Imaginch comes alive:

Being an imaginary character had its own charms. Slowly, I had developed skills of intuition, logical deduction, analytical traits and a will to explore the unchartered territories, in the field of writing. What started as an idle curiosity became an obsession. That obsession has now reached a stage and I felt that it is time to break free from the type-cast avatar of an imaginary character and become a real-life author, for once at least!  Are you wondering, who am I and what is my locus standi? I am Imaginch, a character appearing in some of his work products.

Not to upset my creator, I have decided to do the exploration clandestinely, but leaving a trace in the form of hidden clues. Let my creator find and solve them, to detect my transformation from a fictional character to a one-time author writing a fictional story. Oh! What a parody, it would be!  As an imaginary character residing in his mind, I have the full measure of his thought processes. I chose a novel way to spread the clues, to help him solve the mystery.

By association, I have acquired a sense of humour, of a serious kind. How can it be different from that of my creator?   Having learnt this art from him, let me see how he would react to it, if I practiced it on him! The mere imagination that he would split hairs and do a St. Vitus dance on his spindly legs, was funny even in my mind’s eyes! At worst, exasperated he might break a few pencils or dump them en mass on the floor, only to pick them up later. I have conjured up a secret nick name for him – the ‘pencil-stub-miser!’

He prides himself as the best keeper of secrets. Information, personal or confidential, once shared with him never comes out to see the light of the day. He gives them a sovereign guarantee that the shared secrets are locked up for life in a safe, more secure than the Fort Knox vault! 

How I am able to keep my own secrets, that I know of his secrets, from him? Because I don't share them with him and he being such a gentle man, will not ask what is not volunteered! More importantly, he never listens to me, even in his worst dreams. How, then he fails to hide his secrets from me? Because, whenever he thinks about the buried secrets, in the vault, he inadvertently leaves a tiny opening in the door. You guessed it - I don’t need a key to gain entry into his Fort Knox! 

But he is unaware of this - I know them all. You may wonder from when onwards I have been prying loose his secrets - ever since he conjoined two truncated words to give my character the name Imaginch. He did it to make it clear to me that “Imaginch is there because I want him to be’ – a shade of egoism? Another of his secret thought was that my name will give him a chance to showcase his skill to coin a pseudonym, even for an imaginary character, Imaginary Character- a clever acronym is it not? 

I am most often his ‘go to’ character, so he ends up giving me real life feel by reserving the best and engaging parts in his narratives. To be honest with you all, I have to admit that once in a while, I have a fleeting feeling - but for me his plots would have fallen flat on the paper and a doubt whether I am becoming his alter ego! 

Why, now I want to come out of my pampered imaginary existence is a question I should answer. The circle of friends and foes around him do not know his true nature. His foes go to town with glee to showcase his writings were in negative tones. In his writing.  But I know the real story- my creator is passionate about the issues or points he makes. It is a deliberate ploy to make the people to sit up and take note. It is that passion which he shows even while choosing pseudonyms for his characters, mine included! 

How I know all this, is a very simple matter. Thoughts that pop up in his mind, always race past me, like vehicles around a traffic circle. But there is this difference the traffic circle does not observe and I keep track. This round-about, reminds me of another trait of my creator. Sometimes thoughts drive him like an out-of-control vehicle. causing traffic jams in his mind. Before they could be organised in meaningful ways, they disappear like those in fuzzy dreams! At other times, it lights off and his thinking machine parks him under a tree and shuts down!  A horrid nightmare it will be for him, if the successful completion of a story hinged on those thoughts. On these occasions I pity him, even if I am not figuring in that story.

I am the first-hand witness to his chaotic ways of developing a plot or a story.  Initially, he records random thoughts, without using character names. Never even bothers to choose the title and then starts thinking about it much later. As a result, paragraphs of written matter themselves start to worry, where and how they will fit in or face mass deletion. 

But he being a master in the art of organising the chaos, does two things. Selects the topic, reorganises the passages and fits them in proper contexts. Paragraphs that did not qualify are not deleted but stored in a file aptly named "Junk". The file size growing by leaps and bounds does not deter him from loading some more kilo bytes. A peep, now and then, through the “Junk” file leaves me saddened and frightened. Some of these passages are so incisive in thoughts, they might surely cut through the papers, if all of them got printed!

