playground, and a community center where local events were held.
“Baldev,” Dadi said, turning to Niharika’s father. “You must do something about her. All she does is stay indoors, read, or help around the house. She needs to step out, get some fresh air, meet people her age.”
Baldev, a mild-mannered man who worked from home as a financial analyst, adjusted his glasses and glanced at his wife, Sunita. Sunita, a pilot, had just returned from a long flight and was savouring the first home-cooked meal in days.
“Ma’s right,” Sunita said. “Niharika, sweetheart, you’re so good at everything, but you need balance. How about going for a walk or a little cycling in the evenings?”
Niharika smiled faintly. “I’m fine, Mom. I like helping Dadi with her knitting or working on my craft projects. The park feels…” she hesitated, “crowded.”
Baldev sighed. “Maybe she just needs the right motivation,” he said, a twinkle in his eye.
The conversation moved on, but Baldev seemed preoccupied. Later that evening, while Sunita was stacking dishes in the kitchen, he said, “I’ve got an idea. Let’s see if it works.”
Sunita raised an eyebrow but trusted her husband’s knack for surprises.
The eve of Niharika’s 13th birthday arrived. The house was buzzing with excitement. As the clock struck eight, Baldev entered the living room carrying a large box with small holes along the edges. Niharika’s curiosity was piqued.
“Papa, what is this?” she asked, trying to peek inside.
Dadi chuckled. “Go on, Nihu. Open it!”
Niharika hesitated, then gingerly opened the flaps. Inside, nestled in a red blanket, lay a tiny ball of black fur. It stirred, yawned, and revealed a little pink tongue and sharp baby teeth.
“Oh my goodness!” Niharika gasped, her voice breaking with emotion. She gently lifted the pup, cradling it close as tears welled in her eyes. The puppy blinked up at her, stretched, and licked her cheek.
“Rustom,” Niharika whispered, her voice trembling with joy. “Your name is Rustom.”
From that moment, Rustom became the heart of the Sharma household. Niharika’s laughter filled the rooms as she played with him, and her cheeks gained a rosy glow.
The chores still got done, but now Niharika’s routine included little walks to the park, where Rustom became the centre of attention.
“She’s got her colour back,” Dadi remarked one evening as she watched Niharika and Rustom chase each other in the garden.
Sunita smiled, shutting her laptop. “You knew this would happen, didn’t you?” she said to Baldev.
He grinned. “She just needed a strong enough reason.”
II
Two years passed. Rustom had grown into a handsome Alsatian with a sleek black coat and intelligent eyes. He was Niharika’s constant companion, her confidant, and her biggest fan. They spent hours together, whether it was playing fetch in the park, sitting under the old banyan tree, or just lounging at home with a book.
Rustom’s presence transformed Niharika. Her walks to the park introduced her to new friends. She began chatting with Priya and Arnav, two teenagers who also walked their dogs. The camaraderie between them and their companions blossomed over shared laughs and friendly competitions about whose dog was the smartest.
But not all encounters were pleasant. Mr. Kumar’s Doberman, Badal, was a notorious troublemaker. Ferocious and ill-tempered, Badal was walked by Gopi Bhaiya, a timid man who barely managed to control him. Niharika took extra care to avoid crossing paths with them.
“Rustom, you’re my brave boy,” she often said, patting his head. “But let’s not tempt fate with Badal.” Rustom would wag his tail as if to say, “I’ve got your back, Nihu.”
Rustom had an uncanny ability to sense Niharika’s mood. If she was upset, he would nudge her hand or rest his head on her lap. If she was happy, he would bounce around, mirroring her energy.
III
One sunny afternoon, Niharika returned from school to find a package delivery waiting. The courier stood outside Mr. Kumar’s gate, holding a box of stationery she had eagerly awaited.
“I’ll be right back, Dadi,” she called out, running down the stairs.
Rustom, watching from the balcony, began to whimper. As Niharika reached the courier, the gate to Mr. Kumar’s house creaked open. Out came Badal, his growl low and menacing, with Gopi Bhaiya struggling to hold onto the leash.
“Badal, no!” Gopi shouted as the dog broke free. Niharika froze. She knew better than to run but felt a chill as Badal’s eyes locked onto her. She scanned the area for something to defend herself and spotted a pile of freshly pruned branches. Just as she bent to grab one, a black blur darted past her.
“Rustom!” she cried.
Rustom had leaped from the balcony onto the branch heap and now stood between Niharika and Badal, his fur bristling and a guttural growl rumbling in his throat. The two dogs faced off, tension crackling in the air.
Gopi dashed inside and returned with a garden hose, spraying water at Badal. The sudden shock made Badal retreat momentarily, giving Niharika just enough time to grab Rustom’s collar and lead him indoors.
At dinner that evening, Niharika and Dadi narrated the dramatic encounter, their words animated with exaggeration. Rustom basked in the family’s attention, his tail wagging furiously as they fed him titbits off the table and showered him with affection.
“You’re our hero, Rustom,” Baldev said, patting him on the head. Sunita nodded, her eyes twinkling. “You’ve truly earned your place in this family.”
As Niharika cuddled Rustom that night, she whispered, “Thank you for always protecting me.” The pup, now a proud young dog, licked her cheek in reply. Their bond, forged in love and courage, was unbreakable.
Comments