Anu’s Neighbours

“Appa, it’s time to feed the dogs”, said Anu. “Ok. Coming, let me get the dog box”, said Appa. Anu and Appa went downstairs to feed the three dogs that lived in the colony, Pepper, Chorizo and Tucklo. Pepper was a shy, black dog. Tucklo was an active, sometimes ferocious and beige in colour dog. And Chorizo was a furry, big dog, who loved chapati.

The dogs gathered around Anu and Appa. They were very hungry. Appa put some food on three nearby rocks, so the dogs could use them as plates. Just as the dogs were about to eat, a loud, whining voice said: “Magesh, why are you feeding these mongrels?” it was Vanu Aunty, who lived next to Anu. “Vanu, these are not mongrels and they are not doing anything to you”, said Appa. Vanu Aunty always found something to complain about. Anu did not like her. First, Vanu Aunty complained she only had one child. Then, when she got a second child, she said it was too much work looking after two children. And now, she complained about the dogs and always threw stones at them. But Anu didn’t like her mostly because Vanu Aunty was rude to people who liked dogs.

Vanu Auntie’s husband’s name was Mahesh. He did not talk much, but always glared at people, whether they liked dogs or didn’t. Every day, he would sit in a chair in his garden, sipping coffee and glaring and frowning at everyone who passed by. Anu wished she could somehow get rid of Vanu and Mahesh.

Then one day, Appa said they were moving to the D2 apartments! Anu was very happy. She was sad to leave the dogs, but she knew she could visit them.

On moving day, when Anu was about to leave the colony, she asked Appa if he could drive past Vanu Auntie’s house. When he drove past, Anu rolled down the window, put her head outside and……. stuck her tongue out at Vanu and Mahesh.

Vanu Aunty was speechless and Mahesh Uncle frowned so much that his forehead looked like a prune. And Anu was nothing but happy.