It all started with me accidentally landing on an adoption appeal for a small bird, which flew into my neighbor’s home out of nowhere.

Even after one glance at the pictures, it was evident how comfortable this beautiful bird was around humans. It was pecking rice from my neighbor’s hands and drinking water from the bowl. As I was searching for a suitable pet for myself for a long time, this suddenly ticked all the boxes. It was perfect for me as I needed to be outside the home for long hours. I felt that this pet could compliment my lifestyle and I instinctively replied “interested” to the adoption appeal

In no time the fragile little Birdie was in my home. It was vividly colorful, curious, and apprehensive all at the same time. At first, it was scared of the sudden change in its surroundings, and then sensing no apparent danger, it started exploring my house on its wings. I had made sure all the windows were closed and ceiling fans switched off before Birdie was welcomed in the house.

It would perch itself on the sofa or a curtain rod and enjoy its view from there. I am curious about how my house would look from that angle. I had kept food and water in the bowls and birdie started munching on them in no time. I felt accepted by the little one when it started enjoying its world view perching on my shoulders and sometimes falling asleep in my palms. I was enjoying this phase and hopeful that my Birdie was enjoying it too

After a few days passed by, I noticed Birdie sitting on the kitchen window pane. At first, I thought it was patiently waiting to catch an insect or maybe sunbathing, but later I realized it was just staring outside. This heavenly setup for Birdie suddenly started to feel claustrophobic and pointless. I had conveniently assumed that it was happy because it was secure and well-fed and I had inadvertently created a golden cage for Birdie.

I was not sure if I open the windows will it be able to survive on its own. I was worried if it flies too far or gets harmed by animals like cats or bigger birds. I ignored my observations in the interest of Birdie’s safety and let life go on as usual. From then on Birdie would constantly sit on her favorite spot, staring outside. It was too much for me to see Birdie suffer silently and decided to break the golden cage and open the windows.

At first, Birdie itself wasn’t sure what was happening and where the gust of wind was coming from. It sat on the windowpane for some time and carefully took steps outside the window. As soon as it realized that the window was open it swiftly flew outside. I was holding my breath in the anticipation of the outcome. It was chirping and flying around in huge circles.  It hopped from one branch to another exploring different trees, disturbing a few butterflies, and before I could realize it went out of sight.

I tried to locate it for some time but failed to do so. Suddenly the reality hit me hard that Birdie had flown far away and was exploring its world. I was grappled with my fears about what could go wrong. It might not be able to find food or get attacked by other birds. I felt helpless and as a few days passed by, I consoled myself that I had done the right thing and everyone deserves their true freedom instead of pseudo freedom which I was subjecting Birdie to.

One morning as I was finishing chores in the kitchen, I noticed something flew by my window. I went outside towards the balcony to confirm my suspicion and was pleasantly surprised to see new flying guests. My Birdie had finally found its way back home and had also got a new friend along with it. I hurried to find the bowls of water and food for my surprise visitors.

I could not believe that it came back safe and was much happier in its world than it was inside the house. As soon as I kept the bowls outside, Birdie started feasting on them. Birdie’s friend took a few hesitant initial steps but seeing Birdie so comfortable around me, it also dropped its inhibitions and start enjoying food.

From that day onwards Birdie and its friend are regular visitors to my kitchen window, happily waiting for food, now staring inside from the other side of the window.