Straight away putting an end to all speculations, let me tell you that Gabbar and Baks are a happily married couple, and very very dear friends of mine.
When I first met Gabbar about 6-7 years ago, the first look at his profile made me feel he resembled the legendary actor Lt. Mr. Amjad Khan who portrayed the legendary character of "Gabbar Singh" in the legendary movie "Sholay".
Since then, he has been Gabbar for me.
And Baks is his sweet, adorable wife.
Both of them are the "proud parents of RIO" - as quotes Gabs.
Them and Me are continents apart as of now. But it really doesn't feel so. So, a few days ago, I and Gabs happened to discuss 'parenthood' (thanks to a common bachelor friend) when he said that he was good with RIO for the while. And then it all started.
I asked him how did he end up having a pet in US, when he never liked a single one back in India. And before I could charge him with hypocrisy and unleash a verbal spate on him, he said, "RIO was a valentine gift for Bakul".
This immediately made me stop doing whatever I was. And my interview began.
Excerpts have been woven into this short sweet story.
It was cold and rainy. Baks had no idea what Gabs was upto. And Gabs was out getting RIO.
He got him in a basket and as soon as he entered the house, handed him over to Baks. And, Baks started crying.
I wondered if Baks always had a pet. But I was told that she always wanted to, since childhood, but never really had any. So a street dog was the recipient of all her love and affection whom she fed and took care of.
All this was too lovey-dovey mushy mushy. It was time to get real.
"So what challenges did you face with RIO in the beginning?" I asked Gabs. And I guess this was the question he was preparing himself for. "Oh! Don't ask!" is how he started. And then came a bundle of photos about RIO chewing and wrecking all possible things one could imagine. Some of these pics have been published in the older posts. "He pooped everywhere, and chewed up whatever he could lay his paws on and teeth in - wires, furniture, accessories or training stuff we got for him. We got diapers for him, and he chewed them too!" Then Baks pitched in with more details. She told me that his favorite are socks, towels, shoes, TV Remotes, paper and so much that he can make a dash for them anytime. "We stayed up many nights in the beginning, just to take care of him" both cooed together.
RIO has grown up now and learnt to behave himself. And I wonder how both of my friends feel watching him and living with him each day. More so, because RIO is a valentine gift. His mere presence is a constant reminder of love in their lives. When I told this to Gabs, he said, laughing out loud and so matter-of-factly, "I have already told Baks that I am done for the next 10 Valentines. So now all the balls are in your court." And what does she reply, I asked him. He said, "She just smiles."
Wow.
I have had my own experience with 'Bahadur', my first pet, a boxer at my Grandma's place. So I can say that more than anything else, they must be feeling 'grateful' and 'stress-free'.
Dogs are a man's best friend. And you can believe this only with your own experience. One look into their eyes is all it takes.
Lots of love. Stay tuned for more...!!!
Them and Me are continents apart as of now. But it really doesn't feel so. So, a few days ago, I and Gabs happened to discuss 'parenthood' (thanks to a common bachelor friend) when he said that he was good with RIO for the while. And then it all started.
I asked him how did he end up having a pet in US, when he never liked a single one back in India. And before I could charge him with hypocrisy and unleash a verbal spate on him, he said, "RIO was a valentine gift for Bakul".
This immediately made me stop doing whatever I was. And my interview began.
Excerpts have been woven into this short sweet story.
It was cold and rainy. Baks had no idea what Gabs was upto. And Gabs was out getting RIO.
He got him in a basket and as soon as he entered the house, handed him over to Baks. And, Baks started crying.
I wondered if Baks always had a pet. But I was told that she always wanted to, since childhood, but never really had any. So a street dog was the recipient of all her love and affection whom she fed and took care of.
All this was too lovey-dovey mushy mushy. It was time to get real.
"So what challenges did you face with RIO in the beginning?" I asked Gabs. And I guess this was the question he was preparing himself for. "Oh! Don't ask!" is how he started. And then came a bundle of photos about RIO chewing and wrecking all possible things one could imagine. Some of these pics have been published in the older posts. "He pooped everywhere, and chewed up whatever he could lay his paws on and teeth in - wires, furniture, accessories or training stuff we got for him. We got diapers for him, and he chewed them too!" Then Baks pitched in with more details. She told me that his favorite are socks, towels, shoes, TV Remotes, paper and so much that he can make a dash for them anytime. "We stayed up many nights in the beginning, just to take care of him" both cooed together.
RIO has grown up now and learnt to behave himself. And I wonder how both of my friends feel watching him and living with him each day. More so, because RIO is a valentine gift. His mere presence is a constant reminder of love in their lives. When I told this to Gabs, he said, laughing out loud and so matter-of-factly, "I have already told Baks that I am done for the next 10 Valentines. So now all the balls are in your court." And what does she reply, I asked him. He said, "She just smiles."
Wow.
I have had my own experience with 'Bahadur', my first pet, a boxer at my Grandma's place. So I can say that more than anything else, they must be feeling 'grateful' and 'stress-free'.
Dogs are a man's best friend. And you can believe this only with your own experience. One look into their eyes is all it takes.
Lots of love. Stay tuned for more...!!!
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