A Letter to My Dad

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? :*

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.