It was Father’s Day and I wanted to make it special for my baba. I planned to surprise him with a homemade breakfast in bed and a day full of activities that he loved. He has always been there for me, supporting me through everything, and I wanted to show him how much I appreciated him.

I woke up early that day and started preparing his favourite desi breakfast, paratha with butter and honey, and a glass of cold salted lassi. I attached a sticky note on the side of the tray where I had written, “I love you, Baba!” and arranged everything neatly.

With the tray in my hands, I tiptoed towards baba’s bedroom. I gently opened the door and tiptoed towards his bed. But to my surprise, baba was not in bed. I looked around the room, but couldn’t find him there. Panic set in as I searched for him in the house. But there was no sign of him. I started to feel like I was in a mystery movie.

I checked his car, it was in the garage. I was completely bewildered and did not know what to do. Just then I saw my mum, coming out from the other room, having some laundry in her hands. I asked her about baba, she told me that he had to leave early for work that day. He had an important meeting that he could not miss, and that a car was sent from his office to pick him up.

I was sad to hear that. Then I slowly walked towards my room, and there I noticed a note on my side table. It was by my baba. He had written the same thing which mum just told me, but he had also promised to buy oranges on his way back as I had asked him to do so the night before. He had also expressed that he was sad to be spending this day without me, but promised to make it up as soon as possible. I was disappointed, but I knew that work was important to my baba. He was always working hard to provide for our family. He worked long hours to provide us with the best and make sure that we had everything that we needed. I decided to make the most of the day and spend it doing the things we loved doing together. I played chess on the laptop, watched a movie and went on the terrace for a walk.

As the day went on, I perceived how much my baba’s hard work meant to me. He rarely took a day off, even on Father’s Day. I was amazed and impressed by his dedication and love for our family. I also felt lucky to have a father like him.

The day passed by quickly, and before I knew, it was time for bed. As I lay in bed, I kept thinking about my father and how much he loved all of us.

The next morning, I woke up early and quickly freshened up. When I went into the dining room, the tangy smell of fruit chaat caught my nose. Baba was sitting on the couch reading my article published in Young World and waiting for me to wake up. He had taken the day off to spend some time with me and I was overjoyed when he told me this. I laughed out loud with happiness and could understand that it was to make up for being out the day before.

We sat down to eat my favourite breakfast together. He told me how proud he was of me. He also told me he loved me and appreciated everything I did for him. I was touched by his words and felt very fortunate to be his daughter.

This little incident, that incidentally happened on the Father’s Day, taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of hard work and dedication. My baba’s love for his family was evident in the way he worked hard every day to provide for us. I realised that I need to appreciate and love him more and so started spending time with him whenever he was free. It was also a turning point in our relationship, as we started celebrating everyday like Father’s and Mother’s Day. It brought us closer together as a family and made me value and admire my parents more.

I also learned that sometimes things don’t go as planned. We may have our hearts set on something, but life can throw us a curveball. However, we need to learn to be resilient, develop the ability to adapt to change and keep moving forward. The incident taught me to never take my baba’s love for granted and to find joy in the present moment, even when things don’t go as planned.

Published in Dawn, Young World, June 17th, 2023