Vakil: The Feline Advocate of Third Pasta Lane
By A Draft Correspondent
In the heart of bustling Colaba, where the hum of street vendors merges with the chatter of cosmopolitan Mumbai, resides a lawyer unlike any other. Vakil, a street-smart cat, isn’t your ordinary feline.
Tuxedo in breed, with a coat as striking as a courtroom robe, she has carved a niche for herself on the cobblestone stretch of Third Pasta Lane, in Mumbai's Colaba. Her name, Vakil—meaning lawyer in Hindi—is as much an identity as it is a symbol of her presence at the renowned Media-Legal office of DraftCraft International.
Vakil wasn’t always the poised feline who now commands the attention of lawyers, journalists, and interns alike. She arrived unceremoniously one fine morning, tail high, exuding an air of authority. Her black-and-white coat, reminiscent of a barrister’s attire, earned her instant recognition.
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| An alert-as-ever Vakil keeps an eye on all |
A lawyer in spirit, she was christened Vakil on the spot. It wasn’t just her appearance that justified the name; her demeanour, too, was strikingly legal.
A Cat with a Cause
Vakil’s penchant for the law became apparent almost immediately. At DraftCraft International’s frequent meetings and workshops, she made herself at home. Slipping in through the half-open wooden door, she’d saunter in, her paws making a near-silent patter on the floor. To everyone’s amusement—and eventual acceptance—she would hop onto an unoccupied chair, squarely between a lawyer discussing constitutional amendments and a journalist chronicling media ethics. Vakil would sit upright, her piercing eyes fixed on the speaker, her ears twitching as though absorbing every legal argument.
It wasn’t long before her presence was no longer a novelty but an expectation.
“Where’s Vakil?” someone would invariably ask at the start of a session if she wasn’t already perched in her usual spot. Her contributions—measured in timely meows or an assertive tap of her paw on the table—were interpreted as astute observations. It was as though Vakil, with her innate gravitas, belonged in those discussions. Her black-and-white ‘formal’ attire only amplified the perception.
The Swagger of Third Pasta Lane
What sets Vakil apart from your average street cat is her unflappable confidence. Day or night, she struts down Third Pasta Lane with aplomb. Tourists marvel at her as she weaves through foot traffic, occasionally nudging a stranger’s leg in an act of feline diplomacy. She’s unbothered by the honking cars or the motorbikes that zip past. Strangers, initially wary, are often left charmed by her sudden friendliness.
Vakil’s personality is more than her swagger; it’s her knack for blending into the ecosystem of DraftCraft International. The vehicles associated with the organisation—be it the iconic Blue Bullet or the trusty Blue Activa—are extensions of her domain. She’s often seen sprawled atop the Bullet’s rider seat, her tail lazily flicking as she watches the world go by. The Activa, meanwhile, serves as her grooming station, where she meticulously prunes herself.
“She’s like our legal mascot,” quips one of the DraftCraft interns. “Only, she’s more punctual than some of us!”
Vakil in Action
One memorable anecdote encapsulates Vakil’s influence at DraftCraft International. During a particularly heated debate on public interest litigation, Vakil sauntered in, leapt onto the table, and let out an emphatic “Meow!” The timing was impeccable, breaking the tension and eliciting laughter. What could have spiralled into an unproductive argument instead became a lighter, more collaborative discussion.
Her antics don’t end there. Vakil has a knack for surprising even seasoned lawyers. On a late-night brainstorming session, a lawyer engrossed in case files felt a gentle tap on his shoulder. Startled, he turned to find Vakil perched beside him, her gaze seemingly scanning the papers. It was a moment of levity, but also a reminder of her omnipresence.
A Day in the Life of Vakil
Vakil’s daily routine is as structured as a barrister’s docket. She begins her mornings with a leisurely stretch on the pavement outside DraftCraft International. As the staff trickle in, she inspects them with a scrutinising gaze, almost as if gauging their readiness for the day’s proceedings.
Once the office hums to life, Vakil makes her rounds. She alternates between sitting on desks, tail curled around her paws, and perching on window sills, her watchful eyes surveying Third Pasta Lane. Lunch breaks are her time to socialise. Vakil has a particular fondness for the smell of masala chai and will often station herself near the pantry during tea breaks.
Evenings see her in her element—whether it’s hopping onto the parked Bullet for a short nap or settling into a chair as a silent participant in yet another workshop. When the day winds down and the shutters of DraftCraft International come down, Vakil retreats to her favourite spot: a cozy corner in the office where a makeshift bed awaits.
Vakil’s Legacy
Vakil is more than just a cat; she’s a symbol of the unique synergy at DraftCraft International. Her story has become a local legend, shared among residents of Colaba and visitors alike. Tourists often ask about the "legal cat of Third Pasta Lane," and staff members recount her exploits with pride.
But Vakil’s true legacy lies in her ability to bring people together. In a space where serious issues of law, media, and policy dominate discussions, she is a reminder of the simple joys of life. Her presence underscores the humanity—or rather, the 'felineity'—of an otherwise rigorous environment.
Vakil’s tale is a testament to the power of adaptability and charisma. From an ordinary street cat to an integral part of a respected organisation, she has shown that sometimes, the most unexpected individuals—or animals—can leave the most lasting impact.
As she sits perched on her Bullet or strides confidently into yet another meeting, Vakil continues to remind everyone at DraftCraft International of one important lesson: never underestimate the power of a cat in black and white.
