the Thinker

Mr.Bagchi woke up early next morning and took out the Rs 8000 cheque he had prepared last night. Mrs.Bagchi did not speak about Brunno and kept mum throughout last night. This disturbed Mr.Bagchi greatly. He wanted to tell her that Brunno was not the regular kind of dirty pets she was thinking about. He was a smart canine with such brains, which will astound her. But then, he decided to keep quiet. God knows what will she associate Brunno with, if she comes to know about his extraordinary intelligence.

He knew very well that her M.A degree in literature had not been able to liberate her from the usual superstitions she had inherited from her family and the people around her. If she hears about a talking dog, she is most likely to associate it with some kind of Devil’s play; which was what Mr.Bagchi least desired at this point. She might also arrive at a conclusion that the Mr.Bagchi had finally lost his mind due to a period of inactivity and the absence of a permanent job.

Moreover, Mr.Bagchi had his doubts about Brunno’s talking powers and his own cerebral capabilities. In the shop, only he could hear what Brunno said. He did not see the shopkeeper responding to Brunno’s muffled protests on being called ‘Moti.’

He wondered whether he was the only one who could hear Brunno. If yes, then could he hear other animals as well? He was not sure. He did not remember any other animal in the shop, which managed to attract his attention the manner in which Brunno did.

As all these thoughts gathered together in his mind, his head felt slightly dizzy.

“I need some fresh air. And I will bring Brunno home, no matter what,” Mr.Bagchi resolved.

He hustled the cheque in his pocket and quietly made his way out of the house.

***

The shopkeeper beamed at the sight of Mr.Bagchi.

“Welcome back, sir. I have kept Moti ready for you. I will get him in a second,” said the shopkeeper and went inside the dog compartment. Mr.Bagchi stood there waiting. After around 5 min, the shopkeeper returned with Brunno. For some reason Brunno appeared to be in an irritable mood. Mr.Bagchi noticed a blue bow around Brunno’s neck and understood.

“Here we are, sir,” said the shopkeeper, “your dog is all set and groomed to go with you.”

“Yes, thank you, here is your cheque,” said Mr.Bagchi.

The shopkeeper accepted the cheque gratefully and started to say something. But Mr.Bagchi interrupted, “Could you please remove that bow from his neck?”

The shopkeeper looked at Brunno for a moment and then looked at Mr.Bagchi again. “Yes sir, of course,” said the shopkeeper and removed the bow from Brunno’s neck. He then asked Mr.Bagchi whether he would prefer a dog collar or not. Mr.Bagchi looked at Brunno again and said that it will not be necessary. Every time Mr.Bagchi looked at Brunno, the shopkeeper’s gaze also turned towards the Labrador pup. At times he wondered whether Mr.Bagchi was consulting his pet about the dog collar. Little did he know, he was so right in thinking so. After all the formalities were over, Mr. Bagchi and Brunno walked out of the shop. Brunno looked up admiringly at his new owner and said in a dignified manner, “thank you.”

“What for?” asked Mr.Bagchi.

“For not putting a silly bow or a dog collar around my neck. Its good to know that you respect my sense of freedom,” replied Brunno.

“Oh, that was nothing, Brunno. For someone like you, anyone would have done so,” said Mr.Bagchi as he looked down and smiled at his new pet.

As they walked towards home, a fear that had dissipated on seeing Brunno for a few minutes, took hold of Mr.Bagchi in full force. He did not need to guess how Mrs.Bagchi would react on seeing Brunno. He feared that her temper, which was veiled by her silence last night; would show its most ugly form when Brunno comes in front of her.

Moreover, he wondered how would Brunno react to Mrs.Bagchi’s dislike for him. He looked at Brunno and said hesitantly, “Err..Brunno, there was a little thing I wanted to tell you.”

Brunno looked up at Mr.Bagchi and said,“Yes, master?”

