HOW DO YOU PUNISH A PARROT?

 
Life with Mittu was never boring, and sometimes it could be quite exasperating, because you never did know what might happen next!

This brings to my mind an incident that occurred in Mahabaleshwar. Mahabaleshwar is a beautiful hill station a few hours' drive from Poona. There are many paths meandering through the woods and we would often go on long walks with Baba. It was especially wonderful when we would reach a clearing and Baba would stop with us for a few minutes under the shady trees, enjoying the breathtaking beauty of His own creation.

Now, we were getting ready for a walk. I put my jacket on Mani's bed while I attended to some last minute chores. Mittu was sitting quietly on Mani's bed, and I remember thinking to myself, "I'll just be five minutes, then I'll pick up my jacket." But you know how it is when you are getting ready to go out. There is always some distraction — something that diverts your attention.

I couldn't have left my jacket on Mani's bed for more than five minutes, but it was more than enough time for Mittu! That naughty parrot had chewed up all the press buttons (snaps) on my jacket! And how do you punish a parrot?

I tried to admonish her — shaking my finger and telling her how naughty she was to spoil my jacket, but Mittu boldly returned my scolding with a loud squawk! And that squawk became louder and more indignant! It was clear that Mittu thought, "Why should you scold me? I was just enjoying myself!"

In the end, I wondered who was scolding whom!