Daddy is a very dynamic and an intense man. He is very determined and has a solid, strong character. He is the hardest working man I have seen. He believes a lot in traditions and though, he has taught us the value of our roots, he has made sure that he has given us wings to fly into unexplored horizons. He is always there behind us like a rock, to support our endeavors with a nod.
When he disapproves, there is an imperceptible frown between his eyes and that is enough for us to change our paths. We girls have respected him without him needing to shout for it. He is that effective.
Yet, Daddy has never been a very expressive and a demonstrative person. He is immensely capable at his work but he is at a loss when it comes to expressing his feelings verbally or physically. So we are often left wondering what to gift him when his birthday is round the corner.
1. Shirts
The safest venture for any man. Daddy loves pastels which means that I have to look out for greys, whites, creams and beiges. On presenting them, I may be left wondering if he liked it since he is not the type to sing praises loudly. Instead he may just give a very rare and sweet smile. Yet, when I see him wearing the same shirt that I gave every time he goes dining out, I know I have scored.
2. Music
My father loves ghazals and songs which are inspiring in nature. Maybe this is because he has made his way in life all alone with amazing determination. He is a self-made man and that shows in his taste of music. So when it?s not shirts, it has to be a music CD or cassette which I may make myself keeping his choice in mind. The only way to know that I have done a good job is to peek into his car where my cassette would be found lying and played again and again till my mother says?Enough of these songs!?
3. Paintings
My father?s home looks like a palace. The colors are muted and the décor very beautiful. His taste is impeccable and therefore, I have to rack my brains many times to think of something suitable that would adorn the walls of his home and do full justice to his lair. Well, sometimes it works and sadly, sometimes it does not.
4. His photograph
Daddy hates to pose for a photograph. He finds the whole process of standing with a smile fixed on his face while a photographer adjusts his camera imbecile and childish. So I usually look for his snaps in which he has been caught unawares, smiling in a most natural way. Cutting his snap out from that, enlarging and framing it pays rich dividends. Especially when I see that snap of his standing proudly in his living room.
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This is for now but there was a time when I was about fifteen. Being low on cash, I presented him a little baby doll wearing a night gown with a lost expression on its face. It was the cutest doll I had ever seen and I was not sure how he would receive it.
He said?Thank you?. That?s all.
After a few days of the doll?s stay in his room, when I thought that he may not be even looking at it, I picked it up and sat it down on my study table.
One day passed. The next day, Daddy was standing in my room, looking around.
?Yes, Daddy? I asked.
He picked up the doll.
?That?s mine?.
Saying so, he turned and left. The doll was back on his table.
Then I realized that though Daddy may look very tough, he is a softie inside.