January 30. “Thought I’d have a brief chat before I go off to Kolkata and tell you a lovely story.”

“I love stories and the way you tell them.”

“This happened in the Nilambur forest range, 350 kms away from a village called Thiruvananthapuram down south where Appu, the group leader’s pet dog, proved that he was indeed his master’s best friend. Disaster struck when Rashid was working in the forest. A herd of elephants confronted Rashid and his labourers. Before they could run for cover, a tusker caught Rashid by the hip and was about to fling him down and trample on him when Appu bit hard into the tail of the tusker and caught on tight. The acute pain distracted the jumbo and he flung Rasheed into the bushes. The jumbo then lifted Appu in his trunk and flung him away too. Both dog and master had several fractures but they are alive.”

“But the jumbo must have got badly bitten. Do you know that elephants have razor-sharp memories? Rashid must have done something hurtful or mean in the past and he must have remembered that incident and found the chance to take revenge.”

“I have heard of that one too. So you stay well till I get back.”

“Fluffy is giving a party on Monday. He has sent me an invitation. Can I please go with your permission?”

“You must but don’t stay out too late.”