गिल्लू

Cashews

Cashews (kaju) were Gillu's favorite food. When cashews were not available for several days, he would either refuse other food items or throw them down from his swing in protest. This shows his particular preference and the author's understanding of his likes and dislikes.

By climbing up the curtain and then jumping down quickly

When the author was writing, Gillu would run up to her feet, climb the curtain swiftly, and then jump down with equal speed. This running sequence would continue until the author stopped her work to catch him, showing his clever way of demanding attention and play time.

Gillu's swing was full of cashews he had saved

When the author returned from the hospital, she found Gillu's swing filled with cashews. During her absence, people would bring cashews for Gillu, but he ate very little and saved most of them, showing his loyalty and perhaps waiting for his beloved caretaker to return. This demonstrates the deep bond between them.

He died naturally due to old age after two years

Squirrels typically live for about two years, so Gillu died naturally when his life span ended. On his last night, despite suffering, he came to the author's bed and held the same finger he had held during his childhood injury, showing his attachment till the very end. He passed away peacefully with the first rays of dawn.