The Best Dad Ever

I took a flight to Bangalore from Mumbai to meet Meesha. I was busy with some professional commitments during last year. Hence, I couldn’t visit my daughter for a long time. Meesha delivered a baby boy just four months ago. I was on cloud nine when I got the news. My grandfather status didn’t make me feel old; instead it gave me a new life. I was very excited to meet the new member of our family.

Ajay was my choice for Meesha. I wanted the best for my beloved daughter. Meesha has always been my world. As soon as I reached Meesha’s house, I was overjoyed to see my little grandson. But Meesha was not there. She resumed her job as the maternity leave lasted only for three months. The baby was left alone at home with a nanny. Ajay, my son-in-law has always been a workaholic. I knew that he ignores Meesha and his family.

Meesha arrived late evening. I ran to the door to hug her. She couldn’t hold back her tears. I remember my daughter was always very close to me. I made it a point to call her once in a week after she moved to Bangalore. This time I met a different Meesha. She looked pale and lean. Her hair lacked lustre. Dark circles surrounded her eyes. She was not the usual happy and beautiful girl. In fact, she looked much older for a twenty-seven year old woman.

Meesha got busy preparing the dinner. The nanny went away, leaving the child in the cradle. Meesha was dancing between the bedroom and kitchen as the baby was crying after every few minutes. She laid the table for dinner. When Meesha was with us she never entered the kitchen, even to put her plate in the sink. I did not allow her to do any of the household chores. We gave her all the love and freedom. I couldn’t believe that my daughter was cooking, working, taking care of a baby and her husband as if she has eight hands and an elephant’s memory.

I got worried. A thousand thoughts flooded my mind. I was trying to figure out the reason for my daughter’s unhappiness. The doorbell rang at 11 p.m. It was Ajay. He had his dinner and slept while Meesha was busy cleaning the kitchen. She changed the baby’s diaper and put him back to sleep. She made arrangements for the next day’s breakfast. Finally, at 1 a.m. she was off to bed.

Her day began at 7 a.m. in the morning. I went to the bathroom and was taken aback to see a clump of hair in the shower. Meesha said that it happens to some women after child birth. Meesha’s pregnancy had been a complicated one. She was unwell for most of the time during those nine months. Ajay was in London for work during the initial phase. Meesha had to look after her own self. Besides, Ajay was never an understanding and supportive husband. He did not want Meesha to leave her job and rely on him for everything. I wanted to talk to Ajay, but I was sure that my daughter may have an issue with that. 

Sunday was more hectic for Meesha. I accompanied her to the grocery store. The child was troubling her for the whole day. Ajay wasn’t home as he had to attend an important business meeting. I feared that he had an extra-marital affair. I was very concerned for my daughter. I gathered all the courage and asked her, “Do you want to live with Ajay? You can leave him and come back to Mumbai with the child."

Meesha looked surprised. She said in a loud voice, “No Dad. I don’t wish to leave Ajay at all. Both of us are fine. Ajay has never caused any trouble, he just doesn’t help me. He has proved to be an insensitive husband. You are the best dad ever, however even you were not helpful to mom as much as I remember. Our marriage is same as yours. In spite of everything, you and mom are still together.”

I couldn’t believe those words. I reflected back on my own married life. I haven’t been a supportive husband either. I was busy in grabbing more and more out of life. I don’t remember when was the last time that I had a casual chat with my wife. I wasn’t there in town when Meesha was born. I was busy even when my wife was battling with cancer in the hospital. I had no time and she had to bring up Meesha alone. I guess Meesha is hardwired like this. She does not feel bad when Ajay neglects the family. She has grown up watching the same.

                I left Bangalore on a sad note. I reached home in the morning. My wife was sleeping. I asked the maid to leave for the day. I made tea and some piping hot breakfast. I took it straight to the room. My wife was surprised to see this. She was utterly confused about the entire situation. I handed the cup to her. Tears welled up in her eyes. I said, “I wish that I could go back in time. I have been the best dad ever. I no longer want to be an insensitive husband.”