Fond Memories with my Father-
It was my 12th Birthday and it was raining heavily in Bhopal. My father’s scooter got broken when he was supposed to return home from his office. I was anxiously waiting for my birthday cake in my Verandaa. My father somehow managed to reach home by taking lift from someone. He was all drenched in water. On knowing that he has not brought my cake I was almost ready to upset my mood. But before I could make myself unhappy, he straight away took my cycle and drove in the heavy rain for almost 8kms to bring me the Birthday Cake. That day, his act taught me an important lesson- Do not let adversity come in the way for the happiness of your loved ones.
I would like to describe another funny incident. He took me, Chhavi Didi and Mannu Bhaiya to Indian Coffee House in Bhopal. I was in class 5th or 6th at that time. We placed our initial order and started eating the moment it was served. I was very fond of South Indian food so after finishing one dosa I requested my father for placing an order of second Dosa. He placed the order and told the waiter that take further order from us if we require something else. He told us that he is just going downstairs and would be back in sometime. We finished our meal and waited from our father to return. We started getting worried since he had not returned for over 45 minutes now (no means to contact him since mobile phones were not popular at that time). Finally we saw him entering the restaurant and were happy to go back home with our stomach full. On reaching home, our mother told us that he had money only for one round of order but since he could not deny my request for a second dosa, he had to return back home (around 8kms to and fro distance) to take some more money in order to make the payment. (In those days ATMS were not introduced and no concept of card payment was prevalent). This act of his taught me another lesson- going an extra mile for your loved ones.
His teachings were never forced but were demonstrated through his act of kindness and gratitude. This is how he has ensured that the Family values are transferred from one generation to other.
These life teachings are legacy to be transferred to Gen x. May you be the Father you have.