Bow Wow

It started when I was 5 years old. Outside a huge bungalow with a sprawling garden. Like those built by the Britishers. Government servants were allocated such houses in those times. Dont get misled into thinking of me as an old man. 'Those times' just means a couple of decades back. A little more, perhaps.

It was a small town. Since my father was with the state government we would socialise with the District Collector, Commissioners and the likes. While dad and us would attend dinners and cocktails whether on Christmas or Diwali, mom would keep herself busy with badminton, kitties and high teas. We as kids would tag along with either for most of the outings. It was one such day when I was going to Collector Aunty's (Collector's wife, that's that we called her) house to play with her kids. Collector aunty had pets. Tiger, deer, lion. Stuffed. And one white Pomeranian.  Real.

I was not particularly fond of pets. Stuffed or real. Although we have had dogs of all breeds. Well, almost. An Alsatian a Great Dane and a couple of others, mixed breed. They were all called Raja. But I was never the one cuddling them. Lets face it - I was scared. I still am.

So, the white Pomeranian sensed it. In less than a minute and an exchange of a few glances the devil sniffed me out and chased me around the garden. I don't remember running that fast ever after that. Not even in my school sports events.

I ran to save my life. He wanted to play with me, I am told.

So the white thing ran after me. I somehow managed to reach home. Collector Aunty's poor son would have been waiting for me to play a game of Ludo or something. Sorry bud.

Things haven't changed since then. Dogs of all ages, all breeds whether a stray or a big fat bitch being walked by her hoity toity master; they all want to 'play' with me. Sure.

I cant get myself to liking them, not that i dislike or detest them. They are just not in my scheme of things. You know what I mean?

I'd rather spend time playing a video game. With dogs in it perhaps. Where I chase them. Scare them. Sigh.

The reason why I posted this now. I don't know. But scared I am.