Dad wrote to me....

When I celebrated my 20th Birthday. Given below is the letter … When I was surfing thru my old letters, I got this. I decided to post it. BTW for you all to send your wishes and Gifts my Birthday falls on March 5^th every year. But for your convenience I refer to you that I also celebrate Monthly Birthdays....

My dear girl,

This is your dad. Am I proud in saying so? I don’t know. If you feel that you have mad me proud on many occasions, please stop day dreaming.

This was the day 20 years before you were born. I never knew that this would be the most disastrous day in my life. I never thought that a rainy night will be rewarded with such a girl after nine months. Even during your birth you made me lose my sleep. You were born at 3.35 am.

At first like any new parent I was very happy. Happier for having a girl baby. We (I and your Mom) had our fights only after you were born. From choosing a name to everything…. WE never thought that a girl baby would be that exhilarating…

I still remember how I took you in my hands and the call I got. The call said that I was transferred to Baroda. Till date I don’t know whether it was my good or bad luck. But, whenever I called your mom, you would be sleepy. Occasionally you would be awake. All you would do is gurgle. Whenever I heard your gurgles, I would either miss my Train or my bike would get punctured or it would rain heavily. I had always convinced myself that it was a pure coincidence and nothing related to you.

Whenever your mom complaints about you, I would glib her. My troubles started after I came back home and after putting you in School. I still wonder how could a kid just 4 yrs could be so notorious. You wouldn’t remember what all you did.. like say ( ……….Sorry yaar have to edit this portion)

Later, when your mom was away for your sis birth, I was left with you. I don’t have words to express or to share the entire pathetic episode. Even when my dad died, I didn’t cry my dear child.

And in your Fifth STD you did something which I had always wanted to do and have not got the guts to do. You boarded a bus to Pondicherry to your Aunts house along with your friend. You RAN AWAY dear pepper … That too for what….? That we did not put you thru’ Karate class!!!! That was also the time when Telephone was not widely used. And the message we sent to everyone informing your absence….Poor Aunt of yours she was shocked to the core when she saw you at her door at 10.00 pm…She was hospitalized…

After that incident, everyone, right from my brother to your grand parents said that you would be a good one after you grow….As the age grew, my troubles also increased. I still pity your mother who would come running to your school to meet your Class Teacher, or the Head Master or the Principal or some of your class mates parents…

When you were in you 12^th STD, I was away on an official tour. Four guys bigger than you by 2 or 3 years came home with hockey sticks searching for you. Your mom spoke to them, begged them, convinced them and sent them back . They had been there, to kill you. For you had injured one of their friend with a hockey stick. If I think of that incident I still remember your mom crying. Do you know once we even thought of poisoning you….? But cursed myself for having such a thought in the Gandhi’s Land!!! But hasn’t he said that if a calf is in pain, mercy killing is welcome?

You have made us happy whenever you came First in some competition. But if you happen to lose (that happens because of the so called partiality, at least that is what you claim) we at home - your mom, your sis and myself we would all be waiting at the gate for you. Praying silently for the Competition’s Judge.

All the happier moments that you gave us were all short livened ones. Even till date we at home keep our fingers crossed while you go out. For fear that you would walk in with some trouble.

My dear child, you have had a comfortable and cool 20 yrs of life. You have enjoyed watching us cry in agony. Let bygones be bygones, I wish to seek your support in making our life peaceful.

Praying for Peace and as always for your good health,

Yours Lovingly,

DAD.