A bird story.

Photographer: Ri

I am not particularly fond of things that fly, except, of course, broomsticks.

SSM has been talking of getting pet birds for a while and I have always reacted saying, “bring them and in two days you will find them roasted and server for dinner.”

The only pet I would ever like to pet would be a dog and SSM knows that well. So imagine my shock/surprise/anger when he suddenly landed up home yesterday with four budgerigars, a big cage with four budgerigars. Hey, it’s not like we live in a palace! And I do not like birds being caged.

But then, a very weird thing happened. Suddenly, just like that, while sitting in front of the cage watching them I started feeling extremely affectionate towards them. It was bizarre, unexpected.

I started reading up on the internet about caring for budgerigars. And once I was done reading all that I could, I shooed the guys away and took control. Made a swing with some strings and a pencil, broke a few of Ri’s toys to make perches for them, fed them and gave them water.

I also started talking to them, which, by the way, is not a very difficult thing to do. I normally find it extremely easy to have detailed conversations with things non human and, uncannily, with unborn babies.  I avoid doing the later after I realised that not many pregnant women were okay about me stooping down to their bellies and saying, “Boo! Uh-oh, did I scare you?”

So I have been having long conversations with the budgerigars. Whistling and singing to them and keeping Ri away every time he insisted on giving them his toys or tried to sit on their cage. Yes, he is a funny kid. I always wonder where he gets that from.

I spent the entire day in front of the cage. Then came evening and I started fretting about the temperature and them feeling cold. I covered the cage well to keep them warm and sang lullabies to soothe them to sleep. What? Just be glad I did not read bedtime stories to them. Someday I will.

Sleep and I normally get along very well with each other but last night sleep, too, deserted me. I kept waking up to check if the birds were in distress or cold. And then I had a middle of the night realisation - I will keep on being paranoid till these damn birds settle in. Sigh!

One thing though is definite - they are not going to land up on my plate anytime soon.

Ps: Their names are Disco, Jazz, Rock and Salsa