When you take a stroll through this village, you see plenty of plantain, tapioca and pineapple farms, some paddy fields, and expansive lands canopied under tall rubber trees. Nestled in the midst of these farms are houses where the farm owners and their families reside. However, as Ambalur is far from the main town, it often witnesses petty crimes, like robbery. So, Mariamma, a farm owner who had recently moved to Ambalur, decided to raise a dog for security.
This is how Pathrose came to live in Mariamma's house. When he first arrived, he was just a puppy living in a small cage. Pathrose grew up playing with Mariamma, the kids and the grandparents.
From the start, Pathrose formed a special bond with Mariamma's son, Unni. Unni adored animals and always treated Pathrose with gentleness. He played with the puppy daily, took him on walks and taught him little tricks. Pathrose loved Unni's company and followed him everywhere.
However, to everyone else, Pathrose was different from the other dogs. Unfortunately, he was what they always described as a 'coward'. He was scared of almost everything rustling leaves, chameleons peeking out of bushes, and even accompanying Mariamma to those farms that were far from home. But Unni never made fun of Pathrose. While the other family members, neighbours, and even Kiko the cat often teased Pathrose, Unni always defended him.
"Pathrose is just special," Unni would say. "He might be scared now, but he'll find his courage someday."
This story is from the September First 2024 edition of Champak.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September First 2024 edition of Champak.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
FINDERS, KEEPERS
Raji came out of her cool, thatched roof hut. The rough, sun-baked ground scorched her little feet. She looked up at the sun - it was still not very high in the sky. Judging by its position, Raji guessed it was around ten o'clock...
A Dog Named DOT
Dogs like Dot are found a dime a dozen on Chennai streets. Diya could never understand why that one particular dog who was just like any other brown and white dog, chose to pull at her heartstrings...
THE SCHOOL CONSTITUTION
10-year-old Mayank had just opened his tiffin box to eat when the aroma of his food spread through the class...
TARUN'S TALE
\"Stories should be like a breath of fresh air. They should give strength to our souls,\" Tarun's grandmother told him...
The Forest Lesson
Once upon a time, in a deep, green forest humming with life, there lived a fox named Foxy. Foxy was known for his sharp mind and charm, yet he often exaggerated his adventures. His best friends were Sandy sparrow, Rosy rabbit and Timmy turtle...
The Story of a Visionary
A few years after India's independence, the country's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, fondly known as 'Chacha Nehru,' visited a small village...
Poppy and Karan's Masterchef Mummy
\"What have you made this time, Mummy?\"...
The Mighty Mouse
Ricky mouse emerged from his hole and set off for some work. Katie cat spotted him and dashed to catch him.
Halloween Costume Party
Nandu was the first one to reach Soham's house for the Halloween party.
A FAIR EX CHANGE
Mani heard Thatha arguing with his friend as he entered the hall.