By Savitri Narayanan
“This place is so different from our Goa,” said Bridgette as she sipped the tea, “Hills and valleys and trees!”
They were back after the day’s looking around the art centres, exhibitions and other tourist attractions.
They were relaxing in the front yard of their rented room. Bravo, their pet dog too curled up at Albert’s feet.
“Some more tea, sir?” the young man, the cook’s help, came out of the kitchen with his warm smile.
“No, thank you,” said Papa, “The tea was lovely, sweet and strong!”
“Some more pakoras, maybe?” the young man lingered.
“They’ve come all the way from Goa,” Mr Palekar called out from across the lawn, “Make sure they’re comfortable, want no complaints!”
“No worries uncle, we’re really having a good time here,” said Albert.
“The food here is delicious,” Katie supported her husband. Bravo wagged his tail in agreement.
The couple from Goa had come down with their parents, sister and brother-in-law on a holiday to Pune. They were put up in a cottage. The Palekars, a senior couple who had rented out the southern part for visitors, were good company.
“Uncleji, we’re making plans for tomorrow”, said Albert. “Please join us.”
As Palekar pulled up a chair and sat down, Bravo wagged his tail and settled close to his feet.
“Clever dog you are,” said Palekar patting his back. Obviously, Bravo enjoyed the pampering and cuddled closer.
“Uncle, someone told us about some place on the upper road from where one gets a beautiful view of the sunrise,” said Albert.
“Oh! That must be the Rolling Top, quite a few people go there.”
“It seems that there we can stand on the hilltop and look down to see the sunrise.”
“But to reach there you’ll have to start real early, before five o’ clock.”
“So what. I’m a morning bird, up so early every day.”
“Me too. Let’s go.”
“Bridgette and Peter, will you please go with papa and mom,” said Albert, “I don’t want to get up so early, that too on a holiday.”
“Nor am I going,” said Katie, “I’ll snooze through till the sun is up in the sky.”
Accordingly, early next morning, they headed for the hilltop. Papa and mom had got up early and got ready ahead of time. Bridgette too had set her alarm and was at the yard in time.
“Let’s go,” said Peter opening the car doors and ushering them in. “No point in going all the way and missing the sunrise.”
Bravo was out too, wagging his tail, eager to go along.
“Come along Bravo, you’re our bodyguard,” said Peter as he opened the passenger door. Bravo jumped in and Peter took to the wheel.
***
The morning breeze was fresh and cool.
“I’m switching off the AC,” said Peter. “Have your fill of the cool mountain air!”
“It’s cold,” said Bridgette rolling up the windows.
“It’s cold for me too,” said Peter as he rolled up the driver’s seat window too.
Bravo settled happily in the front passenger seat. The window was half-open. There he sat facing the road, ears popped up attentively, eyes surveying the hilltop in great detail.
“Have no heart to close his window,” thought Peter as he looked indulgently at Bravo. He rolled up his own window and continued to drive.
As they drove on uphill, the eastern sky gradually brightened. The sun rose higher, the sky turned golden pink and the birds joined in a welcome song.
What happened next at Rolling Top was unplanned, unexpected! In the deserted road with hardly any other vehicle in view, how could it happen! The visibility was good, the road was rather straight, they were driving at a slow speed, there was absolutely no distractions yet it happened!
Another car came from somewhere and bashed into their car. It sounded like an explosion!
Trapped in the car, Bravo looked around.
‘What’s happening? Why is everybody quiet? Why are their eyes closed? What to do?’, thought Bravo.
He barked, again a little louder, no response! With his paws he nudged Peter to no response!
The thought crossed Bravo’s mind, ‘Could they all be dead? Who’s there to help?’
‘Time for action,’ he told himself. ‘Albert and Katie must be waiting!’
With great difficulty, through the half-open window, Bravo squeezed himself out and took to the road. With his canine instinct Bravo raced down the road back to the homestay.
Albert and Katie were out in the yard of the cottage with tea in their hand, browsing through the newspaper.
Palekar uncle was watering the garden.
Bravo barked fiercely urging them to get up and get going!
“What’s the matter, Bravo?” Albert was puzzled, “How come you’re here? How did you come?”
“Where’re the others? Where’s the car?” Katie put down her tea and got up.
Bravo tugged at her clothes, urging her to follow him.
“They must be at the Rolling Top,” said Palekar uncle, “Let’s go!”
The few kilometres that Bravo had run were covered much faster with Palekar uncle at the wheel.
A stranger with his dog too had stopped by where the cars had collided.
With great difficulty they opened the car doors and got them out. Papa, mummy and Bridget slowly came out of their shock and opened their eyes.
Back at the homestay, their staff and neighbours had assembled. Over breakfast, the D’Souzas narrated whatever they could remember about their miraculous escape.
“Bravo is the hero! The hero who ran miles to rescue them,” said the cook placing a large tray of food in front of Bravo.
“Cheers to Bravo!” Katie said, “We’ll throw a party this evening in his honour!”
Albert agreed, “Bravo’s loyalty and presence of mind saved our day!”
(Savitri Narayanan is retired educationist at present in Goa. A mother and grandmother loves reading, writing, and travelling.)
