Daddy Dearest

 

                      அன்புள்ள அப்பா

Dads are extra special to daughters… Yes, Nandu is extraordinarily special to me. I always take pride in introducing myself to relatives and friends as “I am Nandu’s daughter”. Today on his birthday, I would embarrass him with abundant love, praise and acknowledgement.

During my early childhood days, my memories are only around my thatha, because appa used to leave early before I woke up and reached home only around my bed time. I would then be anxious to see if he is pampering my sister or me. Obviously, my sister, younger to me by years two (fit to be only in zoo) will be looked upon first and receive the cuddle (That was my first envy on her). During Sundays, he will be busy cleaning his scooter and rarely had any time for us. As we grew, I remember him tucking us with bed time Sindbad stories and weekend getaways to beach.

His life has not quite turned out as planned, I could see the burden of his responsibility but as all dada he conditioned not to show it and has been cheerful always (People like his enchanting and enduring smile). During high school days, I insist appa to take me to school, and especially during my exam times, he must be accompanying me to school. I somehow felt assured and blessed, if appa accompanied me (Perhaps, he also had some tension that I would quit half-way). I remember appa and amma waiting the whole day outside even during my PhD interview.

I remember the microtip pencil appa bought when I excelled in school during my fourth standard and a Lifco dictionary in fifth standard. I slacked then and really could not get any gifts after that. I didn’t fulfil his expectations when I emerged out of school though. I could read his tension during my board exam results. It was after my undergraduate days, I made up my mind, even if I did not get what I wished (rather I did not ask), I will give him life’s satisfaction.

Even today, he doesn’t make me wait for him when I alight from bus, train or flight. May be appa still considers me as timid and naïve. At this point, my sister can be envious, because she rarely gets this pick up/drop from appa. I am not bringing my younger brother into picture here because he is more of mama's pet (Boy, now don't start your complaint against appa not visiting you a single time during your BITS Pilani days)

I remember the day when appa was in panic frantically searching me thinking I was stuck in the flood/ hurricane that affected the town where I did my college (there was no mobile then and all landlines were out of order), but I made my good own freaky funny plans with friends and came home late. Upon return, I expected a blast at home, but appa carried me and was spinning me (in a circle of radius of r and angular speed ω) out of relief.

He considers work as his hobby and may be that is the reason for him continuing to work till today. Starting at 5 am in the morning, making the filter coffee before amma wakes up, playing tennis for an hour followed by routines and quick prayers, he is off to work at 8 am. I make it a point to choose his clothes when he goes out and take pride in telling others that my dad wears only what I chose.

I adore him for his love towards amma, for his bonding towards his siblings, for his many sacrifices in the family, for his pleasantness towards relatives, for his trustworthiness with friends and above all for his painstaking attention (without lamenting about his hurdles in life) on us.

For me, You are number WON Dad!