My father has been enjoying his retired life for the past three decades. As I lean back and reflect on my career, I can’t help but compare it to my father's carefree and enjoyable journey, realising I can never quite measure up.
I vividly remember my childhood days, watching in awe as my father briskly walked up to the door every morning, with my mother following closely to see him off. On a few occasions, he would return at the same pace, declaring he did not feel like going to the office! Oh, how I wish I could do the same.
My clients eagerly await my arrival, and I find myself rushing out of my home at the crack of dawn, desperate not to miss my flights and face the wrath of both my colleagues and clients. The airlines have become less generous these days and I can't afford any setbacks.
Yet, despite his seemingly effortless career, I remember two occasions when my father's enthusiasm waned. The first was when he received a transfer order to the Mumbai office. At that time, our house in Madurai was nearing completion, and I was in class 10. The other instance was when he lost a court case representing his office. However, in his unique style, he managed to turn both situations around.
I cherish the moments spent with my father as we share laughter and crack wild jokes that one would never expect between a father and son. I recall my grandmother, his mother, cautioning my father that he wasn't raising me properly and that he should maintain some distance. But we were inseparable, like mischievous brothers, strolling down the road, giggling, and poking fun at the people passing by.
One of the funniest moments we shared was when he had to be admitted to a clinic for his frozen shoulder. The neurosurgeon's routine visit happened to be at an odd hour, so he had to stay overnight. After the surgeon left our room, we couldn't contain our laughter. I imitated the surgeon's mannerisms, only to have a nurse walk in, completely shocked by our unexpected camaraderie. She quickly retreated, probably questioning whether we were really father and son.
One of our regular sources of amusement involved my father telling me that he would ask a question (only we knew what it was) to someone, be it my mom, sister, or even a visitor. He would then predict their responses. I would watch his conversation unfold, and more often than not, their replies matched his expectations. We would burst into fits of laughter, much to the annoyance of my sister, who often ended up getting angry and yelling at me. My mother would comment that our household was an exception, as most sons tend to side with their mothers.
During my school vacations, I walked alongside my father every day up to the main road where his office was located. The representative from the roadside medical shop and the stationery store owner would often ask me how I managed to maintain such a close relationship with my father, while their own sons seemed distant. I guess the secret lies in our shared laughter and deep connection.
For the majority of my education, I never had to leave home. Most of my studenthood was fortunately from the comforts of my own house. However, when it came time for my postgraduate studies, I had to venture beyond Madurai. Those initial days in the hostel weren't easy and I fell ill. The housekeeper noticed my condition and asked about my health. In my vulnerable state, I confessed that I wanted to see my father. Suddenly, his expression changed. Little did I know that he would go on to make a lighthearted comment to his colleagues, wondering whether it was my mother or my father who had breastfed me. Both of them had a good laugh at my expense, and I couldn't help but chuckle too without taking offence.
My father will forever be my hero. Our close bond sustains me, especially since I lost my mom in 2017. These days, I cherish our shared moments at the dining table, where I playfully coerce him into eating vegetable dishes—something my mom could never make him do. It's the only time he seems slightly uncomfortable with me. As he clutches my hand for balance during our walks, I feel a deep sense of love and gratitude that words can't fully express.
My father's presence has always brought joy, humour, and unwavering emotion. I'm forever grateful for the countless laughs, the shared jokes, and the profound connection we share. Through the ups and downs, my father remains an anchor of love and support, reminding me that the greatest gift one can have is a father who is not only a parent but also a best friend.
(The author is the director, global key accounts, LRQA)
