As sweet as Candy

Its a scene straight out of an 80s Bollywood flick. I sit outside the operation theater, with bated breath... waiting for the doctor to come out to announce his verdict after the operation. My palms are moist and any attempt to wipe perspiration off my forehead is in vain. Its a hot and humid day and my fatigued mind drifts into thought.

She wakes up everyday before the clock has a chance to strike 7. I dont think she can stand me sleeping any longer than sunrise. She demands attention every moment, and she gets it. If not, she will do the silliest things to be noticed. Her hair feels like velvet and she responds to my every touch, purring like a cat. She wants to play around, but I have to attend to some obligations.

She hates me leaving home, even if it is a small errand I'm running. Sometimes, its almost like she doesn't comprehend what I say. And each time I get back home, she greets me like I've been gone a hundred years. That feeling is very special. No matter how my day has been, its her overwhelming affection that lightens up my day.

Back at the hospital, the doctor emerges from the operation theater. His white overcoat is stained with drops of blood. I instinctively dash towards him, fearing the worst. My expression must've conveyed my apprehensions, and the doctor assures me of her health. She's been through a major surgery and its not everyday that a 6 inch steel rod is needed to support a broken thigh bone.

Its a miracle she survived the fall from the roof of our two storied house. The very thought sends a shiver down my spine. I look at her as she's lying still. It will be a couple of hours before the anesthesia wears off and she realizes she's bedridden for the next month or two.

Its hard to control her enthusiasm and excitement. It is the same energy that drove her into chasing pigeons off our roof. She slipped over the parapet wall and fell on to the cold concrete forty feet below.

Cant wait to see her get back to her old bubbly self. She is one tough Labrador.