Sanskaar was driving his car with determination. It was Swara's birthday today and he was determined to find her gift. Since he was an organised person, he knew what was his gift to be. The only problem was, finding it.

Don't get him wrong. He was not attempting to give her 'chaand, taare' and those bullshits. They were a thing of Bollywood mush, he was not. He was a practical person who did not believe is boasting. And his wife was a simple person who did not believe in extravagance. So as the fate would have it, he was saved from coming up with some cheesy-ass-shits and find something she would be absolutely delighted at.

This thing had started couple of weeks back. He had watched her go around the house forlornly. There was something that was upsetting her. And him being the ideal husband and doting father-to-be asked his 6 month pregnant wife about her sadness. She had shook her head sadly and went about her way. Her sad eyes were troubling him and he was wracking his brain if there was something he could do to make her smile. He absolutely hated that look in her eyes. Pregnancy had suited her. It had given a maternal glow and small baby bump was new size everyday. Her waistline was expanding due to their child, and she had never looked more beautiful in his eyes. He had seen her measure her waistline and purse her lips in disgust sometimes and he had never failed to tell her how breathtaking she looked.

But this time it seemed like it was no pregnancy hormones acting up. There was something that was troubling her. He had nearly pulled out his hair in frustration when Ragini came up with the theory that she was missing her late pet dog, Shiro. He had instantly latched up to the subject and quizzed Ragini about that.

According to his Sister-in-law's vague memory, Swara had gotten a puppy on her 2nd birthday from Dida, who had been her constant companion for years. When she was 11 years old, Shiro had fallen sick and just 2 weeks before her 12th birthday, Shiro had breathed his last.

That day Swara had come home from school, with her first trophy on music, to find Shiro dead at their door. He used to wait up for her to come back from school everyday and it seems like that was what he was doing when his body gave up. 12 year old Swara had been devastated and roused whole Baadi with her wails. She had been inconsolable for days and refused to eat. Though Swara and Ragini were just neighbours, Ragini was envious of Swara's furry friend, thats how she still remembered it.

Since Swara's birthday was just around the corner, he was sure that that was the case. And he wanted to make her happy again.

He had gone to Bose house one afternoon and dug up old albums with Dida's help. He wanted to know how Shiro looked. He wanted her to feel that her Shiro was back. He had explained everything to Dida and she was more than sure that that was the cause of Swara's sadness. She had told him that Swara had mourned her beloved pet for a long time and on his death anniversary she was usually withdrawn. So both of them concluded that a pet, like Shiro, was in order for Swara's happiness.

That sorted out, he had gone home to tackle bigger problem. His family. They had never had a pet. When he was a kid, he had brought home a stray pup. His Mom was in dilemma. She wasn't happy with the idea of a dog at her home but she did not want to break his heart by driving it away. His bade papa had been furious and outright  rejected the idea of having an animal at his house. His badi maa had scrunched her nose in disgust and ordered the watchman to throw out the poor pup in cold rain. After that he had been too afraid to bring up the subject. And when he had gathered up the courage to rebel, he had left home and rest was a history.

Last two years were a chaos, where both him and his lovely wife were tangled in various problems or busy sorting a mess created by their insane siblings. So maybe that's why she did not have time to sulk in last two years. But now that everything was peaceful and prosperous she had plenty of time for that.

He had cautiously breached the subject to his mother when they were fixing snack for Swara. As expected she refused. He had sighed and proceeded to tell his mother the good side of having a pet. Still she refused. So he had cunningly played 'grandchild' card. He told her that it would make Swara happy. And something that made Swara happy would eventually make her 'Pota' in her belly happy and healthy. And his Mom melted like butter. Two down, two to go. No, he had not made mistake in counting. If his Mom agreed, she would convince his Dad anyhow.

Now off to the dragon's nest. His Uncle and Aunt's room. He got a hold of them in their room and proposed about having a pet. He had prepared a long speech to convince his Uncle. But he did not need to. As soon as his Uncle heard that tale he got a green signal. He gave a cheeky smile and went off to find Uttara. He had thought convincing his  Uncle would need a battle but seems like Swara had him wrapped around her little finger. If it made Swara happy, they would get a dog. End of discussions. His Aunt had tried to protest but a glare from his Uncle and she had conceded. Uttara readily agreed to take full responsibility of the pet until Swara was fit for that task.

