The evening was calm, the air a little chilly, and Mahi was pushing Rohit's tiny stroller toward home after a peaceful playtime at the park.
Rohit was relaxed, one fist in his mouth, holding Panda plush with the other - until he spotted movement.
A tiny puppy.
Ears flopped, tail wagging, stumbling as it chased a leaf.
Rohit gasped so loudly his whole body jumped.
He started tugging at Mahi's pant leg with both hands.
Rohit: "Mahi! Mahi! PUPPY!"
Mahi chuckled.
"Aah, someone saw a new friend?"
Rohit nodded wildly and pointed like his finger was a compass.
Rohit: "Ro pat puppy!"
Mahi kneeled so they were eye to eye.
Mahi: "We don't touch puppies without asking their owner. They can be scared."
Rohit frowned - disappointed but listening.
So Mahi took him closer, holding him securely.
The puppy wagged its tail up at Rohit.
Rohit giggled softly, trying to hide behind Mahi from excitement and nervousness at the same time.
To keep him happy, Mahi handed him two biscuits.
Mahi: "You can feed him from far. No touching, okay?"
Rohit nodded seriously and tossed the biscuits from short distance.
The puppy gobbled them instantly and gave an approving woof.
Rohit squealed.
Rohit: "Puppy yummy! Ro give more?"
They fed a couple more and then continued walking back toward home.
- but the tiny puppy followed.
Rohit finally noticed and froze.
He turned around dramatically, eyes wide.
Puppy sat, wagging tail, thinking it found a friend.
Rohit didn't think it was cute anymore.
Rohit (bossy whisper): "No come."
Puppy tilted its head.
Rohit stomped his tiny foot.
Rohit: "Puppy no come! Ro go home!"
Puppy happily barked and took a few steps forward again.
Now panic hit.
Rohit lifted his arms to Mahi desperately.
Rohit: "UP! UP Mahi! Puppy follow Ro!"
Mahi picked him up, laughing softly.
But the puppy still followed.
Rohit pointed a little stern finger toward the dog, trying so hard to be brave.
Rohit: "Puppy go mummy. Ro go home with Mahi.
You no come..."
The puppy took one step forward.
Rohit squeaked and buried his face in Mahi's neck.
Rohit: "Mahi tell! Mahi tell puppy go!"
Mahi walked toward the puppy, speaking kindly.
Mahi: "Hi little guy, go back home. Your mum must be waiting."
