A Devoted Father

A cherubic man with a warm smile, raven hair and lustrous skin, he was like any other middle-class man in possession of a house a car bought on a car loan and a lovely wife with two kids. He was always happy; it may seem that he hadn’t scaled great heights in terms of career he was a banker, yet he was happier than the rest of his lot. His source of happiness could be attributed to his two lovely children, they were God’s gifts. Every time he saw his children, he felt a twinge of pride for having created two lovely humans, he wiped a tear from the corner of his eye watching they play. Their lives were simple they weren’t burdened by grown up issues, their innocence and absence of malice, arrogance and other unwanted traits we pick up as we grow old was what him immensely happy. Life was happy, the kids did well at school, they were diligent, well-mannered and all in all led a very content life. It seemed like happiness stayed at their home like a faithful dog, there was never a need for more comforts nor unnecessary arguments. Festivals, birthdays, even neighbour’s birthday parties were celebrated with joy and aplomb. The house was filled with guests, the door was almost always slightly ajar as a sign of warm invitation. Father was always laughing and talking and eager to know about everyone’s welfare. Guests were never sent home empty handed, they had a nice tiffin box of curd rice, homemade pickles and father’s very own pineapple kesari, that was one of his many specialities. The family continued to lead a simple yet very enriching life. The children soon grew up and took up IT careers. They found their own life partners; the marriages were celebrated with lots of love and laughter. Soon, grandkids followed, and father has never been happier. His family was his pride, watching his grandson play on his knees and spending lovely afternoons sleeping in the cool veranda with his two grandsons painted an image of tranquility and peace. Father’s life was simple uneventful and full of love, his death too mirrored his life, slipping away peacefully surrounded by the people he cherished most, his family.