Page 30 - Here_n_Now_Vol28__Jul2015
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I remember myself being completely obsessed with this Many years from there this spark got worn off many
super cop called (my) Dad. I loved the hideous thing about shades, and I wondered how things changed between us,
his job which required him to not reveal his true identity. So and how often he left me feeling sad and mad.
he would dress himself in some weird attire and leave Dad had set expectations of how his children were to grow.
home late in the evening. It was a pleasure to peep into his My brother and sister more or less conformed to his
special diary which had pictures and notes on some people expectation, but I was nowhere near. I would end up doing
called ‘culprits’ turned ‘informers’, who looked a little scary things that Dad thought were not ‘girl’ things - liking joining
and weird. They came home sometimes and Dad would the NCC at college.
quietly slip through the back door for a secretive
conversation. I peeped from some corner in spite of not He was completely against it, but I went ahead and
understanding any of the stuff they discussed. completed it with flying colors. My success gave me a lot of
inner strength but made it difficult for Dad to deal with it.
I recall my teacher in Class 3 asking us students to describe So I didn’t see too much of my Dad at my high school and
our parent/parents. When it was my turn, I stood college. Mom was there always as my pillar of strength. In
confidently and very proudly expressed about my Dad and spite of her hectic schedule and being at the helm of her
what he did. My concerned teacher sent home a note that career, she ensured she never missed even one of the
evening , asking my Dad to meet her. To that, my Dad sat events which required her presence.
me down and explained that from here on I need to tell It was depressing to see my friends’ Dads standing by them,
everyone that my dad worked at an office. He said “You are cheering for them on those student days at college. I
my strong little girl, and I need you to support me.” That excelled at studies, the cultural fests and whatever I
made me feel really important ,and, with an innocent spark attempted to do, but I missed my Dad by my side during all
in my eyes, I vehemently promised him that I will support those glorious moments.
him.
Life moved on, and so did we. I started off with an early 30
career, while pursuing my education. There were many
confrontations between my Dad and me which left us
bitter, and we started avoiding each other.
Financial independence gave me a lot of confidence to get
ahead in life. With this new found freedom, I tried to forget
the missing piece in my life, and move on. There were
times I thought about moving out of my home, given that I
could afford it.
