Wednesday, March 13, 2019

3.5

Sharey Teen and I had a tradition of sorts. Whenever he would lumber up the steps of World View and settle down for a little rest, I would get him a glass of water.

On hot days he would be panting and would lap up the water right away and I would refill his glass. But no matter what the season or time of day, I would always scavenge for a large paper cup (the kind Milon-da sold ice tea in), so that his snout would fit comfortably and he could drink the whole glass, wash it and fill it up for Sharey Teen.

I fed him sometimes, but there were plenty of other people to feed him and pet him. Getting him a drink was my responsibility. When the sun was scorching, I would pat his thick fur down with some water too, to help him cool off.

Largely, he was a very self sufficient dog. He would go sit in the shallows of the jheel on summer days, and he could easily find some water to drink from the many dripping taps on campus. But he always seemed grateful for the cup I put in front of him.

When I graduated, I remember telling a few of my juniors to give Sharey Teen his water when he showed up. I have a feeling they did.

He was extremely well loved by most people at the University. Wherever he went, people greeted him, and gave him pets and biscuits. He seemed to assert his benevolent authority by spending some time in different parts of the campus, gracing different groups of people with his serene presence. But his kindgdom extended beyond the campus walls. He roamed from 8B to Thana at will, and somebody once reported seeing him devouring biriyani given to him by a shop owner on a paper plate.

What a majestic bastard he was.

No comments: