Sarika writes an open letter to her father, who departed a year back. It brings alive the vibrant father-daughter relationship. An exclusive for Different Truths.
Baba, I miss you every day. Life has never been the same and I guess never will be the same. I still believe somehow you can still hear me. With you went so much of me.
Maa is not well Baba, at times I can hear her mourn, which is unbearable. I witnessed how selflessly Maa cared for you throughout but with additional care the past 15 years. I remember how neighbours, relatives, and doctors were also of the same opinion that you were alive just because of Maa and her nursing.
Maa is not well baba, at times I can hear her mourn, which is unbearable. I witnessed how selflessly Maa cared for you throughout but with additional care the past 15 years. I remember how neighbours, relatives, and doctors were also of the same opinion that you were alive just because of Maa and her nursing. I remember clearly, how your eyes would light up with joy when maa entered the ICU. It is heart-wrenching to see her like this.
I must say you prepared for me this day also. Teaching me how to walk, how to ride a bicycle, allow me to even travel alone. I even came to you when I reached puberty for the first time. Being a daughter, you not only protect me always, but you also taught me how to defend when one day you will not be around. But baba I am yet to master’s in it. Trust me I do not cry Infront of anyone. I know you hate tears. It is just at times memories sneak out of my eyes and roll down my cheeks.
It has been a year, so many things happened during this period. Especially, COVID-19 – a pandemic which people had never experienced in history, it is vulnerable, scary, and life-taking. I am nervous, as the invisible fear is hovering around. Hope everyone is safe.
It has been a year, so many things happened during this period. Especially, COVID-19 – a pandemic which people had never experienced in history, it is vulnerable, scary, and life-taking. I am nervous, as the invisible fear is hovering around. Hope everyone is safe. Already so many people lost their lives. Oh! Baba, I adopted a puppy, he is so cute and filled our life with positivity. Wish you could meet him. I started yoga in full swing and succeeded in sending Mrinal and Memo for the same. Let me confess one thing, which you will not be happy to hear, once I drove my car at 120 speed, but I promise, I will not do it again.
You always guided me, even now also, when I am in a dilemma, “yes or no”. You are always with me. You constantly made me believe that love never ends. I speak to you every day, through coffee, sunshine, cloud and rain. I know you are with me in my smile, in my cry, in my success and failure, even now, when I am writing.
Baba, you are physically not here, but I can still hear your firm voice, “bhalo thakis”. May you always find peace!
With love and hugs,
Runa
Photos by the author and visuals by Different Truths
A teacher, day dreamer, random experimental cook and some hit and miss photography, and at last love to call myself a full time mother.
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