Dear Dad,

Dear Dad,

I’ve always asked myself an intriguing question. Why do people go to temples, churches and mosques? They visit these pious places to worship God- to make confessions, to express their heartfelt gratitude and to make a few promises. I have never felt the need of going to these places because my place of worship is my home and my god resides there. So if I have my god with me, then proceeding to such a place is fruitless. People say that nobody in this world has met the Almighty in the flesh. But I do not belong to this category since I have seen Him and he is the one who nurtured me from the day I saw the first ray of light.

He is no one else but you Dad. There are multiple things I’d love to tell you face to face. But I am either bereft of words or I fail to find the time. This letter I have written to you with all my heart and soul will express my affection towards you, which has burgeoned in the passing years. Well, I might not succeed in my endeavour but I fervently hope you apprehend the most you can.

Sitting back on the couch and admiring the pleasant sunshine, I try to recall the pleasurable moments of my childhood when I, being an irksome toddler, played with your hair, sat on your shoulders and just had a ball with you everyday. We had more fun than a barrel of monkeys.

Time flew and both your daughters grew big. We left our diaper days feeling that the world is our oyster. We joined school and interacted with people. I vividly remember that time when I couldn’t utter a word till the age of three. Both, Mom and you were a bundle of nerves and got very apprehensive. The speech classes managed to initiate my vocal cords. Thinking about those absurd yet hilarious times fills tears in my eyes to the brim.

I have become a mature teenager and my brain revolves around all sorts of matters except the ones which include fun and activity with you. This happens because both us barely meet each other. Life has become as speedy as a bullet train and days are just passing. Dad, when is the last and foremost time we actually spent quality time with each other? Neither you nor I remember as we both are so engaged in our lives.

You have left no stone unturned in bringing home the bacon. The sudden boost of work you have had has made you work even harder. You are snowed under with so many responsibilities in the hospital yet you remain to be so sprightly and smiling to Akshi and me. Even after working for laboriously long hours, you leave us in stitches. You manage to keep all of us so enraptured by the sweat of your brow.

Those miserable times when you come home with a frown on your brows and a vexation in your eyes makes my heart bleed. I always adore the lovely smile on your face and never let that go because that’s what you are- an ecstatic soul. Today, people look up to you with insurmountable reverence due to the illustrious sacrifices and contributions you’ve made as a father, son, husband, brother and doctor.

You are the apple of everyone’s eyes and you have me as your proud daughter. Today, I’ve traversed so many breathtakingly beautiful places around the globe at such a young age because of you. All our memorable holidays have left me walking on air. These words are insufficient to describe you. You are an esteemed personality in the society but more importantly you are a selfless man with a heart of gold.

It goes without saying that you are the best father in the entire universe; a father who pushes his comforts and desires aside to fulfil his family’s wishes. I will treasure all those indelible memories as cherished souvenirs. Before signing off, I want to wish you a very “Happy Father’s Day”.

Your loving daughter,

Ayushi.