Part 3 of 6 · 4 minThe Goat’s First Vote

Meera squinted at the blurry shape in the rain. "It could be Chintu. The honorary member we saw last week near the boundary wall."

"He's chewing through the 'No Entry' rope again," Ravi groaned, grabbing his umbrella. "I knew he'd find a way to ruin my perfect sock moment."

Chintu didn't wait for permission. With a bleat that sounded suspiciously like a trumpet fanfare, he leaped over the wet grass and landed squarely in Ravi's line of fire. The goat shook off water droplets as if they were mere dew, sending a refreshing spray onto Meera's raincoat.

"Look at him," Priya Menon said, stepping out from behind her pillar with an umbrella tilted just enough to let the sky wash over Chintu but keep her dry. "He's wearing a collar. Someone gave him a ribbon."

Meera adjusted her glasses, water dripping from her brim. "Article 14, Section B allows for honorary membership if the animal demonstrates exceptional utility. But has he demonstrated it? Or is he merely demonstrating persistence?"

"He ate the rope," Ravi muttered, pointing his shoe at the frayed plastic cord dangling from the fence post like a chewed candy wrapper. "That's a breach of perimeter security."

"But look at his posture!" Priya countered, crouching to inspect Chintu's hooves. "He's got good form. And he looked at me with those big, innocent eyes. How can we resist?"

Meera turned sharply, her clipboard clicking against her thigh as she approached the goat. She held up a digital tablet displaying a blank form. "Initiate Protocol: Goat Adoption. We need to determine his classification before he enters the clubhouse proper. Is this an agricultural asset? A security threat? Or just a very determined pet with a sense of entitlement?"

Chintu nudged Ravi's hand, which dangled lazily from his side. The goat seemed interested in the Vice President's loafers rather than the paper trail Meera was dragging along.

Ravi chuckled. "Alright, alright. Let's give him a title. 'Guardian of the Green' or something."

"Guardian of the Green requires documentation," Meera said, tapping the screen. "Here is Article 9: *Grazing Rights and Pasture Allocation*. He can graze within five meters of the clubhouse entrance, provided no grass is pulled from the flowerbeds and all manure is collected daily."

Priya grinned. "And who collects the manure? Me?"

Meera glanced at her. "Yes. Unless you wish to volunteer for the 'Manure Management Committee' as well."

"Fine," Priya sighed, crossing her arms. "But only if Chintu gets a fresh brush of hay every Tuesday. And maybe a tiny umbrella too."

Meera typed furiously. "Adding clause 4D: *Weather Protection*. If rain exceeds two inches per hour, the goat shall retreat to the designated shelter under the banyan tree unless approved by the Executive Committee."

Chintu bleated again, this time softer, and蹭蹭against Meera's leg as if asking for approval. She paused, looking down at him with a mixture of annoyance and reluctant affection. He had indeed chewed through the rope, but he hadn't trampled anyone yet. His coat was clean, except for the rain.

"Alright," she said finally, signing the tablet. "Welcome to Green Valley Society, Honorary Member Chintu, Class: Bovine, Rank: Junior Vice-President of Pasture Affairs."

Ravi clapped him on the back, causing the goat to stumble slightly before recovering with surprising grace. "See? I told you we could integrate him properly. Just like how I wear one sock now—"

Meera raised an eyebrow. "Until your right foot dries completely, then full socks again per Section 5C."

"Deal," Ravi grinned. "So, does this mean Chintu gets a seat at the next meeting?"

"The bylaws don't specify seating arrangements for quadrupeds," Meera said dryly. "But I suppose he could stand beside the door and observe proceedings, provided he doesn't knock on anything."

Chintu trotted forward and sniffed the air, clearly excited about the idea of being part of something official. He nudged a potted plant near the entrance, which tipped over with a soft thud. Everyone froze.

Meera opened her mouth to speak, then closed it again, watching the goat blink innocently at her. "Very well," she muttered. "Clause 8F: *Interaction with Decorative Flora*. Effective immediately, Chintu shall be issued a lightweight scarf to prevent accidental dislodging of plants."

Priya laughed, pulling out her phone to snap a picture. "Now we're talking. Imagine him wearing a little bow tie next time."

Meera rolled her eyes but didn't stop typing. She added: *Accessory Clause Pending Review*. Then she looked up at the sky, where heavy clouds still threatened another downpour. "Next step: Drafting the formal consent form for grazing rights near the clubhouse. We'll need three signatures—Yours, mine, and… Chintu's?"

Ravi held out his hand for a signature. "Let me know if you need help with the ink."

Chintu stepped forward and pressed his nose against Meera's finger pad of the tablet, leaving a faint, muddy mark on her screen. She stared at it, then smiled despite herself.

"Accepted," she said. "Welcome aboard, Chintu. Let's hope you behave yourself before the annual general body meeting."