It took me some time to understand, why he kept them stored. He has about two score unfinished topics in hibernation. He would reappropriate them suitably, on a later date for use as part of another topic. I have already indicated that by nature he is the ‘pencil-stub-miser’. I do not want to go hard on him with my criticisms and spoil the chance getting to play the role of a protagonist, in some of them. Who knows? Though he has two or three other imaginary characters to choose from, my hope is that I would still be his first choice, whenever he wants to leave an impact, in his own inimitable style. 

Probably to keep my bloating-ego from bursting, he suddenly changes the subject of topics to becomes political, mythological or mytho-legal or throws a life line to a sidelined judge who favours only suo motu cases. This he does with other characters to raise a warning signal to me. I know it, and he knows that I know it! This is how you would come to know that my creator had followed the clues I had left  for him and of my transformation. 

Before I get back into my character-attire, let me record my gratefulness and indebtedness to my creator. You are bound to appreciate me and him, after reading this account. After hearing a baby’s cry, he started on a venture to capture the “wordless language” that developed between the very first newborn and its mother. Expanding on this theme, he attempted to paint a bigger picture, on the origin and development of mother tongue, father tongue and many other tongues and thousands of dialects that are extinct or barely existing. 

On this continental excursion, literally, in to the past and to the time when the first humans appeared on the face of Earth, he relied heavily on archaeological findings and historical accounts. To ensure accuracy, he requested his mentor for a critical review of the facts and the way they have been woven in to his narrative. 

His mentor, with best intentions in mind for the author, strongly advised him to come out of the shell and be the bold narrator of the story, instead of relying on an imaginative character. Had no heart to say no to his mentor, did not want to replace me as the narrator and did the unthinkable. Simply chose not to publish! 

O K. I know the questions that are roiling in your mind. How would my creator follow the clues and identify my once-in-a life transformation? And what would be his reaction towards me , for spilling a bag full of beans? What would he do? Business as usual, I will definitely be back, as his go to character in some more topics!

Ganesha settles an issue

Back from the meeting with Brahma, Mooshik brought up an issue to the notice of Ganesha. Ganesha instantly became wary, as whatever issue troubled Mooshik, it always ended up giving him some soul searching and heartbreaking moments. He inwardly chided Mooshik for finding ways to unsettle him. He wondered, “Was an element of Gajamukhasura still trying to cause me some trouble?” 

Mooshik, sitting nonchalantly watched the expressions fleeting across Ganesha's face that was already lined with thoughtful wrinkles. To gain time. Ganesha asked Mooshik to repeat the issue, slowly. Mooshik saw through this gambit and deliberately slowed down so much, that each spoken word took a long time to end. It made it difficult for Ganesha to decode, remember and join the uttered word to the next one. This ploy irritated Ganesha, as it reminded him of Vyas’s' ruse, while dictating the verses of Mahabharata. Ganesha understood the intent and ordered Mooshik to resume at normal speed. 

Mooshik's complaint was that the principal gods, in all their resplendent glory, did not react whenever their very own existence, powers and rule over the destinies of mortals was questioned. 

“My concern is if this sort of attitude propagated, will there be believers to defend the sanctity of divine entities. Maybe, I am a lowly sit-in-companion, and I might be stepping out of my comfort zone but when the divinity is being questioned, how can I remain mute?”

Ganesha heaved a long sigh, which threw up a minor sandstorm around the temple premises. He asked, “Have you finished or some more sentences are left over"? This remark did not sit well with Mooshik. He showed his disagreement by simply tucked in his tail and calmly looked at Ganesha. 

Ganesha, speaking in a conciliatory tone agreed, "Mooshik, I too have come across such repeated denigrative statements from high and low."

" My Lord, have I missed any of the actions, you have taken on these repeated transgressions into the realms of divinity!"

"No, Mooshik, my thinking was, if we ignored such utterances and acts, the instigators might lose interest and turn their attention towards some other issue."

Mooshik demurred, " I did not expect this casual approach. If we wait for the instigators to run out of steam, by that time the divine entities might have incurred irreparable losses - sizeable population of devotees might have become non-believers." 

Mooshik’s clinical observations made Ganesha to take the matter seriously. Ganesha preferred a walk in the garden to get refreshed and think through the issue and promptly took off to his favourite garden. This instant tele-transportation from the temple premises to the garden left Mooshik breathless. He silently berated Ganesha – “You could have easily carried me along!” 

After doing some serious walking, Ganesha stopped abruptly and started talking to Mooshik. "Mooshik, let me tell you three things. After hearing each one of them, you have to give me an answer." Mooshik always had an aversion to question-and-answer sessions. But having raised an issue, he had to endure it now. He meekly murmured a “I am ready." 

