Our houses in Agartala were surrounded by huge yards, conducive to raising animals and other farm like things. To this end we decided to adopt and raise chickens. We brought them home as chicks and as they grew, built a coop for them so that they could live in peace. Every evening our ‘man Friday’ would let them out for a walk around the yard and shut them back in. Once Lyka grew more familiar with the landscape she took upon herself to give the chickens exercise, lest they get fat and lazy. Lyka would charge at the birds at full speed, her tail waving madly, and a mischievous glint in her eye. You knew the chase was on when you heard terrified squawks emanating from outside the house. After several months of this chasing routine, one day Lyka finally managed to corner one of the birds near our compound wall. Now you must understand the bird imagined that this was the end, time to meet its maker. It had its head bowed, waiting for the inevitable. Lyka, whose DNA didn’t possess the genetic code for killing, was completely surprised at this turn of events. I don’t think she ever expected to catch one of the chickens, much less want to harm it. It was all about the chase for her. After standing there a while, looking a little puzzled, she sniffed at the chicken, gave it a lick and sauntered away, as if to say “what’s the fun if you’re going to stop running? Boring bird.” The chicken in the meantime must have died a thousand deaths and I’m sure was wobbly legged for days after this incident.
1 comment:
Such a sweet story! Our little Pritilata loves to chase the squirrils and rabbits in our yard. I imagine that she would also be equally puzzled if she were to "catch" one!
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