Your Pet Story: A father's duties for the day

Vejasegaran Nalliah aka Mr Viji, a retiree from JKR Kinta, adores his pet Tiger as if he were his own son, and they loved sharing birthdays together. — Menuka Vejasegaran

YOUR PET STORY

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The time is 6am sharp.

Viji awoke, rubbed his eyes, and sat quietly on the corner of his queen-sized bed, watching his youngest "son" sleep soundly on a 420-thread count, smooth, cotton comforter. The adult man is now concerned with his duties for the day.

The first duty was to ensure that all his three "sons" clean themselves up and have a quick yet simple breakfast of milk and Marie biscuits. The sons, of course, left their bowls at their dining table and went out into the backyard for some morning fresh air, leaving more chores to their humble Appa.

The father then sits on a plastic chair at the kitchen sink and does the dishes before taking a quick shower. After drying off, he sprinkles some Romano talcum powder all over himself (and also on the bed and nearby furniture) and applies a generous amount of Brylcreem to his hair before neatly parting it with his orange comb, and then puts on his neatly ironed short-sleeved, checked shirt and oversized black slacks.

Viji then leaves, trusting his three minions to be on their best behaviour while he is out running errands.

His first stop is the Tambun wet market where he grabs some extra-large carrots, bright red chillies, a bunch of kangkung and fresh fish for lunch meal preparation.

Viji then goes to a nearby Indian stall to enjoy his cup of kopi manis (despite having a long history of diabetes) and feasts on two extra-large idli with dhal and chutney.

Around 10am, the well-fed man returns home, scans the daily newspapers (which are often delivered late by the newspaperman, Uncle Basher, every day) for the news, political and business columns, and completes his literacy by doing the crossword puzzle under the leisure tab. Around the same time, his youngest "son", a mischievous monkey, makes his way to the father, demanding for a car ride.

The duo then go for a spin in the car, and they pay a visit to Tanjung Rambutan's most well-known asylum, Hospital Bahagia.

"Look boy, how lovely the scenery here is, with the luscious green grass and classic fruit trees, and how serene the air is," says the Appa.

"Remember too, son, most insane people are not admitted to asylums, they are actually free, out there, making other people insane," he adds, with a laugh.

The compliant son wags his tail, as if in agreement with his Appa, and both grin as they look at each other.

The story is the writer's tribute to her beloved father, Vejasegaran Nalliah, who departed on April 8,2019, at the age of 65. Fondly remembered as JKR Kinta’s Mr Viji, the man genuinely lived a beautiful life and inspired those around him. He left behind six children: three daughters (the writer being the youngest) and three 'sons' (pet dogs), with Tiger being the most adored.

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