The Evening We Chased the Rainbow

The morning light filtered through the windows of the 'B' type bungalow, but today the house felt quiet. There were no muddy paw prints on the floor, no tail wagging at the door.

Raghav looked up from his colouring book. "Mamma, where is Tibby?" Hari, nibbling on the cookies, echoed, "Tibby? Cycle?" Radha sat on the floor with them, so that she was at fair level with them. She pulled both her sons on her lap. "Son, I need to tell you something about Tibby. Raghav frowned, "Is he hurt?" "Yes, my love, Tibby was very brave last evening; he was protecting us."

The year was 2001, when 4-year-old Raghav would lead on his little cycle, fearless and fast. His little brother Hari, two years old, would wobble behind him, determined to keep up. Behind them walked their mother, chatting with her friend, Kamla, their laughter floating between the endless rows of verdant tea bushes of Naya Kamaan Division. And right behind them was Tibby, their canine companion. Tail wagging, eyes bright, he herded the boys like he owned the garden paths. Tibby loved the evening walks. He loved getting treats at ITP Managers' bungalow from Kamla aunty, and he would completely surrender himself as Kamla aunty scratched behind his ears.

The boys with their companions - paws and wheels

That August evening was especially beautiful. The rain had just stopped, and the smell of wet earth and tea leaves lingered in the air. A rainbow arched across the Zurantee and Nagaisuree hills, painting promises over Aibheel Tea Garden. Everything looked lovely, and it seemed like their usual evening until it was entirely different.

A yelp cut through the evening. From the hush of the tea bushes, a mother leopard emerged — silent, quick. In one motion, she clamped Tibby by the scruff and vanished back into the dense thicket of bushes. The leaves closed behind her like a secret. Radha spun around, heart in her throat.

Madhoo, the bungalow bearer, was cycling back home when he saw his memsaab standing frozen. He halted, listened and without a word, vaulted the fence. Stones in hand, he began hurling them into the bushes. The only answer was a low, guttural growl. Kamla held Radha back, arms tight. "Please, Radha... Think of the boys," she whispered. "Don't go in."

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And then they heard some rustling. Lo and behold, they saw Tibby limping out of the bushes. He was bleeding but walked straight to them. Radha dropped to her knees and pulled Tibby in, his fur warm and wet. "Madhoo, rush to the factory and get saab," she said, her voice steady now.

Their bungalow was just about half a km away from the spot. Vinod, her husband, the kal saab, arrived in about 20 minutes. They gave Tibby quick first aid on the bungalow verandah, and then drove to the veterinarian in Malbazar, Tibby wrapped in Radha's arms all the way. The vet worked for about an hour to stop the bleeding and address the injuries. Meanwhile, back at the bungalow, Marita the maid took care of the boys, answering their questions, "Where is Mamma? When will they come?" "Eat your soup, baba, Mamma jaldi aa jayega," the maid coaxed the boys.

Vinod and Radha returned home with Tibby, hoping for the best. Vinod sat beside Tibby, one hand on his chest, keeping vigil throughout the night, while Radha faced a different kind of night, answering Raghav and Hari's curiosity. She was being brave for them. But by dawn, Tibby was gone.

Radha sent the news to Kamla with trembling fingers. Kamla came and held her close. "Radha," she said softly, "Pets have a way of protecting their master and his family. Tibby was your boys' guardian. He did what he was born to do." She suggested breaking the news to Raghav and Hari as gently as she could. "I will be around if need be." Radha nodded, grateful for Kamla's support and assured her that she would manage to tell the boys.

A little later that morning, Raghav sat on the gol kamra carpet with his box of crayons. Radha sat down with them. "Tibby was very brave last evening, and he tried to protect us." Hari clutched her kurta. "Tibby brave," he stammered. "Yes, he was," Radha smiled, tears in her eyes. "Tibby loved you both so...so much. He was your guardian, but his body was hurt badly last night. The doctor and papa tried their best." She paused and held them tighter. "This morning, Tibby's body got too tired; he closed his eyes and went to sleep forever. He won't be accompanying us for our evening walks anymore."

Radha - putting on a brave front

A recent photo of Kamla and Bavan

The pathway of the incident

The kids were quiet for a long time. Then Raghav asked, "Did he hurt? Did he feel alone?" "No, my baby, Papa was holding him the whole night, and he knew we loved him. I think he was happy he kept you safe." Hari buried his face in her shoulder. "Tibby, good boy..."

"Yes," Radha whispered, "the best boy."

Later they drew pictures & Tibby with a big rainbow over Aibheel. Radha told them, "Whenever we go for our walks and cycling, Tibby will be running ahead of us, in our hearts." 

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The Madappas - Vinod and Radha with their sons Raghav and Hari