The overseas and away father

It’s your birthday, you are about to cut the cake, but your eyes are fixed on your mobile and at that instant, a blink of light is flashed through the screen that indicates ‘Abbu is calling’; excitedly you pick up the call to hear the birthday wish from your father. This is  the best gifts for of birthday. There are some children who live with their father and then there are those who have lost their father, but there is also one more kind — those whose fathers have to live apart from their family due to their jobs. My father lives in another country because of his job. It has never been an easy ride. There are moments when I miss my father but he cannot be there with me; even though he is one call away but this does not make up for his presence. I remember during my school days when I used to receive any award, I always wanted my father to see me but it was never possible because he found it difficult to visit us every now and then due to his job responsibilities and the cost of travelling. Even during my last convocation when I received a shield and my name was called out, I got teary-eyed with happiness and longing for my father to be there and see me receiving an award. During my birthdays, small family gatherings and even while enjoying a cup of tea every evening, I miss his presence… it’s not like I cannot talk to him but yes as time passes, the desire for his company increases. It is always those little moments that count a lot, like sitting with him and talking aimlessly about my favourite ice cream or movies. However, my father still manages to make his presence felt by his calls, letters and infrequent visits. When I was younger, it was always about chocolate and gifts but then as I grew up, I found a very good friend in him with whom I could joke around and share my secrets. He understands when I am worried from the tone of my voice. Although I put up a smiley face in front of everyone, he is the one who recognises the concealed hesitation in my voice. A father-daughter relationship is truly special — we are the apple of their eyes. They make us feel like princess and for any daughter, her father is an ideal man who supports her, looks after her and gives her courage to face the problems of the world. He stands tall with full strength to protect her from any evil eye. It is true that most fathers don’t express their love to their children, like my Abbu never says that he loves me but his small gestures of care reflect the love he has for me. My father is not too good with words, but his mundane enquiry about things when he calls, reflect how special I am to him. Deep down in my heart I know that words don’t matter, what matters is his deep love and support for me. We are two sisters, and I remember my grandparents wanted a grandson but my father felt proud of the two little angels in his life. He used to carry us on his shoulders on the way back to our home from a nearby park. We have grown up and are busy in our lives and get less time to talk but he always makes it a point to call us so that we don’t feel his absence. We love to watch TV and I vividly remember that when I was small and he was home for a visit, we used to have a race about who would grab the remote first. He comes down to my level to bridge the communication gap. He is witness to all my stories and my horrible nightmares. He remembers our birth dates and religiously sends a birthday cards every year. To keep up this relation, he makes all the efforts he can; I remember I made a burnt chapatti once when I first started cooking and he ate all of it and even praised my effort. He made me feel so confident! I know he too has missed getting the love he would have got from us had he lived with us. Today I want him to know that he is the best dad and will always be. On this Father’s Day, I want to thank you Abbu for all the love and encouragement you have given despite being at a great distance. You are the best father in the whole world.