Which animal would you compare yourself to and why?
Devansh was in eight grade of school and this was the peak of what could be called the book reading phase of his life. He had a bit of an inclination towards the supernatural, especially anything that involved humane morphing aur shapeshifting into another animal or creature.
So, when his friend and classmate Beena asked him if he could transform into any animal what it would be, Devansh was well-prepared with the answer.
“A tiger”
“Why a tiger?” asked Beena
“I think I have the strength, speed and stealth like a tiger,” said Devansh
“Can you climb trees?” asked Beena
“No”
“Swim?”
“….” Devansh stayed silent, he knew where this was going. The school ended and everyone headed home.
“A tiger? I always thought you were more like a monkey, the way you ran and jumped around the house. No one could stop you,” smiled Devansh’s grandmother
“A monkey? No, I think I am more similar to a tiger,” argued Devansh
Devansh had kept up with this ‘being like a tiger’ for some time and then it lost some of its prominence as Devansh grew up but it was not forgotten. As grown up he used his supposed similarity with the animal to motivate himself to stay fit and healthy, going on long walks and runs and making use of the dumbbells at home.
As it is with growing up, there are a lot of changes and Devansh went from a kid who used to be almost underweight to an adult with much heavier structure, yet in his mind, he was still trying his best to remain fit and agile like the animal he no longer talked about but referred to occasionally, in his mind. He had picked up the habit of overindulging in certain food items, mostly the ones which had sugar in it, yet he found his solace in the regular workout routine which was helpful in some manner but mostly ineffective at this point.
One day while hurriedly climbing down the stairs towards a waiting colleague, Devansh heard the reference that would replace the one he had in mind.
“Despite your heavy structure you seem to be quite agile…. Just like a bear..” said the colleague and Devansh realised a bear indeed was a better suit for the self he was in the present.
Written by Anuran Chatterji
Early Morning Memories 