Now everything sorted, he had been on the search for that Golden Retriever that would have close resemblance to her Shiro. And that proved to be the Herculean task. In last 10 days, he had visited almost 50 pet shops in the Metro-city of Kolkata and he still came up with empty hands. He had to find that today. At all costs.

He had been absent from office since last two days, and unloaded is chore on Laksh. If that brat wanted success equal to him, he might as well start to work like him. And he can hunt down his wife's pet. And Ragini had been helpful for once in her life and told him his Swara's dream when he had almost given up few days back.

Apparently girls had had a sleepover before he had come barging in their lives and Swara had shared her dreams of having a loving husband, a happy family and A Dog. Since she got prior two, only one thing remained for her paradise. A Dog. But since no one seemed to like a pet in the house, she never expressed her wish. How very Swara of her. He had smiled and went on another round of pet hunting.

He stopped the car and went inside another pet shop. He had decided to venture in the outskirts of the city too. In that small shop there weren't much for the choosing. The owner showed him his collection with enthusiasm. And thats when he saw it. A Retriever. It was sleeping at the back of its cage quite soundly.

Sanskaar pointed it out to the owner, had it brought out. A drowsy pup was pulled out who was too sleepy to notice a visitor. And he had almost same feature as Shiro. Almost. He grinned happily. Swara would be happy today.

While dealing with the owner, the pup seemed to wake up and started to lick at his hand. And there was glint of mischief in his eyes. According to Dida, Shiro was a protective and no-nonsense dog. Shiro had viciously protected Swara in her childhood. He had saved Swara from getting electrocuted by stopping her from touching a live wire when she was 4. And had saved her from drowning at 6. He had been her friend and guard all her childhood. Maybe this four pawed ball of energy would do same for his  child. He might seem full of mischief now, but still he would be loyal and alert company in their household.

Swara will be happy. They had had a pooja for Swara and baby in the morning. And will have family-only-celebration in evening. Swara was not a party girl and wished for smallest of celebration. That's why he had foregone the idea of grand party and opted for Family celebration. And it was time.

After cake and food, every one got her a gift. His mother did her usual 'najar utaro' thing first and gifted her a guitar. Swara's old one had had been broken when her pregnant highness had tried to get it down the closet by standing on a stool and Sujata had surprised her from behind. It had crash landed and she was very upset.

His father and given her a blessing and  gifted her with her premarital suit and joked that right now she might be too big to fit in that tiny attire. After marriage his Aunt had forbidden her to wear anything other than saree and this was a treat.

His badi maa give her a heavy necklace. He snorted disdainfully. When will this woman understand that his Swara did not wear heavy jewellery. That was her 'bahu's' department. Swara took it graciously.

Every one had a gift and it went long way. Swara looked tired and ready for bed. But she still had not seen his gift. He told her to wait for a minute and went to get the devil. All his ride back home, the pup had chewed his pink blazer and made it unwearable. Well Swara did not like that color on him either. Seems like both were on the same side.

When he entered Laksh's room he gave a snicker. The pup had stayed quiet and had not ransacked the room but he had pooped right on the carpet. The devil. Ragini can take care of the problem. Right now he is going to be gifted to his wife with a ribbon attached to his collar.

And boy he was correct.

Swara almost teared up when she saw him come down with the pup. It looked so much like her Shiro that she was getting emotional. He gently put the pup on her lap and the devil instantly took a liking to her. Specially her belly. He sniffed her belly studiously and curled up around it then went straight to licking her hand.

Yup, this four legged member of their family will watch his wife and kids like a hawk.

"Sanskaar?" Swara choked out his name.

He carefully took a seat beside her.

"What's his name?" She asked looking down at the pup on her lap.

He smiled and said, "Shiro"...
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A/N: I love pets. I absolutely love them. My furry friend is integral part of my life and couldn't keep my love for pets out of my OS. Pets are a blessing and I want all of the human race to love and respect them.
Thank you