Ek Chai aur Banau Kya? ☕

Thank you, Papa.

This blog is not only an ode to my dad, but to all those figures who fulfill the role of a father in our lives. Thank you for being there and guiding us. We are grateful for your guidance.

Dear Papa,

Today is Father’s Day, and I find myself reflecting on the impact you’ve had on my life. Words often fall short when I try to express the depth of my gratitude and love for you — but today, I want to try.

One of the fond memories from my childhood was the big, almost 7-year old me sized pink teddy bear you got. It was PINK (for those who do not know me, I am OBSESSED with pink). I still have that bear intact. Every time I look at the bear, I feel the same cloud nine I felt that day — the feeling of true happiness and joy. Though you make me cry sometimes, you make me laugh and happy equally, if not more.

You’ve been my rock, my protector and my greatest cheerleader. I remember during exam days when you would feed me fruits while I prepared to overcome my fear of uncertainty, of what will happen next. You would narrate your life experiences during our drives, your voice weaving magic into the words. Your presence — strong and steady — was my first understanding of what it means to be truly cared for.

As I grew, your guidance became my compass. I think back to those moments when I stumbled, unsure of my path. You sometimes did judge me and scolded me as well, but eventually offered your wisdom and advice. Now that I look back, this wisdom is probably something I cannot gain from those books I bury my head in, but only through lived experiences and you.

I see you working hard day and night to meet ends and give us a comfortable lifestyle. You taught me the value of hard work — sometimes through a 20-minute long lecture — but mostly through your own actions. I remember watching you wake up early, day after day, dedicating yourself to providing for us. Going to office, running a business and still making sure that you had enough time for us.

During the stormiest times, when I felt underprepared, it was your reassuring words and warm embrace that kept me grounded. Just the words “कर लेगी बेटा, क्या हो गया ? मुझे पता है कर लेगी।” [I know you can do it] have been enough for me. I am very self-critical and extremely harsh on myself. But papa, your belief in me has been a beacon of light. Even when I doubted myself, you never did. You saw potential in me that I couldn’t see, and you pushed me to reach heights I never thought possible. Your pride in my achievements, no matter how small, made every success sweeter and every failure more bearable.

Every challenge I face, I carry a part of you with me. You are my compass, my source of strength and my inspiration.

Papa, I just want you to know that your presence in my life has been a great gift. Your wisdom has shaped who I am, and your guidance has lit my path. I am eternally grateful for everything you are and everything you’ve done for me. I hope you feel appreciated not just today, but everyday.

Thank you Papa for being my hero and my mentor.

With all my heart,

Your daughter.

P.S. - चाय तो आप बहुत पीते हो। बनाने में हर्ज़ नहीं है, लेकिन थोड़ी कम पिया करो। आप ही कहते हो ना, कुछ भी चीज़ अति में अच्छी नहीं।