“There is thing I wanted to inform you about my wife. She, she kind of…she does not prefer having pets at home. You see, she thinks pet creatures are responsible for spreading filth and dirt around the household,” Mr.Bagchi then paused and looked at Brunno. He was listening intently and with a certain calm, which Mr.Bagchi could not interpret. After a minute of pause, Brunno asked, “Did you inform her that you got me?”

“Yes, I did so last night. But you see, she did not take the news of your arrival in good spirits. I obviously tried to tell her about your cleanliness habits and concern about personal hygiene, but…,” Mr.Bagchi wondered what Brunno must be thinking.

However, much to his surprise, the dog calmly said, “Lets get to home first, shall we?”

There was no anger, frustration or even sadness in Brunno voice. Infact, it sounded as confident as ever.

When they reached home, Mr.Bagchi found that the front door was ajar. Debashish was in the lawn, thinking something; God only knew what. When he saw Mr.Bagchi arriving with Brunno by his side, he had a strange look on his face.

Mr.Bagchi and Brunno moved closer to Debu.

“Good morning, Debashish. You are up early I see. Here, meet Brunno-the new member of our family,” said Mr.Bagchi in a pleasant tone. Apparently, he was enjoying the confounded look on Debu’s face.
Debu smiled uncomfortably as he looked at Brunno.

“Err…hi Brunno, how are you boy?” said Debu as he tried to pat Brunno’s head. Brunno barked softly and Debu withdrew his hand almost immediately.

Mr.Bagchi appeared amused at the fearful expression on Debu’s face. He was about to laugh but managed to conceal it somehow. Debu looked at Brunno again and felt that the dog is watching him intently.

Debu managed to put up a silly grin on his face and said, “nice dog…uncle.”

“Thanks Debu,” said Mr.Bagchi and asked, “err…where is your aunt?”

“She’s inside, in the kitchen,” answered Debu, still eyeing Brunno nervously who was looking at the former just as intently.

As they walked into the house, they saw Mrs.Bagchi standing sitting on the sofa, wiping the sweat on her face. She had just finished wiping her face clean when her eyes fell on her husband and the brownish golden creature standing next to him.

“Hello dear,” said Mr.Bagchi uncomfortably. “Err…this is Brunno.”

Mrs.Bagchi looked away without responding and quickly took up a magazine. In the process, she managed to drop the newspaper that was lying right under the magazine on the table.

She was about to pick it up but then, she noticed something and pulled herself back. The dog walked quietly towards her, looked down at the magazine and picked it up in his mouth. He then moved closer to her and forwarded the newspaper to her. Mrs.Bagchi appeared amazed and hesitant at the same time. She took the paper from Brunno and looked at Brunno and then, at her husband.

With a perplexed look on her face, Mrs.Bagchi stood up and walked back to the kitchen.

Mr.Bagchi smiled at his pet and said, “Well done Brunno. That will do.”

The next few days were tough for Mr.Bagchi and Brunno. Though Mrs.Bagchi could not deny that Brunno’s manners were quite impressive and that she had not seen such a well-behaved animal before this; she somehow could not still accept Brunno’s presence around the house.

Mr.Bagchi was failing to understand why his wife was behaving in this fashion. He had seen her forgive and forget graver matters in the past and now, she was making such a fuss over an innocent little pet dog.

Moreover, Brunno was not just some stray and naughty dog or any ordinary animal. It was only Mr.Bagchi who knew about Brunno’s extraordinariness and he chose not to tell Mrs.Bagchi about it for the time being. But he simply failed to see why Mrs.Bagchi could not appreciate the fact that Brunno was exceptionally cleanliness conscious and that he was not a mischief-maker.

Brunno, on the other hand, chose to keep his calm and Mr.Bagchi was proud to see how patient his pet was.

Meanwhile, it was Debu who appeared the most anxious of the lot. Mr.Bagchi and Brunno, both did not fail to notice that Debu maintained a safe distance from Brunno. Though Mr.Bagchi was still not comfortable with the idea of Debu persistent fixture in his house but his inexplicable resistance towards Brunno did not make matters easier between Mr.Bagchi and his wife.

