May 1, 2021. An Unusual Friend.
Bypu
Bypu isn’t my pet dog. But he sure is a friend. My college friends and I call him a lifesaver for he saved us from several depressing days back in 2018.
Bypu is an Indian Mutt who roams the corners of Deonar Farm Road in Mumbai – the street I once called home. Back then I was a Master’s student. It is common knowledge that the life of a University student is not easy. Amidst all the chaos of eight hours long classes, post-class study, assignments, deadlines, terribly hectic schedules, and the fight to score adequate credits, it felt like we were on the brink of insanity. Breakdowns were commonplace. Many of us fell into the clutches of anxiety, stress, and depression. I did too. And many a day, everything seemed bleak.
But then as I walked home every evening, a familiar bark, the sound of trotting paws, and a pair of big beautiful brown eyes would greet me halfway. And no matter how low I would be feeling, meeting Bypu would always lift my spirits. The journey home would be incomplete without him coming by for his daily dose of petting.
Bypu is the sweetest, neediest, most adorable little boy you would ever meet. He is also the ditsiest dog with the attention span of a fruit fly.
He had this habit – one moment he would be at our feet begging for cuddles and the next, he would be off at lightning speed chasing after a rat. You couldn’t pet other dogs in front of Bypu. He’d whine and bite, and throw a tantrum. What sort of a day we were having was irrelevant to him when it came to begging for attention. And that is, perhaps, what I loved the most about Bypu. He was a reminder of the existence of simple happiness on extremely hard days. A promise of non-judgemental, pure, and easy love – the kind that doesn’t expect a payback. After college got over and it was time to part ways with Mumbai, the hardest goodbye was the one I said to this guy.
Bypu has been a part of the finer moments of our lives during those two years of University.
Deonar Farm Road is a silent little street, perched on a hill in the midst of bustling Mumbai. It is covered with a lush canopy of trees and is well lit, making it perfect for peaceful night walks. A rare occurrence in the city. There are so many memories associated with that street that it deserves a post of its own. This street became the usual address for the camaraderie of us friends. Late-night celebrations of birthdays, lovers’ rendezvous, sneaking out for smokes, drunk walks, conversations both frivolous and meaningful – it all happened on Deonar Farm Road. And each of these moments, we shared with Bypu for he was there for it all. He has been a part of every laugh, every tear, every gossip, every walk that happened on that road.
This picture is from March 2021. I revisited Mumbai for work and was reunited with old friends and memories. I would not let the trip end without meeting Bypu.
A few days before my journey I had a dream where Bypu had died. Thus, I was desperate almost to see him. I undertook a long journey across Mumbai to my old home and there he was. In deep, peaceful slumber. I saw him and felt reassured that he was okay. And it was only when my glasses fogged up did I realize that I was crying.
Beautiful and articulate. Loved reading it.
I had similar experiences with Bypu (didn't know he was called that). As you know, I used to walk from woodlands to campus every night and I used to find an inexplicable comfort and safety in walking through his territory. He used to come running towards me, I would pet him and then we would walk together until the turn where he would go back. So many times, I used to sit in front of those closed shops and smoke, while watching Bypu chasing something I couldn't even see in the darkness and feeling instantly better when he would give me the attention and demand mine in return. Deonar Farm road has memories and stories every square inch and Bypu is a part of most.
Resonates in me. I grew up with street dogs and pups following me all over our neighborhood... And now I am rediscovering how dogs love and adore you 20 times more than the attention they get from you... Ar bhishon bokuni kheyeo 2 min er modhye abar ador korte / ador khete ashe, never sulking, never bearing a grudge!