In the bustling heart of Mumbai, last monsoon, I found a moment of magic amid the city’s chaos. Walking home through Bandra’s rain-dampened streets, I
In the bustling heart of Mumbai, last monsoon, I found a moment of magic amid the city’s chaos. Walking home through Bandra’s rain-dampened streets, I spotted a tiny, shivering puppy huddled near a chai stall by Carter Road. His fur was matted, his big eyes wary yet warm, and his little tail gave a timid wag when I crouched down. No collar, no tags—just a scruffy bundle of hope. In a city that never stops, I couldn’t just pass him by.
I scooped him up, naming him Jalebi for his golden, curly fur that reminded me of the sweet treat. A quick visit to a local vet confirmed he was a healthy but abandoned five-month-old stray. I put up posters around Bandra and checked with nearby NGOs, hoping to find his owner. Days passed with no leads, and Jalebi wove himself into my life. He’d curl up on my lap while I worked, his gentle snores softer than the city’s hum. His playful tugs at my dupatta had me laughing louder than the horns outside.
One sunny afternoon, I took Jalebi to Joggers’ Park. He scampered after a stray butterfly, his ears flopping with glee. A young girl, about eight, watched him, her eyes sparkling. “Is he yours?” she asked softly. Her mother shared that they’d lost their dog during the pandemic and weren’t sure about adopting again—until now. The girl, Aarohi, knelt beside Jalebi, who nuzzled her hand like they’d known each other forever. My heart stirred; Aarohi’s joy mirrored Jalebi’s spirit.
We talked, and I learned Aarohi’s family lived in Khar. They invited us over, and Jalebi pranced into their flat, chasing Aarohi’s giggles across the tiled floor. It felt like fate. After some thought, I made a bittersweet choice. Jalebi deserved a home filled with a child’s love. A week later, I handed him over, my eyes misty but my heart full as Aarohi hugged him, promising to be his “bestest friend.”
Months later, I visited. Jalebi—now a bit fluffier—bounded to me, tail wagging like a fan. Aarohi showed me his favorite squeaky toy and their balcony “adventures.” Seeing them together, I knew Jalebi had found his forever home in Mumbai’s embrace. I left smiling, grateful for the little puppy who showed me love can bloom in the busiest of cities.
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