During the growing up days, it wasn’t easy to talk to Baba (Dad) on most things. Even the faintest names of guys would trigger a tremor too great to withstand. And it would result on a week long Hitler rule of:
* No guys calling at home
* Curfew after 7 in the evening
* Usual search of belongings to ensure the safety of my innocence
* Cross-checking my whereabouts to detect loopholes
The list was endless…and too embarrassing to get into the details at times.
Time changed, I grew and so did his rules. But one thing that never changed in Baba was his innate desire to ‘protect’ me from this big, bad world. Life hasn’t been too kind to me and with my homecoming after all these years he still wants to take care of his little girl (who is now in her mid 30’s soon to fall in the category of auntyji). So much so that he has no qualms in repeating directions to me and even goes to the extent of teaching me how to cross the busy roads. “Look on your right, then on your left, again on your…,” I interrupt too embarrassed. “So what?” he says, “You will always be little for me”. And still I see his eyebrows form that familiar expression hearing a male voice on my phone. More importantly, he never shies away from the patent statutory warning, “be careful”.
Today, when I brought his beloved car to work for the very first time in my life; I did feel his love clouding me. I drove very carefully, more cautiously than ever knowing that I can’t afford to make a mistake. Almost, as if I could overhear the all familiar tone, “Bete, be safe”.
I know it is not easy to stay with your parents at my age, but sometimes I do feel I am blessed. I know I am not too easy to live with, I scold him and he doesn’t protest. He continues fretting about me unfazed by my mood swings.
Thankfully, HE IS THERE! (And so is his car)
it's beautiful payal. and you will be good.
ReplyDelete