Last week, I was waiting for my Uber when I saw a man stop his scooter close to where two stray dogs were sunning themselves. It was his thick mane in a pony tail that drew my attention to him.

Even as I idly watched, he pulled out a packet of biscuits from his pocket, tore off the wrapping and dropped the contents on the side of the pathway, close to the fence that marked the boundary of our community.

‘Ahh, the Biscuit Man!’ I thought to myself, recognising the man from what others had told me.

Meanwhile, the man tried to coax the dogs to come get the biscuits. Instead of responding, they yawned and lay there lethargically wagging their tails, acknowledging the kindness, but not bothering to get up.

Within no time, the neighbourhood crows, having got wind of the easy pickings, started gathering. They pecked animatedly at the biscuits, and called out raucously for their mates to come join the feast.

The imminent rain chose just that moment to pour for all it was worth. The dogs, the crows and even I scurried for cover.

The biscuits meanwhile lay there getting all wet and soggy in the rain, of no use to anyone anymore.

©️ Shail Mohan 2026