“Number one. Assume there is a country. One day, in calculated moves, a neighbouring country swiftly occupies it. Now, imagine yourself in that situation and tell me how you would react to this aggressive manoeuvre?"

“If I am one of them, I would not hesitate to gather mass support to fight and push back the aggressors.”

“Exactly, but you have made a point about gathering mass support implying that standing alone you could not do anything. Am I right? Then remember this point.”

“If you say so.” 

“Number two. Temples are consecrated after installing idols of deities. Idols are sculptured out of granite and marble or made with amalgamated metals. Often, an abhisheka, - after an oil bath, with turmeric powder and sandal wood paste mixed water, rose water followed by curd and milk bath, is performed on these idols. This ritual is completed after a water bath and toweling to dry the idols. Drawing upon your own experience, answer me.  How would the idols and the represented deities feel about this ritualistic act?

“The abhisheka ritual stays on the exterior body of the idols. This is also my personal experience Nothing- the scented water, curd and milk flowing over the idol gets past the granite or marble or metallic surface.”

“O K. What about the clothes and ornaments that adorn the idols?”

“They too stay on the exterior surface of idols. What else?”

“There is one more important thing, can you guess what it is?”

Mooshik frantically sifted through his mind and finally answered. “None of this would make any impression on the idols.”

“Then what about the deities themselves?”

In a hesitant voice, Mooshik replied, “Maybe in the same way.”

“Mooshik, remember this point also.”

“My Lord, instead of settling the issue, you are making me to answer and note some points I have made. When this Q & A session will end/I am getting nervous”

“Be patient for a little more time. You are almost there to get to the solution.” 

“Third point. Why the deities and their idols do not react to these statements, opinions and acts of mortals denigrating the divinity or the lack of it.? Is it not your question?  Can you guess why?

A powerful spark, like a bolt of lightning hit Mooshik’s mind. Now he understood why Ganesha asked him to note down some points he had made. In ecstasy, he jumped up and down and did a few somersaults before answering. Ganesha watched him in admiration, thinking how an astute student Mooshik has been.

Mooshik continued,” Lack of popular support to condemn the denigrating acts and statements of immature mortals. Finding no other axe to grind, this tribe selects divine targets knowing fully well that there will be no reaction from the complacent population. The performed abhisheka stays external and does not make an impression on the idols. Same is the case with clothes and ornaments. By extrapolation, these thigs also fail to make an impression on the deities, who are represented by these idols. Since nothing touches them, the gods ignore the denigrating acts and statements and loss of a hoard of believers.”

“Well said Mooshik, well said. Let me point out o you one more important reason. Suppose the gods become angry and start punishing such charlatans, then to be impartial they may have to punish some of their devotees, who once in a while do curse or berate them. Both the charlatans and disgruntled devotees do it out of sheer frustration.”

Like a student rushing out of the examination hall, Mooshik searched for an opening to escape. Sensing this, Ganesha indicated he too was ready to get back to the temple premises.

A Dog’s dream on a rainy day:

It was a rainy day. Luckily, before the downpour started, this dog had finished a sumptuous left-over meal, from the bin standing on the street corner. The effect of full stomach and the rhythmic patter of rain had lulled it into a dreamy sleep. 

Pets or street sentinels, we have this wisdom that 'dialogues cannot be had in vacuum'. So, we bark to communicate our emotions or illness, loneliness or to seek attention or to warn of intruders, and to sound an alert of danger. We have the repertoire - bark, howl, whine, snort or growl to express a specific reaction depending on the situation. 

We are particular about where we settle, of course on others’ property or public spaces, and claim that territory, by emptying the bladder on specific objects or by pawing to leave scent on the ground. This is to caution that our supply chain (wet waste bins) and lodging is protected and is under constant surveillance. For us, any intrusion into our marked territory, is a tariff imposed and we resent it by barking and snarling with bared teeth to warn off the trespassers. Sometimes, we use a muted version of barking with wagging of tail, to indicate a willingness for a friendly dialogue or to settle disputes. 

 We follow ‘the alert survives’ moto. We could uncannily identify friend or foe - people as well as other canines with malefic intent, by the exuded scent or by decoding the clues from the exhibited body language. When a dog chases other dogs or vehicles or people, it is to establish its territorial rights or simply to give expression to its natural hunting instinct. Sometimes, it is used as a means to have some fun to overcome boredom or to relive the past bitter experience of being hit by a vehicle, which triggers the chase and barking routine. 

