The Coolest Dad

“Sweeti, come to kitchen. I need your help,’ Rachna calls her daughter who was sitting idle, watching television. She was about to go but her dad said, “Sit here. Mummy will manage. Let’s watch the programme.” She smiled and ignored Mumma’s need.  

Sweeti was ever busy with study and other activities. School, tuition, homework and at evening spending time with Dad who played with her board games, video games; listened to her day’s activities, helped her in school projects, watched programmes and news on television and after having dinner both read books. There was no assistance of her to her mother in domestic chores. Whenever she was asked for it, her father replied, “She is studying. Will you appear for her exam? Tell me, how can I help you?”  

Sweeti was elated to have such a loving dad. She was his angel. He was so concerned for her safety that never allowed her to stay out of home after 7 pm. They accompanied each other everywhere – in parties, weddings, events, cultural programmes and what not. He gifted her whatever she desired. She was pampered so much that none dared to be rude with her. She always scored highest marks in school; was best in sports, arts and other activities. Her father had displayed all her certificates, medals, cups, her pictures as winner, on one of the walls of the living room. 

She was treated as a celebrity. Her favourite dishes were prepared at home and she was never forced to do anything that she hated. During illness or minor accidents her father used to bring her favourite sweetmeats. Her friends, cousins were jealous of her for having such a cool dad. She grew up into a beautiful lady and fell in love with her college friend. She didn’t share it with her parents as she wanted to test the boy if he was perfect for being son- in –law of her father. On one occasion he gifted her a beautiful dress. She brought it to home and explained father that a good friend had presented her. On the same evening her father bought an expensive shirt for the boy and she gave it to him. She was overwhelmed to find her father open minded having a modern outlook. 

She vowed that day she would never break her father’s trust. She focused on her study and one day found the boy unsuitable for her. She immediately cut all ties from him and within a year married to a person of her father’s choice. She was so happy in her married life that almost once a day she paid gratitude to her father. She never forgot to thank him for finding the best partner for her. The bond between father and daughter was everlasting. One evening she received a call from her husband that she should reach a hospital soon as her father had been admitted there due to breathing problem. She rushed there and found mummy and her husband in the hospital lobby. There she saw a stranger who was equally worried. She asked her mother about that person. What her mother said left her motionless and speechless. She stood there like a statue.

She was told that the stranger was her biological father. Rachna was in love with him in college. They were classmates. Sweeti was a love child of them. When the news of pregnancy spread in family Rachna was disowned as she brought shame to the family. She left home with a hope that her boyfriend would be supportive but he too denied his responsibility. She was not ready to commit suicide. She wished to give birth to the child. She moved to another city with the help of her friend and began living in a woman’s hostel. The friend had helped her to find a job so that her daily expenses could be met. After six months when she was unable to continue her service, the elder brother of her boyfriend offered marriage proposal to her. He was impressed by her personality, her fighting spirit and her capability of taking charge of life. He asked her parents. Her family agreed. Since that day he was the father of the child. Her boyfriend was so ashamed and guilty that he moved abroad permanently. After so many years he arrived to meet his ailing brother and to ask for his apology.

It was hard to believe for Sweeti that she received unconditional love, care, protection from a person who was not biologically connected to her. She went inside the father’s room where he was lying with closed eyes. There was an oxygen mask on his face. She sat beside him, held his hand and said, “I am grateful to you for giving me everything. You are my coolest Dad. Thank you for being with me in my life. Get well soon Dad.” At the lobby when the stranger addressed her as “My Child!” she turned to him and very normally said, “Yes Uncle.” He was hurt. Sweeti could see the changed colour on his face. She didn’t react. After a while he brought coffee for her and said, “I hope your mother has told you about me. I am your …” Sweeti interrupted and said, “You are a younger brother of my dad. “

“Yes! I am. But I have one more close relation with you.” He said hesitatingly.

Do you want me to honour you as a father figure when you don’t know who deserves to be a father? A father is a person who rejoices arrival of his child; takes all responsibilities of raising, nurturing and sustaining his child. Do you think you have done anything like this for me? However, I am grateful to you that because of your cowardice act, my mom met with a real man and I get a real father.”

He left the premise without meeting with his ailing brother as he knew what he had lost could never be gained again.