Once upon a time, there lived the Rays. Mr and Mrs Ray were known to be very strict and well-kempt, and were also known to despise keeping pets indoors. They believed pets would disrupt their daily routines.
However, their children, Shayla and Raaj, deeply desired to have pets. Mr and Mrs Ray would always neglect this wish and explain that pets were never allowed in their childhood homes, and the same would apply now. This always left the two siblings heartbroken — but they knew better than to bicker with their parents.
All of them had very busy routines. Mr. Ray was a professor and would leave the house early in the morning. Mrs Ray, a homemaker, resided at home and took care of the daily responsibilities. Shayla and Raaj had school in the afternoon, so they would leave about an hour before their reporting time.
In the evenings, Shayla and Raaj would return, freshen up, rest in their rooms, and then study. They were occasionally permitted to go outdoors and play with their peers, but this was rare. Mr Ray would come home by 7:00 p.m., and then they would have dinner together. After dinner, they would all go to bed. This was their daily routine, and although exceptions occurred, they were very rare.
Slowly, the siblings grew tired of this monotony and began nagging their parents to go on a vacation — or at least a road trip. After much procrastination, Mr and Mrs Ray finally agreed. The children were overjoyed. They were going on a trip after such a long time!
Preparations began a few days prior. The children planned cinematic photos to post on social media. Mr Ray checked on the car, and Mrs Ray told her friends about the places they would visit.
On the day of the trip, everyone was cheerful and excited. After loading their belongings, they got into the car. Mr. Ray started the engine, and they were off — driving through lush green fields and dense forests.
During the drive, Mr Ray suggested visiting a nearby zoo. The children eagerly agreed, and he turned the car in that direction. The path to the zoo was mesmerizing, with tall Sal trees lining the road and dense forest adding an air of mystery.
But then Shayla spotted something.
“Look, Maa! Is that a… monkey?” She asked, confused.
Mrs Ray told Mr Ray to stop and investigate. “It must’ve escaped from the zoo. Poor thing,” he said.
The siblings exchanged glances and silently made a plan — this might be their chance to have a pet.
“Maa, it looks like a baby monkey,” Raaj said. “It might not survive alone in the woods.”
Shayla added, “It would be kind of us to save it. Maybe we’re its only hope.”
Mr Ray frowned. “You know the rules — no pets.”
“But isn’t this what you’ve always taught us?” Shayla gently pressed. “To help those in need, especially animals?”
Her words struck something in Mr Ray — a memory of his own mother, who always emphasized compassion.
He stepped outside the boundaries of his usual logic. “Alright, we’ll take it home. But on one condition,” he said. “Once it’s grown up, we’ll return it to the zoo. Can you promise to let it go when the time comes?”
The children hesitated but nodded. This was the only way they could keep it.
Their plan to visit the zoo was postponed. They brought the monkey home.
They named it Phooli.
Phooli quickly became the heart of the home. Playful, gentle, and obedient, it brought joy to every member of the family. It was even litter-trained! Shayla and Raaj’s friends loved visiting their house to play with it. Surprisingly, Phooli learnt games just by watching them.
The only thing Shayla didn’t like? It would always steal her favorite chips.
In time, Phooli became like a family member. It helped Mrs Ray with chores, kept Mr Ray company, and played with the children whenever they were free.
But soon, neighbours started complaining. Phooli had grown and began picking fruits from other gardens by mistake, entering their premises unintentionally.
As Phooli visibly matured and the neighbours’ hostility increased, Mr and Mrs Ray knew it was time. They would have to let it go.
It wasn’t easy. Mr Ray missed having someone carry his paperwork and sip tea with him. Mrs Ray missed the company. Shayla and Raaj missed their indoor playmate. But they had made a promise. They would return Phooli to the zoo.
The journey back felt different. The green fields now seemed dull, the forest less enchanting. A sense of loss hung in the air.
At first, life without Phooli was painful. They missed its presence every day. The children missed its games. The parents missed its quiet companionship. But slowly, just like sand slipping away beneath the waves, the ache faded. Life returned to its rhythm.
Years passed. Then one day, they decided to visit the zoo — just to see Phooli.
They drove with excitement and nerves. Mr and Mrs Ray didn’t expect it to remember them, but Shayla and Raaj hoped.
At the zoo, they made their way to the Arboreal enclosure. A caretaker guided them to Phooli’s area.
As soon as Phooli saw them, it jumped from a tree toward the barricades. The guards tensed, ready to intervene, but the Rays assured them — this was their old companion.
The guards hesitated but allowed the meeting.
Phooli remembered them.
Mr and Mrs Ray were overwhelmed. They gifted it the chips it used to steal from Shayla. The children beamed. They clicked photos to post and share with friends.
Phooli was healthy. It had even made new friends.
After a few hours, they said their goodbyes and drove back — their hearts lighter.
Phooli remembered them.
And they would never forget it.
