Animal Instincts

“Ohh look he reminds of a baby kitten….closed eyes, all wrapped up in a blanket - looks like a bundle of fur”. These were the first words he heard after he was born.
Lying in the crib, he often heard his sister chirping like a sparrow, and mother cooing to him a cuckoo. This made him gurgle, which sounded just like the purr of a contented kitten.
The first day he went to school, he was amazed at all the noise the children were making – it all sounded like dozens of chattering monkeys. Soon mother hen came into class, and garnered in her flock. It was as if the monkeys had all turned into flocks of sheep, being herded into the field to graze on the grass of education & learning. He was sharp, and hoped to become as wise as on owl…..but he also learnt painfully that he could only croak as a frog when it came to singing.
Life went on, he had many friends, but his best friend was always beside him when he needed him. Forever loyal, egging him on when he felt low, standing by him, when he needed support, always happy to meet him…..like the loyal, faithful dog.
College opened up new vistas. He learnt that to be at the top, a couple of them were as sly as a fox, and slimy as the snake. They didn’t mind undercutting all, and striking unexpectedly. It was poisonous to associate with them. However, he had grown up from the kitten to resemble a lion cub. There was a royal air about him, and he knew that he wanted to rule the jungle at some point.
After post grad he entered a prestigious B-School. All this was in preparation to be the king….he was basically growing his mane, and sharpening his claws.. He learnt how to deal with the unknown threats like the crocodiles waiting under the surface, to tear you apart, or the scorpions ready to sting you to death if you crossed their path. But he was sure of one thing, that in the rat race, he wasn’t going to be the rat, but the lion.
B-school finished, and he entered the world of investment banking. He’d entered the jungle and his hunting started. His skills made him get in good meat for the firm. He prospered.
He was gregarious by nature, so attracted many creatures. At social functions, there was always a bevy of beauties eyeing him, and his prosperity. But somehow, to him they resembled a pack of peacocks, preening about, showing off their beauty. Once he came across an elusive, beautiful girl. She was mysterious, charming, and looked vulnerable. Too good to be true…and that’s how it remained…..she always remained out of reach and mystical for him. He termed her as the unicorn. Beautiful, magical, yet never sure whether it was real.
Years rolled by, to no one’ surprise, he soon got the corner room at the office. He had now officially become the king of the jungle, the lion. Hunting was no longer a challenge for him. His roar was easily heard, and respected. Most bowed down to the lion . During one of his hunting jaunts, he saw her. She had just acquired the corner room in her office. She was sleek, fast, and her eyes glowed. Her movements were catlike and graceful. He knew instantly that he’d found his lioness.
Marriage was obvious. Lions are family oriented, and when his son was born, that old ox like aunt of his remarked “Ooooh doesn’t he look like a little kitten.”
He smiled – life had come a full circle.