LUA NALU ( TROUBLESOME TWO)

 

Chapter 6

                Back On Familiar Grounds

They were back just like the proverbial cat dragged them back in! Disheveled, muddy, bedraggled and limp. They panted out of exhaustion plus with the relief of coming back to a safe place. But they were back to their destructive business the very next day and how! These monstrous tidal sweeps— Lua Nalu.

With a flick of her tail, Muay was in her element playfully knocking over plants and vases, then gazing up at me with her usual innocent expression, as if to say, "Who, me?No way!" 

I could only grin it off and bear with it. Small trespasses like these overrode the immense love I had for her. She was back,finding her way back home after a treacherous journey by foot and that's all that mattered.

My life was once again a whirlwind with Fluffnut and Muay Thai, my two mischievous felines. Together, they were a dynamic duo, driving me crazy with their fast and furious antics. Fluffnut, with his boundless energy, would initiate the chaos, scattering toys across the room. Muay Thai would join in, her little mouth forming an “O” shape as she pounced on her imaginary prey, mostly Fluffnut

Their favorite game was "steal and hide," where they'd snatch small items like socks, keys, pens, or even my phone, and hide them in impossible-to-find spots. I'd spend hours searching for these missing items, only to find them in ridiculous places – like Fluffnut's favorite hiding spot behind the couch cushions.

Muay’s penchant for stealing tiny, shiny items too was legendary, and I'd often find myself searching the house for her latest hiding spots. And oh boy! Did I find a nest she'd carved out for herself! The pilfering monster had an entire stash hidden away under the bed! Oh look! There is the brooch that went missing even before she went missing! 

If she hadn't ducked under the bed while playing ‘catch-me-if-you-can’ all the time grasping my bracelet between her teeth, it would have been a lifetime before I could lay my hands on it.

So this is where all my scrunchies and lipsticks too made their way! 

Their early morning wake-up calls were a ritual. But I was so glad to find some buzzing around the house after weeks of stillness. Fluffnut jumped onto my bed, pouncing on my stomach and demanding snacks or attention at the dot of 4 am. his eyes wide awake shining with expectation. The devil of it, I'd stumble out of bed, bleary-eyed.

While Muay Thai sat beside me, meowing like a siren until I got up to feed them. And then, there were their acrobatic feats – leaping from floor to countertop, even before I reached the kitchen to flick on the lights.

Our lazy afternoons in the backyard were again a highlight of my day. Muay Thai would chase after butterflies, her tail flicking with excitement, as she sniff at the frangipani flowers, her ears dancing around at odd angles. It was as if she was listening to the sweetest music. Fluffnut true to his name was quite the nut too, diving into a neatly stacked pile of leaves scattering them around or upturning the bucket of garden tools just to annoy me. 

Muay Thai's attempt to "help" me cook lunch was a hot topic yet one that I dreaded. She was in the kitchen the very next day with her helping paw on the kitchen counter, watching intently as I chopped vegetables and stirred pots. Occasionally, she tried to "assist" me by batting at a utensil or sniffing at an ingredient. I'd laugh and reward her with treats, and she'd purr proudly, as if to say, "Yo! I'm a natural-born chef! You– sous!"

Despite the chaos, I adored them. Watching them play, chase each other, and snuggle up together was pure joy. Fluffnut's silly antics and Muay Thai's cute expressions made me laugh every day. And when they curled up in my lap, purring contentedly, all the bedlam seemed worth it.

As I navigated this typhoon of fur, claws, and mischief, I realized that Lua Nalu (Troublesome Two) was the perfect nickname for this duo. They were my little troublemakers, and I wouldn't trade them for the world.

As I looked at Fluffnut and Muay Thai, now peacefully snoozing on the couch, I couldn't help but smile. Despite the mini menaces they brought into my life, they'd also brought immense joy and love. Lua Nalu, the troublesome two, had become an integral part of my world.

These carefree days with Muay Thai were a balm to my soul, filling me with joy and contentment. Through the period she had gone missing, the memories of her happy face and loving presence stayed with me, a beacon of hope and comfort. And when they finally returned home, I was there to welcome them both with moist eyes, at the same time sending a million thanks heavenwards.

And now as I watched them curl blissfully, little did I know, Fluffnut had a special surprise planned for Muay Thai, one that would make their bond even stronger.

To be continued...

PIC COURTESY:PINTEREST