Thread by @thebetterindia

#FathersDay #FathersDay2021 #TheHeroWeKnow

I wish my father had tested positive [for COVID] last year, then maybe, he would have survived. Both of us had opened a small restaurant in Bahadurgarh [Haryana], where he was supposed to spend the rest of his retirement. (1/7)

In his younger days, my father was what you would call ‘Dabbang’ [bold], and so free as a person. He took on the responsibilities of a good dad with ease. He was endlessly supportive. (2/7)

Our relatives would often tell him that he gives his ‘girl child’ too much freedom, but he never paid them any heed. He supported my career choices, my education, and even when I chose to have an inter-caste marriage. “Don’t worry, I’m here,” he’d always say. (3/7)

He was a chef who loved feeding people. He trained many aspiring chefs and carved career paths for them. He introduced me to so many different cuisines. In his society, he was known as toffee wale dada, because he loved kids & would always hand out sweets to them. (4/7)

Even in his last days, he was only worried about me. He kept pushing me away, often in anger, so that I wouldn’t get infected. But I couldn’t leave him. He passed away in his sleep, a day after my wedding anniversary. (5/7)

Our elders say, “Your father didn’t want to spoil that day for you, so he waited a whole day.”

He’s taught me so many things. He had the purest intentions and never held grudges even when someone did him harm. I know I can’t be like him, but I will try my best. (6/7)

I miss you and love you, Papa. Thank you for being the best dad in the world.

-As told by Manika Bakshi, Arvind’s daughter.

(food_goddess86 on Instagram) (7/7)