Dilemma of a Young Mind

by Hiranya Borah

A few months back, Kanak met me in a restaurant at Connaught Place. I was surprised to see him taking pizza, as he told many a times that, he does not like Pizza. After exchange of pleasantry, I asked him the reason for taking a pizza instead of any other dishes which are also available in that restaurant. After, a smile he replied, ‘Today, my daughter has left for Bangalore to join an Engineering college ( I knew his daughter had cleared 12th standard with flying colours). I did not accompany her as, perhaps, you might be aware that, my son has been working already there for last two years, therefore, he has received her at the airport. I left her at the airport in the early morning to catch the first flight to Bangalore. Normally, as you know, I am a very worried man for my children, I was tense till my son informed me that she reached there. As my son is comfortable with the city, I am very happy that she got admission there.’

  Even after his long lecture, I could not find the answer of taking pizza in this restaurant all alone. He understood my perplex expression and therefore answered, ‘actually my daughter likes pizza very much like any other youngster and my wife is also not available with me for last one week. She went to her mother’s place on last Sunday.’

  ‘So, you are enjoying your time!’

  I asked him with a glee.

  ‘Initially, yes. I feel all sorts of freedom for last few days, though my better half passes order through her mobile quite frequently. But from today, I start feeling lonely. To overcome this loneliness, I am taking this Pizza as if, my daughter is nearby me.’

  He had given a very strange but true explanation.

  He again started talking. ‘But, I am glad, my adopted daughter, comforted me telephonically and enquired about taking meals etc. after my younger daughter’s departure to Bangalore. Life goes on like this! But daughter is a daughter, whether biological or adopted, whether she is with you or away, she always thinks for her father, taking into account about the inner feelings and smaller daily needs of her father, no matter, whether, she is nearby or far away. No, I am not condemning my son by praising my daughters, he also thinks about us, but with a larger picture of life. He also enquire about us daily from his work place. I love all my children, like any other father, I miss them when they are away.’ His voice choked with emotions. I comforted him by patting his back. I stayed with him for next one hour sharing another pizza. Normally I also do not like pizza. But on that day, I relished the pizza like any other my favourite dishes.

  But after six months, I am feeling the same way, when I sent my daughter to Mumbai to meet her sister in my wife’s absence. As my children are in different cities now, I am also feeling lonely at some point of time. However, I am always thankful to God that, so long atleast one child(youngest one) is with us. As soon as younger daughter will be back after eight days and will fill the gap substantially. Now, for me, she is the better part of my daily life. When her mother is away, I have to give her more attention and I become more busy catering her needs. But when she is away, I feel the void and emptiness around me! I love my family- I miss them when they are away!

  Chapter 14: KISS-what it means?