Stories

Rescued Squirrel Chulbuli Released Back In Nature by Fizzah Shah

Finally D-DAY had come, the day came which I dreaded most. The DAY of separation and also FREEDOM for my Chulbuli. Chulbulli had now grown up and could manage eating her food by picking it up with her two small hands. I was desperately looking out for excuses for not leaving her. She had become my all time companion. At home her basket was always in front me. She used to always accompany me to office. She was on the quorum of all my meetings. Without realizing it, she had become a part of me. Finally, I overcame all my selfish thoughts and decided to give her back to nature, where she belongs.

On Sunday mornings, I normally go to Hanging Garden for my morning walk and some photography. It's a big beautiful garden with a lot of huge trees and plantations. I was immediately attracted to the large number of squirrels running around the branches of the trees. On Saturday, I realized that this would be an ideal place for my Chulbulli's permanent residence and fixed Sunday as her Independence Day. Naturally, I spent a sleepless night on Saturday. You could call it Saturday Night Fever. I was burning with worry and anxiety as these thoughts flowed from my mind...How will she adjust to this big bad world all on her own? Will the sudden exposure to the wide openness affect her and have an adverse impact on her? Will she save herself from predators and other territorial squirrels? Will she mange to find food for herself? It was a night of nights, an unforgettable toss and turn experience.

Finally, at dawn, as the rays of the sun made its way into my bedroom, with a heavy heart, I picked up her basket and my camera. I was waiting for someone to shout at me Where are you taking her, let her stay here. But my world stood still and on the contrary all seem to be happy for Chulbuli as she was going to where she belongs...her world of freedom with lots of new friends.

When I reached the garden I was surprised to see hundreds of crows were cawing to glory. I had never seen such big platoon of crows before, over here. My heart skipped a beat as I said to myself How can I leave my Chulbuli among these nasty predators. She will be finished before taking a second breath. I went to the safe spot which I had originally decided to release Chulbuli. But to my horror, the crows had captured that place and were feasting in a nearby tilted dustbin. My disappointment was overcome by the thought that I would be able to take her back home. I wandered to an isolated corner of the garden, lost in thought with the basket on my lap. I was sitting near a huge tree. Suddenly, I noticed a squirrel descended and started running all over. Then a second squirrel came down and joined her and both disappeared in the bushes. I scrutinized the huge tree with interest. The crows were now silent. One of the regular walker noticed me and asked me what I was looking for. I casually asked him if there were many squirrels on this tree and if they were safe over here. He cheerfully said Oh Yes, there are plenty of them, all are very happy and that one person comes here regularly to feeds them ground nuts. I suddenly realized that GOD has brought me to the right spot and that my Chukbuli would be very happy over here. Placing my full trust and fate in GOD, I decided to release her here. I peeped inside the basket. I saw her restlessly going all around with a look which spoke volumes 'Please set me free'. I picked up the basket moved near the tree and slowly opened it. She slowly came out and sat on the edge. I pushed the basket near the tree trunk so she could climb on the tree. As she jumped on the tree trunk and my heart skipped a beat. I felt like catching her and putting her back but I controlled myself. She slowly started climbing the tree, very carefully, in a similar manner as a toddler learning to walk. She was confused and freedom came to her as a shock. I was a helpless spectator watching her going to her new world, a world in which Survival of the fittest was the norm. She climbed up further and entered the deepness of the tree and slowly disappeared. I strained my eyes to get a glimpse of my Chulbuli who had stayed with me for nearly a month and has finally left me, all alone. To my surprise, I suddenly saw Chulbuli coming down the tree. She stopped for a moment, looked at me as I waved out frantically to wish her a final GOOD BYE and again got mixed up in the deep greenery of that huge tree. I have left her and along with her, I left a part of my heart. I picked up empty basket which suddenly felt very heavy and walked out of the garden alone, alone and alone. Now my Chulbuli is no more with me but will always be in my heart and to live in the heart of those you leave behind, is to live forever.

I pray to GOD TO PLEASE KEEP MY CHULBULI SAFE AND HAPPY. LET HER HAVE HER OWN FAMILY AND HAPPINESS. Every Sunday I will carry a lot of ground nuts to Hanging garden. Now, I have a purpose of visiting the garden. My Chulbuli will always be there waiting for me. I am sure she will see and recognize me through the greenery of the tree and will secretly whisper, THANK YOU, MAMMA, FOR EVERYTHING ESPECIALLY FOR SETTING ME FREE.