I come from Malegaon, a small town near Nashik. My house was located in a very prominent lane. Whenever I stepped outside the house, every few steps, I would come across a familiar face. I must say that the lane was very lively. But it also carried gossip in the air. For me, the whole lane was full of activities like playing, snacking, and chatting at the katta. I still cannot believe I spent my whole childhood in that lane
When I shifted to Mumbai for further studies, I remember being amazed by the huge crowd around me but being unable to find any familiar faces among them. The streets themselves felt alien, and it was hard for me to find the comfort and belongingness I knew. I would walk with loneliness in my heart
I do have social anxiety, so it’s very hard for me to make friends easily. I masked it well enough to let only a hint of it escape from within me. The newness of the city added to it. I spent many years in Mumbai carrying that feeling inside me until one day, I stopped and started observing the things around me. I started connecting with things that were easy to find, like trees and birds (in this case, mostly crows, as Mumbai is full of them). My eyes were especially drawn to street dogs, as I felt we were carrying similar feelings.
I remember being hesitant to pet a street dog initially. But once I started, I never stopped. Now, no matter which city I am in, I know I won't feel lonely. Seeing them on the street gives me immediate comfort. Sometimes I get affection from them, sometimes I get solidarity from them. I always thank them for their existence and feel sorry for the pain we humans have caused them.
So, this has become my habit, I always look for street dogs. They have taught me something very important, love should flow freely and cannot be limited to a particular family. Love should be easy to find. It doesn't have a particular face. Hence one of my love languages is petting