Dearest Papa,
Your little girl is growing up, and she needs you now more than ever.
When I look around, I see a world full of people who
don’t care who you are or how you are. Amidst this crowd of nonchalant people,
I see you; a bright, warm face smiling at me. And along with it I see a heart
that’s overflowing with unconditional love for me.
You’re the only one I want to see.
The face that woke me up with sweet, morning kisses
during the summer, the face that tried to teach me to ride a bike, the face
that rescued me when I was nearly drowning in the pool, the face that saved me
from bullies, the face that covered me with a blanket when I was cold, and kissed
me goodnight. It was you, all you.
Do you remember those Thursday afternoons when you
used to pick me up from school after the extra classes? That was fun, wasn't it? Waiting to see you after hours of boring lectures and running towards the
car after spotting you. You would play old Hindi film songs and we would laugh
and sing along.
You taught me to love books. I’ll forever be
thankful to you for that. You brought me my first fairy tale, and I still have
it. It’ll always be one of my most priceless possessions. I remember you bringing
me fresh, beautiful copies of the Harry Potter books as soon as they released.
You gifted me a world of magic. You gifted me imagination. It’s cause of you
that I believe in miracles.
I was pretty terrible at Maths ever since childhood,
until you taught me how those numbers worked. Those trigonometry quizzes were
fun, weren't they? Thank you for understanding when my grades were low. Thank
you for rewarding me when you thought I made you proud. Thank you for
admonishing me. Thank you for defending me.
You never understood Harry Potter much, but you
still came with me to all the movies. Because you knew how much it mattered to
me. How many times did you sacrifice your own happiness just to make me smile? I've actually lost count.
Oh, the numerous times I've rolled on the floor laughing at your out-of-the-world jokes. You really were and will always be the life of every party. How do you manage to be so charming? :*
Oh, the numerous times I've rolled on the floor laughing at your out-of-the-world jokes. You really were and will always be the life of every party. How do you manage to be so charming? :*
Also, HOW will I ever find someone as funny as you?!
Actually no, that’s not the question. The question is, will I EVER find someone
who is even half as brilliant as you? No. Not possible. Nah-ah. Because the
challenge isn't to find someone who is like you, the challenge is to find
someone who will love me as much as you do. I’m asking for a modern day miracle, aren't I?
I remember racing you in the rain. I remember
watching almost every Cricket match together and cheering at the top of our
voices. (Of course the cricket mania comes from you! It’s in my blood. :D) I
remember the summers and the photographs. I remember the times you hugged me
gently and calmed my nerves. I remember it all. I hope you remember them too.
You taught me to be brave and follow my dreams, and
it’s all been working out great for me. You’re my guide, my shrink and my guru,
and will always be.
But Papa, the world isn't as good as you. There are
monsters in fiction and in reality too.
I need you to hold my hand, Papa. I need you to
guide me through.
I know you will. You always do.
Your little princess is growing up. But she will
always need you.
Stay happy, stay young and stay awesome.
I love you, Papa. I love you more than words. I love
you more than stories. I love you more every day. <3
Yours crazily,
Me.
