The Greatest Fight

I was not too strong but the time had come to save my reputation and live up to my name “Sherdil”. The fight was to happen tomorrow in the scrap yard and almost everybody would be there to witness the mauling of “Sherdil” - I couldn’t get this thought out of my head.

That night, I didn’t eat my dinner. Everybody home was a little surprised; I never went to bed without finishing my meal. I looked fine and didn’t give out any signs of illness… they became more worried than surprised.

The night was cold and one could hear the wailing of the wolf in the nearby jungle. It was a full moon night and the moon washed the entire landscape in its milky rays. I had never seen a night so beautiful. I decided to sleep in the veranda. It was not usual for me sleep there; I was often found there when I couldn’t get in after having the night on town with my friends.

It might be my last day in this town - this thought pierced my heart and my eyes welled up. If I get the beating, I would have to leave this town. I had spent my childhood and my youth in the narrow lanes of this wonderful town. I fell asleep while planning for the next days fight.

I was to fight Ross. He was a ferocious Rottweiler and almost as big as me. He did not walk, he trotted - his trot was steady, full of energy with good stride. He seems to have come from a pure breed and was fed meat and special dog biscuits each day by Lala Chandu to ensure he maintains a shiny coat. Lala Chandu had got him home two years ago on his trip to Germany. Ross was reflection of Lala Chandu - intelligent, hardy and strong. From day one he had threatened my supremacy and I always wished that Lala Chandu kept him indoor but now and then on his daily walk Ross sprayed his scent to challenge my supremacy.

Ross’s stories of dare devilry had spread in the dog circles like wild fire. Every one touted him to be the next big things. The mongrels to gain his favour had been playing sycophants. They lost no opportunity to praise him and they even salute him and follow him around on his walks with their tail between their legs.

I never looked at him like an adversary but it had been build up by dog gangs who didn’t get along well with me. I was teased often about Ross being the next king of streets

The mongrels fed nonsense into Ross's head. Once Nip the scrawniest of the mongrel told Ross that I called him a jackass. On hearing this Ross went into fury and nearly flung his walker off the sidewalk. I confronted Nip and ripped his loins; he had to be carried away by the Municipal Corporation for administering first aid. Nip was never seen again. The mongrels were not stopping at this; they informed Ross that I ripped Nip as he was close to him. Ross couldn't take it anymore and wanted a face off to settle it for once and all. Scrap yard was fixed as the avenue for the big fight.

I was a gentle giant and played well with children and other dogs. I came from a long line of Saint Bernard. My parents were outgoing and sweet tempered. I inherited sweetness from my mother and even temper from my father. My father was looked up to and he managed to maintain harmony among the different dog gangs. After my father passed away the mantle was passed to me - I had been fair in my dealing with the dog matters and was well respected. This face off had a lot on stake for me.

That morning my master called me out for breakfast, I did hear him but my appetite was dead. My master was the kindest man; he had taken care of me after my parents were gone and he had never tied me down to a leash. I kept lying in the veranda. He walked up to me and first ruffled my head and then stroked by coat... I was full of emotions and cuddled up to him. He goaded me to come inside the house and treated me to my favourite biscuits.

Loud cheers greeted me at the scrap yard. My stomach was churning and my mouth was almost dry. I was a bit scared of Ross and feared that we might harm each other. He had a wild temper and the sharpest of the teeth.

I had prepared well and had rehearsed my moves. I knew when to dodge and pounce and when to dig my teeth. I had been in many fights but today’s fight was different – I was fighting for my honour.

Hundreds of dogs and dog gangs had come to the scrap yard to watch the greatest fight ever - that’s how it was promoted. The streets were unusually quite and deserted today.

Ross was already there with the mongrels. Ross seems to have given his walker a slip on the morning walk and Lala Chandu had been looking for Ross everywhere. Ross was beaming with confidence and gnashed his teeth when he saw me; I ignored him.

Without a warning Ross lunged at me. I ducked him and he fell flat on his stomach... swiftly he managed to be on his feet and turned around. He aimed for my leg, he almost had it before I gave a big push... it tore away my flesh. I was hurt and bleeding. I knew Ross came from a strong line of fighters and hunters and the only way to defeat him was to choke him. We growled at each other and he looked straight in my eyes... again he lunged at me but fell short by a foot. I hurled my whole heavy body on him and pressed his head to the ground with my big paws. Ross struggled for breath; I kept pushing down and only let him free when he was motionless. The mongrels made a quick escape when they realised Ross has been defeated and the entire scrap yard welcomed my victory.

Ross didn't move, I got concerned and used my paws to move his limp less body. Thank god he was breathing. I rushed home and pulled at my masters trouser. He knew something was not right... I led him to his car and we drove to the scrap yard. He was shocked to see a mêlée of dogs. I couldn't explain it to him. I guided him to the place where Ross was. He checked for pulse and hauled Ross into the back of his car and carried him to the vet. He also informed Lala Chandu about Ross.

I had been declared the King of streets.

Ross was back on his feet in couple of days. One fine day Ross happened to meet me on his mandatory evening walk led by his walker. Ross gave a friendly growl and thanked me for saving his life. He was a changed dog and so was I. I invited him over to the weekly meeting.

A bill was passed to maintain peace among the brothers and share the leadership and banned the usage of phrase dog eat dog.