The date is 19th November 2022; it’s a special day for me. I woke up to two big black eyes staring at me as if saying, “mother, good morning, you woke up late again.” “Do you even sleep at night?” I asked, kissing him on his forehead, a daily ritual from the past 18 years. “Happy birthday Sikander, always rise and shine”, was followed by long hugs. I fixed him his favourite breakfast, and it was time to go and celebrate.
Celebrations begin
I had lined up a few activities for his special day around his energy levels. Celebrations at his Doctors clinic, an association which goes back 18 years. After that, egg and chicken Langar for street babies, a movie shoot, and a trip to a doggy cafe. A day full of pampering and giving him enough rest in between activities.
The doctor and his team were excited about the award and cake-cutting ceremony; on a table decorated with balloons, Sikander looked like a soft little toy; he was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for being a good boy for 18 years. And a Trophy from his doctor, followed by a cake cutting. He deserves an accolade, though as a mother, he deserves at least 18 awards, one for each year of his life. Maybe for every moment, he made my life meaningful and loved since he came into my life as my furry baby. Yes, I believe angels have furs!
After taking ample rest, Sikander and I fed around a dozen street babies in his honour, and it was heavenly to watch them gulp down the food in seconds. Feeding street babies is always a satisfying experience; if you have fed them once, you want to do it again and many times more. There was a movie shoot to capture him in the lens and keep the moments secured not just in my heart but also visually alive; his 18th Birthday. Despite his age, Sikander cooperated like a pro and enjoyed every moment of the shoot.
As the day ended, both of us headed to a posh doggy cafe; Sikander was pampered to the hilt by the cafe staff everyone got clicked with him. Sikander & I sat outdoors watching the night skies. I whispered sweet nothings into his ears, and the day ended happily.
As a mother, I wanted to have more precious moments with him, so I decided to go for a nature walk with him the following evening. We both watched the sun go down, giving way to the stars to glitter like little lamps. It was a heartfelt moment; I could not help but get emotional, wetting my eyes at the thought that this moment might not be repeated on his 19th Birthday. God willing, it will happen. I shut my unwanted thoughts. I believe in miracles too.
These days I have been reflecting on eighteen years of our incredibly pious relationship. These moments are imprinted on my heart forever. We shared happiness and tears, sickness and health, joys and sorrows together, whether mine or his. He dedicated all his affection to me and vice versa. At times it seems that he is living for me, which urges me to pay my respect to my boy while he is still with me.
His homecoming
I felt the warmth of his tiny furry body in my arms on a cold January morning circa 2004. He was 40 days old, very scared & unsure; he instantly made eye contact with me and decided to trust me. I promised never to break his trust.
Sikander became very fond of his walks, where his curiosity peaked. He walked under the vigil of four to five Indian dogs; during car rides, he could stand on the window for hours at end to watch the traffic pass by and refuse to get down for the sake of one more ride while meeting people he was at his cutest behaviour, he could play with his soft toys for hours, generally a bundle of energy, he showed tremendous dislike for sweaters, rains, baths, loud sounds and food. We took yearly vacations on hills where he pranced around like a pro.
His sibling arrives
A significant turning point in Sikander’s life was when I had to adopt a beautiful Havanese baby from abusive owners. His name was Tango, and he was four years old Sikander gave him a place in his heart and home instantly. However, he decided he was the boss, and it remained this way until my baby Tango breathed his last.
Ageing with grace
Days rolled into years very quickly, and Sikander’s eyesight and hearing started failing him before I could realise his joints started giving up too. Now he is bedridden and unable to move his limbs, but his eyes still meet mine, and we still go for pram walks and car rides. We watch as many sunsets together as possible. The time spent with him is much more precious now, as none of us knows when it will end.
My Sikander is the fulcrum of my life. He is sassy and curious and has taught me many life lessons. My life with him is my pious space. He never left my side, and I will never leave his side.
Dear Sikander, I know the countdown has started for you to move on to your new journey, an era will end in my life, but the space which you and your brother Tango occupied will be kept Pious Always.
Your Loving Mummy
Rachana Shukla
Rachana Shukla, the article’s writer, is a lawyer, public speaker, counsellor and activist for women’s rights & empowerment.