Even though Brunno maintained his best manners all the time (and even Mrs.Bagchi could not deny the fact that her husband’s taste as far as pets were concerned, was truly commendable); Debu’s reaction to Brunno was a reason enough for Mrs.Bagchi to show a cold shoulder to her husband and Brunno.

Meanwhile, in spite of the cautious distance Debu maintained from Brunno, Brunno observed him with a certain amount of interest. Mr.Bagchi had noticed this but he could not make out whether Brunno was amused to see Debu so very jumpy due to his (Brunno’s) presence or he had a different reason for this interest.

One morning, when Mr.Bagchi and Brunno went together for a walk in the nearby children’s park, he made it a point to discuss Debu’s issue with Brunno.

“Brunno, what’s your opinion regarding Debu?”

“Debu? You mean your nephew?” asked Brunno.

“Precisely,” replied Mr.Bagchi.

“I don’t think he likes me much,” said Brunno, in a calm and composed tone.

“That is all?” asked Mr.Bagchi.

“Well, is he allergic to dogs?” inquired Brunno.

“Not allergic actually, as in he does not start to sneeze or cough on seeing dogs. I guess it is more of a phobia. You see, a dog bit him when he was 10 years old. It bit his leg. You can still see the scars on his left ankle,” said Mr.Bagchi.

“Oh! That explains to an extent,” said Brunno.

“Actually, if you ask me, it was not the dog’s fault either. Debu brought it upon himself. He threw pebbles at the poor beast and its pups,” said Mr.Bagchi.

“Oh! I see. Quite impish as a child, was he?” asked Brunno.

“Yes, in fact even now his mother, i.e, my sister worries about him constantly. She called me up a few weeks back and sounded quite concerned about Debu. It appears that the boy is not following any constructive path as far as his future prospects are concerned,” said Mr.Bagchi.

“Hmm…is it bad company or something?” asked Brunno.

“I don’t know for sure. My sister did not reveal any significant details except for the fact that he is planning to do some business of his own,” replied Mr.Bagchi.

“That’s not bad. Doesn’t it show that the chap is realising his responsibilities?” asked Brunno.

“I don’t know for sure Brunno. You see, Debu has not been exactly a generous being since childhood. I still remember how he would create ruckus if the same coloured shirts were bought for both him and his elder brother, for Durga Puja. His choices were typically expensive and flashy and if my sister and her husband refused to fulfill his desire, he would scream and stamp his feet until he had his way. True, he appears to be quieter now, but his nature is essentially the same,” said Mr.Bagchi.

“Quite interesting. He is at your home to spend a vacation I suppose?” asked Brunno.

“That’s what, I still don’t know,…” said Mr.Bagchi.

“I have a feeling at the back of my mind and its kind of getting stronger each passing day,” said Brunno in a serious tone.

“What feeling Brunno?” asked Mr.Bagchi, sounding slightly bothered.

“You will know master, all in good time..,” replied Brunno.

To be contd….

my goodness. for first time some one had held me on her page for such a long blog.. my good ness.. i am spell bound. more than the story or what ever you have in your mind the crux or the outline to take the story.. what interests me more than the story is the way you narrate it. amazng amirta. I am not surprised to find such a author from the literate land of bengal. the most literate and knowledge peoplw with literature, art and skill go in their blood. who ever debates me about this - this is my view and will nto change.

amazing amazing. i wish - i could find one of yoru book soon in stores

reg my scribbling no unison or diving thing yar.. just a word that struck me while in sleep. As usual a porn dream for a young guy at night - and gave a decent words to sound it dignified. thatz all. sorry if this real reason brings you a shrink in eyes.  

_____________________

Hey,

Hope u get whole lots of gifts for coming puja & u dont hv to spend a single penny for that!!

Prosoon Joshi......c'mon, still I'm preparing myself. There is huge area to improve.Most importantly I dont consider myself as a songwriter too much. I consider myself as a composer most.