Particularly bicycle and bike riders become our vulnerable targets, as they try to speed away from the barking and snapping at their legs and we accept the challenge to prove that we are also equal to the task of catching up. On occasions, the fun gets out of hand and some of us succeed in planting a bite or two. Besides people on wheels, we take great pleasure in chasing crows and small birds, rabbits, squirrels and mice - it is our temptation to give in to natural prey hunting instinct. Once in a while, we select cats and raccoons to add variety to the game. Most of our chases will not be aggressive pursuits and cause no harm to the prey.

Being ambivert, we take over any street to reside, rest and do guard duty, effortlessly mixing selfish and altruistic motives. If lucky, we get food and if not get hounded out every time we make an appearance. Becoming street smart, we have a well-developed antenna to read the situation in the environment - to relax in front of a house or give it a wide berth. Once safely ensconced, we like to dabble in social and political activities with other canines - to frolic with a chase and have fun or to engage in a fight on a real or imagined cause. However, each one of us reserve the sovereign right to regulate the entry of other dogs, into the earmarked territory.

Nature deciding to off load a month’s quota on that day, the rain fall kept up a steady patter. This dog continuing its slumber transitioned in to a cloudy haze. As if to mimic the rain fall, a bunch of unanswered questions stirred a storm, in its tiny brain. Why people in high places hate street dogs and try to exile them as persona non grata? Are we not the unpaid sentinels, watching and warning them against unauthorised entry or dangers?  Why these so-called animal lovers, who take to social media, at the whimper of a street dog, to espouse our cause and then vanish without even taking one of us under their care?

Angered by these acts, the dog continued thinking in its dream. Don’t we have any canine rights to protest against the rounding up of street dogs? What right you people have to deny us the chance to become parents, grandparents and great grandparents, by neutering?   When human culprits are allowed to walk around freely, why single us out for a life sentence behind an enclosure? Is this not an act of infringement on our natural right to be born and freely roam on the streets as we wish? 

If we are treated with dignity, would we become enraged and bare our teeth to settle the score with ‘bites’ here and there? For everything, you people rely on statistics and we the community of street dogs vociferously demand to know this - how many dog ‘bites’ have been reported and treated per thousand people in a year? And how many dogs were roaming the streets at that time? And what attempts have been made, to make people understand that their ill-human treatment of street dogs only had altered our attitude towards them?

Darkness of the night does not frighten us as much as the sight of a dog catcher and the wire-ring he carries to snare us. Even here are we not witnessing a hard wire approach rather than soft rope handling? In spite of being born hunters, have we not compromised to leave you people alone, as long as we are left to roam our streets for food and shelter?

Are we not standing guard on 24/7 basis, for protecting your dirty and unkempt streets? Though you don’t pay us for the service, we are doing it for free as a user fee!  What you expect us to do, when you people leave so many tempting delicacies, as leftovers, in the garbage bins? We consider them as take-aways - partake, feel filled and then contemplate to bring home new members to our collectives. Is it not natural? But there is a catch – more of us and more of you, sometimes conflicts between us do arise. This being the reality, why we alone are being blamed for rabies?

We do have pedigrees. Accompanied humans during their hunting trips. Guarded their cattle, kith &kin and habitats. We have an acute sense of geography and unerringly would take you through passages in the labyrinths and get you home safely.

Did we demand a ransom from anyone of you? A pat now and then, and once in a while a kind look and a little food satisfies us. In turn what we give to you is - companionship, unwavering loyalty with willingness to lay our life to save yours. Don’t spend time in thinking of ways to banish us from the streets. Use that time to think about ways to thank us for giving you the chance to avail our selfless services. Our presence in your streets is an insurance cover, which remains valid as long as we are alive. Consider all these benefits before shutting the door on our face.

The dream ended here and the dog stood up and stretched to its full length. By now, the rain has stopped and rays of sunlight was emerging through a bank of white clouds. To shake off the effects of the dream, it looked skywards and sent a long howl in the direction of the Sun, as if to lay all the blames there. Coming to the present, it rushed to the wet waste bin and as expected, the bin was filled with rain water. Then, it did a security check to ensure that there are no intruders in its territory. Finally, the dog trotted oof to that house, where it was always given food, to confirm that people are there and there will be no problem in getting the next meal.