This is to the one person who taught me how to keep things alive even though you had lost it decades back, the person who taught me the importance of a smile even when someone shouts at you. This is to all the games of carom and chess which we didn’t finish because I didn’t know how to loose and to all the games you let me win – thanks for providing me the perfect balance of winning and losing when I should have learnt it. And ofcourse this is to all the games of cards you taught me, you bet I can beat anyone at the highest of stakes in any of the games – I can even bluff you now, how I wish I could have shown you this now! This is to the one person who taught me that money is worthless even when you don’t have much. To the one person who taught me allegiance and blind faith and how it benefits a life. To the one person who lit up with pride when I achieved and the person who looked down at me when I did something wrong. This is to you who fed me and forced people to feed me when no one else listened.
I miss your stories that you showered on me, the simple games of childhood right from 'ghughuti' to ‘chidiya ud’. I miss the sweetest voice I have ever heard, the voice that didn’t break for almost 9 decades – a test of time they say. And this is to the most beautiful girl that ever will be.
I remember you all the while I am here, or was anywhere. I remember how even after all you taught me I couldn’t stand up for you for years, and how I could because you taught me to be a human. I remember how I have not talked to you over the phone for months just because you had lost your hearing. I remember months wasted in front of the TV when I could have played poker with you. I remember being in the same house and yet not interacting with you or spending as much time with you as you liked, as much time as I would have as I see back now. And I will remember to make it all right in my life – just as you taught me to.
Thanks Dadi. I will miss you. Please forgive the mistakes I made that affected you and that would have affected you if you would have known them. I will always strive to be the man you wanted me to be.
Dadi (17 Nov 1925 - 4 Jan 2012)
