The cafe “Bread and Beans” in posh Bengaluru was literally brimming like an overstuffed jelly jar. Andrea weaved her way dexterously avoiding collusion with the guests, while reaching their tables. She was quick to notice an elderly couple who dropped in regularly to enjoy fresh sweet lime juice and cheese-veg- sandwich. The couple were attired for their morning walk. What a winsome pair Andrea would think quickly observing them unobtrusively and attend to her other guests too.

The elderly couple always greeted Andrea with a cheerful smile. The ritualistic morning sojourn had its share of tweak too. Normally, Andrea chose to ignore, but somehow she felt a pang of ignoble pain grasp her chest when she witnessed the scene unfold before her eyes. A small cute little poodle dog would hobble behind the elderly couple and settle down at the entrance waiting to catch somebody’s attention. 

The poodle was frail with large innocent eyes and well, what must have been white fur was now only dirty brown. He would actively look down and about and quietly sniff at the lady’s ankle seeking her attention. She would immediately jump aside as if in great pain and let out a girlish yell-ouch! Immediately her husband would turn around and brawl at the little one, who would scamper away in bewilderment. 

Andrea’s heart hugged the poodle and she would wipe away her unshed tears. But intriguing indeed the poodle would be seen only during this time and that too only when the couple visited the café’. During her break hours, Andrea would make sincere efforts to search for the little one- but in vain.

Andrea had made up her mind today to stick to her decision. As usual after the cheerful exchange of greetings, Andrea searched for the little poodle. He was not around! Her heart skipped a beat. She was afraid of going back on her decision. 

Beginning to feel disappointed she turned away when she heard the familiar “ouch”! Her heart leapt with joy as she rebounded and hugged the bundle of joy. She did not care about anything or anyone in the whole world. The little poodle sensing a protective hug started to lovingly lick her while the guests in the café watched with amusement. Her manager was dazed at the scene unfolding but controlled himself. But Andrea did not care.

She walked over to the couple and enquired why was the little one following them? They replied callously that their neighbour had shifted out abandoning the little one. The poodle was familiar with the couple and had started to follow them.

Andrea retorted to the gentleman with a smile that it was worth a world when love came so unconditionally. If not a hug of reassurance a gentle pat was just that much enough to create a beautiful world. The rest of the guests cheered Andrea who was now the proud owner of Bunny - the poodle.

Watching her and Bunny together the couple thought of their only son far away in Spain who had last hugged them at the airport to say good bye almost twenty years ago.

Every change begins with a small step, whether it’s a change within your family, or the whole country! India’s hero, Padman, had its digital premiere on ZEE5, on 11th May. Don’t miss this inspiring true-life story, only on ZEE5. Download the app and subscribe now. For every subscription, ZEE5 will donate Rs. 5 towards the personal hygiene needs of underprivileged women.