Friday, November 18, 2011

So Close Yet So Far

A lot can be written about Mother but it's not easy to write about Father. Mother is a metaphor for emotions whereas Father has the power to control. He is like a silent poem; which has an external toughness and is devoid of emotions. And this is the reason why most of the children fear him. The ones who can see through this shell and feel the amount of emotions he hides in himself shall accept his greatness. Undoubtedly, he has the same amount of love for his children as the Mother. He has loads of emotions and feelings but he generally keeps them to himself making it difficult for the others to experience them. He has a large heart and a larger personality. He is the one who lets others to be free-minded and carefree.

A mother is often referred as the first teacher of any child but I believe, it's the father who prepares him for the journey called life. She is there to make him survive for the first few years and Father is the one who makes sure he survives the rest of his tough life. He not only tells him about the positive aspects of life but also warns about the adversities he might face. He teaches him the art of survival and makes him tough enough to bear the brunt of the real world when he steps out of home. He shares his knowledge and experience with him.

If there is one single word to sum up father, it has to be humble. He rarely talks about himself unless you ask him something. This is the reason it is somewhat hard to really get to know him. His silence encapsulates his personality. Very few would have seen him crying. He is immovable under all circumstances. He is head-strong and soft-hearted simultaneously. He'd always worry about things but would never let others to worry about them. He is generally like that only. Calm, composed, thoughtful and emotionless. He is the main pillar which supports each and every brick of the building called family. He not only fulfills our needs but also puts constraints on our unjust demands. He is the childhood hero and the idol of every child.



He is the one who knows when to leave you alone but is always there when you look behind your shoulder. Someone who encourages you not to settle for anything less than the best. Someone who lets you have ice-cream for breakfast and the one who loves you unconditionally (actually). Someone who wants to keep you from making mistakes but instead lets you find your own way even though his heart breaks in silence when you get hurt. Someone who holds you when you cry, scolds you when you break the rules, shines with pride when you succeed, and has faith in you even when you fail. He is the person to turn to when you have to take any tough decision. He wants to catch you before you fall but instead picks you up, brushes you off and lets you try again.

That's dad for me. All I know about him. But He still stands unexplored; the journey is unending.

"If you are friends with your father, you have a friend for life."


Thursday, November 10, 2011

Recognition



It was half past eight in the morning. The Delhi Metro was standing still midway with the notifications about the delay going on. A man in his sixties was sitting in front of me. He was well dressed and had a glowing face, beaming with joy. Looking at his watch again and again, counting the number of stations left and then eagerly looking outside to check if the train started moving, he was getting very impatient. With every passing moment, he was getting a bit disappointed. Observing him for the last five minutes, I decided to strike a conversation with him.

"You seem to be in a hurry. Have you got an appointment with some doctor?", I enquired noticing the envelope of a hospital in his hand. "No. I have to take breakfast with my wife. She is admitted to a nearby hospital.", he replied.



"Ah, I see. How is she now? What happened to her?" This came entirely out of excitement.
"She is suffering from Alzheimer and has been admitted to the hospital for a long time. We always take our breakfast together", he replied with the same calmness.
I asked again,"Would she get angry with you if you got a bit late?"
"No." He took a long breath and continued. "Due to the disease she has completely forgotten about me and has not even identified me for the last five years."
I got a bit surprised. "You go to have breakfast with her daily even though she cannot recognize your presence!!!"
This time he smiled and replied,"She might not remember who I am but I know who She is."