Father--- You are a Priceless Possession.

21st June,Sunday marked the Father's Day.The world sprang upon to celebrate the day dedicated to fathers and fatherhood.Indeed fathers are the warriors who endure much than mothers in this turbulent life's ocean currents.They are the first heroes,inspiration,and admiration of our lives.Searching for life's ideal or inspiring icon??  Take a penetrative look at your father.There is your  ideal and a man who is worth admiring.
                             I still remember how my father used to place a towel over the cycle's top tube so that I can comfortably accompany him to the local market.I have often heard my mother grumbling over the fact how I forget my water bottle at school and lose designer pencils.She even threatens that no new pencils would be purchased as a sort of punishment for not becoming responsible about my things.Father frowns yet a new pair of pencils would be secretly kept in my pencil box when mother would be busy in domestic chores.The best thing about fathers are that they surprise us like no other near and dear ones do.
               I still remember my first day in school when he took me out holding my fingers in his curled right fist and lead me through the gates of the school.He never asked if I was afraid or would scream and cry out loud once he left me because he had that unflinching faith upon me.I would behave as required in the school.The results time are hard and testing times of a student's life.When all others create a fuss over a not-so-excellent results,he keeps mum and I remember him telling me silently near the balustrades of the balcony that I have the potentiality and talent its just that I need a sheer determination and zeal to utilise them to the best.His one-liners laced with faith and trust act as driving forces.Every stifle matters reach his cochlea.
                    As we share the same passion for travelling,reading and writing we bond just like friends more than a father-daughter.His love for my hand made tea and constant teases for my love for crisp spicy snacks  keep me wondering how I would survive without his presence near me.
                   My father often says 'Becoming father is no child's play.Its a huge responsibility.'I absolutely agree with him.He is protective and strict yet a great mentor and loving friend on the other side.A person with multi talented caliber;he is the coveted boy,man and friend I dream of possessing.
Its no wonder that why every girl would feel like a  princess in her father's arms because every time I cut the onion,lemon or slice the cucumber he keeps on voicing out--'' Who sent you to cut these?Hey! be careful with that knife.Its sharp.Is any anti septic cream there at home or not??''I grin and ask him not to worry too much and pat comes the reply--'' You are my priceless gem.I can't afford to see you get hurt.''

               Its needless to say why I consider him as my priceless possession of life.He loves unconditionally yet never shows off.Someday I can find my Prince yet my father shall remain my King.
P.S.:The characters,story and setting is based on true life experiences of the writer.
(A small gift to my father who taught me the first alphabets, counting numbers and taught me the morals of life.Thank you for everything father and especially for bringing me into this beautiful world. )

Once In The Rain

Month-June

Time-11.30a.m.

      It was an overcast day with strange chillness engulfing the atmosphere.I assumed that it might rain in the afternoon.I could see my daughter making play boats out of the color papers.I sighed looking at the contrast of the murky shade of the sky and the bright colors of the boats.Suddenly I got the phone call that my boss in the office wants me in the office.I scowled because I had taken a day off to complete some important works at home which I failed to do due to my busy schedule at office and successive tiredness.I picked up my handbag ,office folder and rushed to my neighbour's house with my daughter.Leaving her with their care I hunted for a transport to reach the office.Unfortunately I found none convenient enough to ply in.

             Adding to the adversity it suddenly started to drizzle.I searched for the umbrella I usually keep in my handbag but to my utter disappointment I found it missing.I remembered then that I had taken out that to wipe it clean and has completely forgotten to put it back in the bag.Finding no options or any alternatives I ran for shelter into a tea stall.My phone was continously vibrating due to the incoming calls and messages to arrive early at the office for the meeting which was preponed due to unavoidable circumstances.

               I was partially wet for the tea stall hardly could provide roof to 6 people.Clutching the folder to my blazer I awaited for the lashing rain showers to stop.Then my eyes met with a familiar face and with a closer inspection I recognised her as my neighbour with whom I was not in good terms before a few days back due to a ugly verbal fighting.She was on her scooty driving back from the departmental store.I immediately extinguished the flicker of hope of getting the lift.

              But to my utter consternation she halted a few centimetres away from the tea stall.With quizzing eyes she voiced out --''Are you going to office''?? I nodded in affirmative.She turned her head away from me and looked at the showering rains.I was cursing the rains at that moment for keeping my job at stake.That instant she voiced out again--''Would you like me to drop you at your office,because I am afraid you can't get any autorickshaw in this place and also in this diabolic weather.'' I was surprised at her suggestion,shocked that I had resolved to not take her help in any adversities even.Yet she is suggesting me for a lift on her scooty.With the next call from my colleague to arrive early because the meeting was due to start made me forget all the inhibitions,rejections and considerations in which I was deeply involved a few second ago.

          I finally requested  her to drop in my office nor I would get late for the meeting.She held out a spare raincoat to me to wear since I had nothing to save myself from getting wet tip to toe.She sped her vehicle through the muddy lanes,lashing showers and amid flashing lightnings and deafening thunders.Ultimately after 25 minutes I reached my office and hopped from the back of the vehicle.I ascended  the stairs and pushed open the glass door.She waved me a good bye and I found myself raising my right hand to wave her back.

           As I dashed into the conference room,I held an apologetic look and muttered a ''sorry'' to my chief.He held a sight of relief on seeing me hale and hearty despite these non stop rains.After I occupied my allotted seat I remembered that I had not said her a 'Thank You'.I made a note in my mobile so as not to forget this amidst the heap of chores at home.

      The rains had finally stopped by the time we wrapped up with the meeting.I folded the raincoat and kept it neatly in a spare bag which I usually kept in my office locker.My colleague cum friend enquired that how I was able to reach the office in this weather.I narrated the events and she was pretty surprised at the turn of the events.She was the one who had consoled me few days back when I was very upset with the differences with my same neighbour.My friend dropped me back home and as soon I dismounted from the vehicle I met my neighbour.She flashed a smile and I remembered that I owe her a 'Thank You'.I took tentative steps and finally I was standing facing her straight.In an audible whisper I said'Thank You for today'.She laughed and I was amused to the core with her behaviors.She then placed her right palm over my left hand knuckles and giving them a mild squeeze she said--''What are neighbours and friends for ?? If they would not stand in each others difficult phases then who would?? I let out a chuckle replying ''Might be people of village''.

        Both gave each other a brief look and burst out into a loud laughing.The drizzling started again but we were glad that our differences had got sorted out amidst drizzles,rains and thunders.

P.S..--The characters,scene and the story are purely fictional.Any resemblance with true life and character is completely coincidental.