The other day I wore a traditional Indian attire, saree. For those who do not wear it, let me sneak a little secret. I don’t like to wear it either. On occasions I feel a sudden surge of having a drape around me and am always afraid that things can go wrong. The first time I tried it was in my school for a program. And the second was cut to six years later at a family function. The look was extremely beautiful, so much that I fell in love with myself, if I tell you honestly. But the icing on the cake is when the whole family gave me compliments. And something I am sharing with you, Indian fathers can never watch their daughters grow old. Mothers are a little practical in this. But when a father realises that his little girl is getting older, he realises that the time of her marriage is nearing too. And that is shattering, especially to a dad. He gives me one of the best praises and looks of appreciation that he shares is beyond the world. His cute, little smile that fades even before turning to a full curve pains me. The little girl that he has cared for all his life and who he loves more than anything else in the whole world, would have to leave him one day. This is the most Painful moment for any father. And you can believe me on this. Being a daughter is the biggest reason for you to trust me on this. I have seen my father getting upset with my wearing of clothes that made me look too girlish or mature to be called a woman. He loves calling me his princess and even questioned me earlier sometimes when I put on something resembling a gown or a longer fabric that denied me the innocence of a little girl. I used to wonder the reasons and end results were me being absolutely clueless. Because to me, I looked pretty then and being pretty always suits one.
But in the growing years of my life, as I have seen my younger cousins grow and have started facing more of life in reality, the answers have always been received, loud and clear. It has been tough for the man who has been the first love of the woman. It is tough for him to let his lover slide through his fingers to someone’s arms. He is a man. And he feels pain too. He realises that time is flying. He is aware that the heart he has been caring for will be shared. He is proud of the daughter he has. He is saddened by the thought of her turning into a woman. He is heartbroken by the new intrusion that can come in their world. He is afraid that his lady may not be treated well. He is scared to let her break. He is not ready to let her go. Still, he does it. Because that is what has been decided. Because the world separates one of the most beautiful bonds between people. Or maybe because they are separated that their relationship looks so beautiful. Or maybe they are so great that they get individual responsibilities to make the world better. Whatever be, the underlined fact is, A father is a son’s first hero and a daughter’s first love. And I have not generalised this. It is an age old fact and I am sure you would believe this.
From a daughter of a doting father to whoever it may concern. (soovlogss@gmail.com)
Until next time!
Signing off
So
