The Adoption

By Umara Shaikh

23rd December, it was my birthday! I still remember the mixed feeling of not willing to come out of the warmth of the blanket and the excitement of getting ready for my birthday. It was 6 am in the morning, my alarm continuously shouting on me to get up. I am well aware of the satisfaction of living an independent life, earning for myself and managing the complete house but the winds of loneliness that slaps me every now and then shatters this complete aura.

Nope, if you are thinking, I chose this life for myself, then hold on, destiny chose this life for me. As much as my memory allows me to keep, I only remember being around kids my age, older and younger. 

But now, on my 22nd birthday, I decided to put an end to this miserable loneliness and adopt; either a kid or an adult. All excited I headed towards the adoption center, neatly dressed, in the best of my presentation and mannerism as I didn’t want to abduct someone, I wanted them to choose me! The 15 min drive felt like 15 years, scenarios building up in my head, a happy nervousness flowing into my bloodline and a bit of sweaty anxiety. Sudden brakes and the accompanied sound disturbed my hairstyle and the chain of thoughts, I was successful in restoring my chain of thoughts….my hair…ummm…let’s just not talk about it now.

I paid the fare and entered the gate along with my shivering legs, forcefully tucked in hair strands and a bright nervous smile! The glimpses of the scenes my eyes caught of kids playing around and responsible adults keeping a watch on them, ignited in me an urge to get adopted by this center rather than adopting someone. Chaining my selfish thoughts, I headed towards the office of the caretaker of the center, Misses Raisoni. 

Oh! did I forget to introduce myself. I am Vrusha, having degree in business studies and a well paying job after being the University topper. So here I am to use my earnings wisely, enough for a family of two! 

“Hello Vrusha, feel free to look around and try to build a bond. Then we can proceed with the registration process!”

“Sure Mrs. Raisoni, I am not a picky person. Will be back soon with the match!”

I started looking around, played with the kids and spent time with the adults and I was about to pick little Richa but then my eyes fell on a sad face, sitting beneath the tree all alone and weak. Being an impatient and utterly curious person I went to Mrs. Raisoni to enquire.

“Sorry to bother you but can you come along for a while?”

“Oh sure Vrusha, let's go!”

We headed towards the garden area and I pointed towards her and asked Mrs. Raisoni who that is and suddenly the expressions changed, Mrs. Raisoni gave a very sympathetic look and continued,

“That's Eliza, she belonged to a well-to-do family but due to her health issues they abandoned her and went abroad and left her here!”

“How can someone be so cruel and stone hearted!?”

“She was growing old and they considered her nothing more than a burden. Being the caretaker here I have seen the emptiness in her eyes and the urge to be with someone she can term as family!”

“I have decided, I will adopt her. Though she has grown a bit old but I will try my best to take care of her, I promise.”

“I trust you girl, come on in, let's finish the paper work and you can take her home!”

With complete excitement and joy, I finished the documentation in utmost hurry and ran towards her. She seemed uninterested at first but after I convinced her and made her feel safe she agreed to come with me. If only my hair weren't disturbed by the brakes, I would have appeared a more decent girl to her. Anyways this behaviour at her age, undergoing those circumstances, is very common.

I carefully guided her to the cab and we headed towards our home. I was talking continuously in the cab while she was completely silent but her eyes they were speaking a lot. After a point of time I decided to let her enjoy the ride and stay mum. We reached home and I opened my arms towards her and she immediately crawled towards me. I lifted her up and carefully took her home. I gave her a bowl of milk while I saw her slurping on it. 

Though she didn't have a very long life left, but I wanted to make it better for her. Even these voiceless creatures need love and care. After drinking the milk, she kinda got comfortable and jumped and meowed around in the house, exploring for her a perfect spot. She marked her territory under the dining table and went to take a nap there.

It was this day I realized that animals can be better companions than humans if you guarantee safety, love and care to them! What do you think?

By Umara Shaikh