An episode in a man’s life
Niki climbed the stairs and with a bit of wheeze told her husband “yeh lo ji chai “ the sun beating down on them anand turned around to grab his cup of tea , niki looked around the balcony, seven empty cups were strewn across , anands back was to her but she knew the reason he was peering into the street waiting to see his daughter , she was coming home from her last year of studies, a doctor to be. she knew, from years of being with anand, that though he was calm on the outside he was writhing in happiness to see his daughter.With a gulp he drowned the tea, like a man drowning his last peg and walked into their daughters room. It was neat , yet he dusted it again, making sure things were the same as she had left it. His old frame walked down the stairs as she followed him, unknown to anand with a smile on her lips. As they walked down she realised 5 generations of people had used the same staircase , anand, his dad, his brother, mum , herself and nihalika. The smell of vanilla greeted them , yes anand had woken up early to bake his daughter her favourite home made cookies . “ ab bus bhi karo ji” “bahoot kaam kar liya aapne’ she said but anand was not to be curtailed. His fifth batch of cookies were done and all stored neatly.
She knew he would not listen she knew his fondness for their daughter and the bond they shared… a bond she had never shared with her dad. He had prepared macroni, and now was sautéing okra , he knew it was nivis favourite dish and she liked it when her dad cooked it.
She saw , how his old hands were chopping fast, she knew he was possessed with an energy only a dad could have. Once done anand went and sat on the couch. Nitika returned to the kitchen, kneading dough for rotis when she felt anand hug her from behind . “ guddi ki saade help chaide” she smiled to herself his Punjabi was bad but he kept speaking and the hug was something she least expected. “ na ji na” the bell rang and anand ran outside it was the gurkha for his money..” kal aajao “ he said and walked in disappointment all over his face .. “ aree anand who aajayegi itna tension kyon le rahe ho?” she asked , knowing well he wouldn’t answer.
Daaad the silence was broken with a familiar voice and anand was there hugging his daughter hard and tight an embrace they kept for a long time … a hug she knew was more of a statement saying iam there to protect you” not the hug she received. But she was not envious. Mumma nivi said as she hugged her and both kissed each other. “daad something smells good “ did you bake?” and without waiting for a reply she walked into the kitchen returning with her hands full of cookies “yum daad” yum she said and sat next to her dad chewing on cookies like she had never had a meal before .. a smile crossed her lips she said a silent thank you god prayer.
Daad I’ve been doing opd and you are right nivi started… she knew dad and daughter were gonna talk a lot , a lot about medicine a subject she knew least of. Niki walked to the kitchen and standing near the door watched silently as both of them were involved in an animated conversation. She did not feel left out but proud ,the two most loved ones of her life were talking and she knew anand had practically been with her right from her childhood and so they shared a lot in common.
She saw how , her tall , fair beautiful daughter was snuggling against her dad and anand, a man who seldom smiled had a big smile splattered across his face. Science, books, medicine, extreme sports were something they both liked. Her love for both grew more, here was a man who had , though cursed her, was angry and short tempered, had taken the responsibilities to make their child a doctor and there she was a dads lil girl , bold , manly and a tom boy , taking after him in all things right. She also knew how much anand loved her , love they shared which was special. She remembered how he said way back in 2007 “ I love the way you say haanji” and how he loved calling her guddi .. his love for her , and her love for him was something none would understand she knew. A love they shared was so rare. Silence was his way of expression and being blunt was hers .she smiled again this time it was a smile of romance for that man
Her life was complete, she had had her battles, she had worked hard , lost herself to win battles but all was well now .. this moment was all she wanted a happy family , she clicked a pic of dad and daughter .. it will make a lovely pic for the mantle piece she thought.
She went in, to make rotis , she knew anand loved her rotis and nivi her dal. As she kneaded the dough tears of joy streaming down her face , some one hugged her from behind , a soft pair of hands mumma I missed you nivi said , he daughetrs tall figure out growing her height, mumma I’ve learnt hard work from you, nivi continued.. nivi roti legi she asked nah mumma aacha mumma batao how is ur honeymoon with the old man going? “chup you naughty girl” niki said blushing and smiling
Aww ma cmon I know you two love birds .. is dad still talking about breaking bones of any guy I speak to? Nivi asked .. kyon why don’t u ask ur dad niki said laughing.
To be continued