Like all gangster movies pay their tributes to Francis Coppola, I owe the inspiration to write about my father to a gentleman who changed his identity to KRR on facebook recently.
To
Babu ji,
Because when your dad was cheated, you were only 8 and still courageous enough to realize that it was only the battle and not the war.
Because when you quit studies to feed your brothers, there was hope in the family.
Because when you were having only one meal a day as a kid, you were learning about the scarcity of resources, demand, supply et al.
Because when you took the risk of quitting your job to go on your own, you made the right bets for your kids.
Because when you flew the only airline in the country in 60s, you had arrived in life.
Because when you discovered youngsters and convinced them to work for you for nothing, you were an entrepreneur in your own right.
Because when you decided to watch the only cricket match of your life in a stadium, Ravi Shastri honored you by hitting 6 sixes in an over.
Because when you spoke your mind on the license raj, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan acknowledged and sent you a card on your wedding.
Because you redefined the word comeback. And grit. And determination. And fighting spirit. And leadership. And many unmentioned superlatives.
Because you proved that the word "age" is not a four-letter word.
Because you planted in my head that IIT is the only place to be, I decided to become unidimensional in life.
Because when I came home having stood first in a national exam, you said it’s not gonna feed me forever.
Because whenever I had let you down, you concealed your hurt and disappointment, narrated your fascinating story and charged me up. Your fairy-tale return was always inspiring.
Because at 21, when I couldn’t walk as fast as you in the streets of Kolkata, you called my generation a bunch of losers.
Because when I was weeping like a 5 year old in a desert called Pilani, you gave me the tightest hug of my life.
Because when I’m called arrogant and short-tempered, I feel proud on my inheritance of the trait from you.
Because your family borrows from a certain TV ad, and says "We miss you so much, it hurts".
Because the last time I met you, you were more worried about my grades at the B-School than I was
Because you made me proud by just allowing me to stand beside you.
Because you never gave up.
Because when I lost Ma, you said you will double up for her.
Because when I lost you, there was no one to say anything at all.
Because you never gave me a chance to say good-bye.
I’m choked.