Btw, r we watching someone as an upcoming friction writer..

Cheers..
Roy  

_____________________

hi roy,

thanks for all those kind wishes and wish u the same...no, no, i am serious...u have talent with which time will surely shine...may ur career prosper immensely as a composer and all the best for the same...
well, friction writer-i think u meant fiction writer-right?  

_____________________

hi known stranger...thanks for all those compliments and i must say i do feel slightly flattered...but on the whole, no, i dont have any extraordinary literary talent or skill as u have so kindly mentioned...these ar reflections of ideas that originated in my mind..i am glad u liked it so much...about that dream u had...uhum! i dont have any words  

_____________________

Amrita..

Oh my God, I write it as a FRICTION..ohmygod!! sorry, sorry....yeah, so are we watching someone as an upcoming fiction author coz ur style of story telling gives that hints..

Thanx for ur best wishes AGAIN..
all d best for u also....
Roy  

_____________________

came here to read part V. and hey.. many a times i speak on subjects that make many feel ackward.  

_____________________

Amrita...

I think ur birthday is around... i think so!! Hey, r u fearing of giving party, hope not.. so HAPPY BIRTHDAY [belated/in advance]....

Those down days
When you felt so small
And everything seemed

You saw the people
Around You
Getting old

You wake up
The teenage yearn is
Gone for you

It happens to others
It happens all the time
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday Amrita
Happy birthday to you

The candles on the cake
Waiting to be blown
Wish I was
An other.....


For the gift watch this video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj6cbM-h8xg


Happy Birthday..
Roy  

_____________________

how long do you want us to long for the part V of the story

vaishnav.  

_____________________

hello amrita.To know about you i have to travell a lot.From Aug2006-feb2005 for ur post ;)

Nice blog and we both share same thoughts.This blogging made me to reveal my thoughts and my feelings


Check out my blogs  

_____________________

Dear Amrita,
How are you doing? I am fine here...this post is still continuing the same way...You have also been quite quick in typing it out/ or did not proofread it...
Yours is the blog I am visiting after almost a month..and still I am not getting back to blogging...

so your birthday is near/ has passed is it?
belated/advance happy birthday to you...

keep writing...you can certainly complete this story in style

take care

Best Wishes

SARVAM SRIKRISHNAARPANAMASTHU!  

_____________________

part 5 ???  

_____________________

Oh, but that was good.  

_____________________

I'm back - but you're not around. I hope you'd return soon Amrita :)  

_____________________

Hellllooo....

Finally... I found time to visit 'The Thinker' and also to comment on part iv.
(Actually, it's 3:45 am in my watch... I am just back from work and thot that I really have to catch up on things long pending... ;) )

Do I still have to stay that this is an amazing continuation to Part Three?
Just in case... Wow... The continuity & the thrill in the story are building up in every part you write.
Take my word, talk to any publisher and launch 'Finding Bruno' as a book. I promise, 'The Thinker' will be an instant hit.

As for 'A series of misfortunate events', I still haven't watched it as the time it is usually coincides with the time I will be banging my head on CPU for figuring out logics to make my programs work.. :(

Amrita, seems like you too have celebrated your Birthday recently. Hope you had a wonderful day.
It will be good to see ya back soon...

Eagerly awaitin' your return...  

_____________________

hello amrita again here..to see ur back or not..but ur not .ok will wait.

Vikas  

_____________________

Whatever happenned to your crisp little stories? You seem to be writing more loooooooong ones. 5+ part stories??? Hmm. It was good though.  

_____________________

Quite a delightful read... Been a while since i came here. Sorry. Extremely belated wishes for a happy Durga Puja. Hope everything is good at your end. Coincidently, I was in love with my aunt's dog called Bruno... Lots of memories rolled in! :-)  

_____________________

Hellooooo. Where are you? Any idea of finishing the story?????  

_____________________

You there???  

_____________________

what's going on and why are you not writing?  

_____________________

Post a Comment