The Dalmatian Family
Once upon a time, during the 19th century, resided a gentleman named Kyler. He was a man of simple pleasures, accompanied by his loyal Dalmatian dog named Jayden. Together, they formed a bond that surpassed the ordinary.
One fine day, Kyler and Jayden embarked on their customary stroll in the park. As they strolled along, Jayden’s attention was captivated by another Dalmatian dog that happened to cross their path. Fueled by an overwhelming attraction, Jayden darted forward with incredible speed, tugging Kyler along by his leash, until fate brought them both to an unexpected encounter with a nearby pond.
Although Kyler was vexed by the sudden turn of events, Jayden’s heart was brimming with joy at the sight of the other Dalmatian. Her name was Jayanti, a graceful female companion. Jayden and Jayanti appeared to be smitten with each other from the very first moment they laid eyes upon one another.
Jayanti’s owner, a woman named Catherine, seemed to be of similar age to Kyler. She, too, was intrigued by the blossoming affection between their Dalmatians. Unwilling to separate the newfound lovebirds, Jayden and Jayanti took matters into their own paws, cleverly wrapping their owners’ leashes together.
In an instant, a spark ignited between Kyler and Catherine, and an unspoken connection emerged. They exchanged contact information on the spot, allowing their budding romance to flourish. Soon enough, their feelings for each other were laid bare, and before long, they embarked on a joyous journey of matrimony. Jayden and Jayanti reveled in the knowledge that they would forever be together.
Within the span of five months, Jayanti and Jayden experienced the joy of parenthood as Jayanti gave birth to a litter of sixteen healthy Dalmatian puppies. The family radiated happiness, their lives filled with an abundance of love and laughter.
However, unbeknownst to them, a scientific company had been searching for newborn Dalmatians to conduct an experiment on their distinctive spots. Given the rarity of these dogs, they struggled to find suitable subjects until they stumbled upon whispers of newborn Dalmatians residing at Kyler and Catherine’s home, shared by curious neighbors.
The overseer of this experiment, Mrs. Karen, was a forthright and determined woman. She set out to visit Catherine’s abode in search of the newborns. Catherine greeted Mrs. Karen with warmth and hospitality, unaware of the intentions that lay beneath her visitor’s polite facade. It was during their conversation that Mrs. Karen proposed a deal, offering a sum of two lakhs and fifty thousand for all sixteen newborns. Catherine, bewildered, firmly declared that her precious puppies were not for sale.
Undeterred, Mrs. Karen increased her offer to three lakhs, arousing Catherine’s curiosity about the reason behind the demand for sixteen Dalmatians. In response, Mrs. Karen disclosed the experiment’s purpose, focusing on the examination of their distinctive coat patterns.
As Catherine comprehended the gravity of the situation, a sense of horror washed over her. She vehemently opposed the experiment, refusing Mrs. Karen’s proposition. The audacity of her refusal enraged Mrs. Karen, who resorted to desperate measures, increasing the offer to four lakhs. Yet, no amount of bribery could sway Catherine, as her love for the puppies prevailed.
Frustrated by Catherine’s unwavering resolve, Mrs. Karen’s fury reached its peak. In a fit of anger, she shattered a nearby vase and issued threats, adamant in her refusal to leave Catherine’s premises until her offer was accepted.
However, Catherine was not one to be easily defeated. She courageously declared her intention to report Mrs. Karen to the authorities, fully aware that the experiment was an illegal undertaking. With her confidence restored, Catherine’s firm stance forced Mrs. Karen to retreat from the house in a fit of frustration. Upon Kyler’s return from work, Catherine recounted the entire encounter, leaving him seething with anger.
Nevertheless, Mrs. Karen was not one to concede defeat so readily. Under the cover of darkness, she dispatched three accomplices to Catherine’s residence while everyone slumbered, intending to steal the precious newborns. But fate intervened, as Jayanti and Jayden, ever vigilant, sensed the intruders’ presence and began barking relentlessly. Their barks roused Kyler and Catherine from their sleep, their faces aghast with fear. Realizing the dire situation, they hastily summoned the police for assistance.
Although the thieves managed to flee before the authorities’ arrival, Kyler took it upon himself to confront them. A fierce scuffle ensued, with Catherine wielding a pan as her weapon of choice. Jayden and Jayanti, standing by their owners’ sides, courageously joined the fray. Despite Kyler’s valiant efforts, one of the thieves managed to overpower him, causing his arm to fracture. However, the timely arrival of the police thwarted the thieves’ escape, leading to the arrest of the remaining culprits.
Under police interrogation, one of the apprehended thieves divulged Mrs. Karen’s involvement, exposing her as the mastermind behind the entire operation. Her guilt was swiftly established, and it was revealed that her criminal activities extended far beyond the attempted theft of Jayanti’s newborns. Ultimately, Mrs. Karen was sentenced to eleven years of imprisonment for her crimes.
As life returned to its normal rhythm, Kyler, Catherine, Jayden, Jayanti, and their precious litter of sixteen Dalmatian puppies found solace in each other’s company. They lived out their days in pure contentment, cherishing the love and unity that had triumphed over adversity.
This tale imparts a valuable lesson: Karma, in its inexorable nature, will inevitably find its way back to those who sow seeds of malevolence.
Miriam Kasthakar
Regent Residential School, Nepal