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Ruff and Kabir

By Mamta Sahni; Illustrations by Anup Singh

Ruff was everyone's favourite. Three feet tall and four feet long,sparkling eyes, moist nose, a lovely shade of brown and so cuddly. He was the loveliest German Shepherd anyone had seen.

Ruff went to the park every evening with Tanya and her Grandpa.And all the children would be waiting for him there.

"Ruff's come!" they would all shout and rush to hug and pat him. Ruff lovedthe attention he got.

Very willingly he would take toddler Kanishka on his back for a joy ride. Whenever Rahul hit a six, Ruff would be the "cricketer" to run and fetch the ball.

When Sujata's cat was lost for the umpteenth time, it was Ruff who found her stuck high up on the branch of the pipal tree.

And who can ever forget the way Ruff once chased the cow out of the park? He was the star of the neighbourhood and everyone loved him - except six-year-old Kabir.

Kabir hated dogs. He was no animal lover. His older sister Meera, was just the opposite. She would have had a dog for a pet but for Kabir.

Dogs can sense who likes them and who doesn't. Ruff knew that Kabir didn't like him and he tried hard to be friendly with him. He would run towards the boy to greet him. He would even fetch Kabir's ball from the thorny bushes, never mind the scratches. But Kabir remained unaffected. He did not like dogs.

Ruff didn't like it, but then would get busy playing with the other children.

One day, when all the children were playing at the park, the weather changed all of a sudden. The sky became dark with clouds and a strong breeze began to blow. The children began running towards their homes to escape the rain. Mothers held on to their toddlers and hurried indoors.

"Ruff let's get back home. It'll be pouring soon and we shall get soaked," said Tanya. Ruff agreed and turned back to join Tanya and Grandpa.

Meera called out for her brother. "Kabir! Kabir!"

The boy was nowhere in sight. Then Meera began to cry.

"What's up Meera?" asked Tanya.

"I can't find Kabir. He was right here playing cricket with his friends. All his friends have run home but he is missing," cried Meera.

Just then big drops of rain fell on them. Within seconds it started pouring. They all hurried to take shelter under the large tree in the park. Tears, and not raindrops, were running down Meera's face.

"Don't worry Meera. I'm sure he must be taking shelter under some tree," Grandpa comforted her. "Why don't you run home and call someone?"

The rain thickened and soon the water started pouring through the branches. Grandpa asked Tanya to take Ruff home while he waited for Meera's father to come. Just at that moment, Tanya sneezed. "There you are!" added Grandpa.