It was a week since Bundoo Pehelwan, a wrestler, had arrived in the small town of Phulpur. In stark contrast to the leisurely pace in his village, life in Phulpur was fast and hectic. His friend Chandoo from his village had seemed to have made it good and that’s what inspired Bundoo to come to Phulpur. Chandoo had assured Bundoo that he would take care of him until he landed a job in Phulpur.
But, when Bundoo arrived in Phulpur he could not find Chandoo and no one had a clue to where he was. Money was running out and the owner of the choultry (a resting place, an inn for travellers or visitors) wanted him to vacate.
One day, he chanced upon another old friend — Ameen, who was working in a wayside hair cutting saloon. Ameen too could not help him with Chandoo’s whereabouts. But, he told Bundoo that the city’s zoo had a vacancy for chowkidar . Bundoo stood a good chance as his physique was good.
Next morning, Bundoo met the manager at the zoo but was extremely disappointed to know that the vacancy had been filled up a couple of days earlier. However, the manager made an offer to him.
A break!
“Look Bundoo, we can offer you a job, on one condition,”said the manager.
When Bundoo agreed, the manager continued, “You must not speak of this job to anyone.” Bundoo nodded.
“Our bear died a few weeks ago. He was popular with kids. We need a replacement. So, you have to wear the bear’s skin for four hours — 4 to 8 p.m. and entertain visitors. You have to ride the swing and climb the ladder or tree trunk within your enclosure. You will be zipped in the bear’s skin. But no word should get out about this. It will be strictly between you and us. You will be paid ₹3,000 a month, a room to live in and two square meals a day.”
Bundoo was glad to accept. In his working hours he dressed up as a bear, sauntered around the enclosure growling, swinging or climbing a tree.
Things were going well, till one day the zoo keeper forgot to lock the door between the bear and tiger enclosure, after pushing in the food tray. Within no time the tiger entered the bear’s chamber, roaring. Finding the tiger behind him, Bundoo went numb. He could not cry out for help, as that would cost him his life and his job.
Slowly, the tiger came close to Bundoo and stood by his side. Bundoo felt the warmth of his breath and heard the low growl in its throat. He pleaded with the tiger, “O, King of the Jungle, I am a poor villager eking out a livelihood acting like a bear. All that I earn is ₹3,000 a month, half of which I send to my mother. Forgive me. Please don’t kill me.”
The tiger took a deep look at him, came close and whispered, “Don’t worry! I too am a pardesi here. I earn ₹4,000 a month.”
Bundoo could not believe his ears. The voice was familiar. He said, “Hey Chandoo!”
The tiger too could not conceal his glee and said, “Oye Bundoo, you!”
The crowd watching the antics of the two animals clapped and shouted in excitement. Hearing the noise the zoo keeper came running. He quickly separated the animals and locked the tiger in its own enclosure, and the crowd clapped merrily.
