Dear Dad,

I know we haven’t been talking much for years. The most we talk is when you enquire from me about eating healthy food and I lie to you without flinching an eye. During college, I remember calling you at regular intervals asking for money. Oh, and I remember whenever I was home, you discussing politics with me. But dad, we haven’t really talked, like we should have.

I remember that slap I got as 11 years old, for demanding a new expensive dress on my birthday. That was the end of my fashion conversations with you. I know it sounds far-fetched to remember an innocuous slap from so many years back. And you are not to blame for that. I completely deserved it. But then, it was my birthday and the way you stopped the scooter and hit me in the middle of the road. It somehow remained in my memory. I am sorry though. I am just getting it out.

I am thankful for most of the things that happened to me in childhood. Made me a better-equipped person. For example, the way I got thrashing for demanding my favorite dishes from mom. And my terrified self could not gather the courage to disobey you. That somehow killed my taste buds. And I somehow stopped asking mom for making anything special for me. Now she keeps cribbing about not me not appreciating her cooking skills.. But then I thank you inwardly for making me a horse who can eat anything without a squeak.

Your impositions on watching TV made me street-smart into watching it when you were not around and pretending to study when you came back. Lying to play sports, as playing was banned, made me differentiate between a good lie and a bad lie from the very young age. Believe me, all these skills are helping me a lot when I have grown up and I could not have learned them without the farsightedness of yours.

Overall, these years when I have been studying out and now working, I have seen your love and interest grow towards me. I still remember that day from my board exams when I came up to seek your blessings and you were busy on phone discussing stock market. ( Detachment. That’s what I learnt then.) That and now, when you sometimes call me twice a day. I think maybe as your share of responsibilities have lessened, you have found time to appreciate the sapling you planted long ago.

I would also like to confess, that since we don’t talk much, you have missed my growth story. Somewhere, while chasing my own dreams, I have also missed your growth story. By the looks of it, you are at a far better place now then you used to be. All this said, I truly feel that knowingly or unknowingly you have made me independent and supported me through all my decisions in life. I really appreciate the freedom you gave me. Always. I thank you for that.