My Multi talented Hero........I call him Achan...

        Somehow I feel that I often mention about my Mom more in this blog. Perhaps she is my best friend can be one among the reasons. I have the freedom to discuss anything under the sun with her! I have never felt that she is older than me. Best friends, indeed!

        But, Dad? I never see my Dad like a friend. But someone whom I can always look up-to; my inspiration, my strength. It is better not to mention a fact that, " A Daughter is her Father's princess from the day she is born and a Father is always his daughter's first hero in life." Mine as well............ My Dad is my constant pillar of support and guidance. The only person whom I can approach when taking major decisions in life and I'm glad that he has always stood beside me with support, till date. He is a huge tree shading my brother and me all the time.

         People say that I resemble my Dad, and my brother like my Mom. During my childhood I always hated this comment! The childish me always wanted to look like my beautiful Mom. However, I always used to boast that I am intelligent like my father. Yes, I was too proud that my father was a genius in many aspects and silently happy that I had many characteristics similar to him. We both are creative, we draw and paint, we write, we stitch and we love Mathematics, to play with numbers! We have quite a few differences in opinion as well.

     

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        Many of Dad's attributes still fascinate me. One among them is the way he utilizes time. I have never seen him wasting time till date. Be it reading, writing, repairing or stitching , he is always engaged; no idle time. If there is anything to be repaired at home, my Dad is the first technician always approached. I always wonder how a first rank holder in Meteorology from CUSAT makes use of a sewing machine like a pro!

   

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         I was studying in my 5th or 6th grade to be precise, when we deiced to build a new home. My Dad was the sole architect and plan creator of this house. I can't explain the excitement I had when for the first time Dad showed me a hand drawn picture of our new home and explained about it! The name of the house was also decided beforehand. 'Woodnil'. The name defines it! A house constructed without utilizing a single piece of wood. An idea that struck my Scientist Dad when he was doing a research project on ' Impact of Deforestation on Hydrological Parameters'. The great visionary then foresaw that this dream home of our's will be an achievement. And yes, his prediction was correct. It got featured in the Limca Book of Records in the year 2009 . This was the first time when I witnessed his joy, pride and excitement personally. The happiness was evident on his face. After tiring, years of hard work and completing the construction of 'Woodnil' under his sole supervision, receiving an award is truly remarkable. Cheers Dad!

                                                

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        After retirement, when someone writes and publishes a literary work it can be just a result of a pastime activity. However, the situation was different in my Dad's case. He had written so many one-act-plays during his youthhood; creations as a result of sleepless nights when migraine made him remain awake. This activity somehow reduced the intensity of the throbbing headache. My Dad procrastinated in publishing these noteworthy dramas till his retirement. Thus, the book titled 'Monjula Monthakal' was released in 2016. 

        I should not forget to mention about the books, 'Nammude Anthareekshavum Kalavasthagadagangalum' and 'Woodnil & 101 Tips' published in 2012 and 2014 respectively before his retirement. The former is a guide on atmospheric conditions and climatic changes, a simple and interesting prose on nature and environment. The latter, as the name suggests give an insight about 'Woodnil and other tips' which can be used in home construction. This book also got featured in the Limca Book of Records as the first book on own previous record! But my favourites among these are 'Monjula Monthakal' and also 'Chelulla Chekuthanmar' published in 2019.

        Though both are humorous in genre, the latter consists of short stories. To some extend I feel that both have satirical sense of humor. My Dad's writing is truly commendable because I was unable to make out which chapter is the best in these books, incomparable! Hats off Dad!

        Another thing to be highlighted is the sketches printed in both the books were drawn and hand painted by my father himself. A multi talented human being indeed! Touch-wood. From anything to everything, he does single handedly, efficiently and cheerfully; long way to go Dad, my Achan! Keep inspiring us!...........

    

This too shall pass!...

        9 months!..the period I felt devastated and gloomy.

        Little 'S' was only 2 years old when I received the job appointment order to get uprooted to New Delhi. The news was totally appalling. My expectation was shattered in a span of seconds when I received the letter from the post man. Everything felt upside down. The thoughts were mainly about my little one. How will I cope to live in a new city deprived of my family?...Or should I take her along?..So many unanswered queries revolved around me at one single moment. I felt lost and scattered to bits!...

        But the only relief then was that I had my parents beside me. Apparently I was staying with them.

        The month of June,2018 it was. The appointment letter stated to join the New Delhi office within 15 days....

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         Till date I don't remember any single day in my childhood when I was staying away from my mother until I travelled for graduation interstate. She was always beside my brother and myself. There were umpteen times when my Dad had to go on official tour. But this beautiful nonpareil was our savior then. Infact, we fight; even now this write-up is an apology to the argument had. Usually, the person you argue the most is the person you love the most. Period.

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         Amma was always beside me inspite of all the hardships she faced in life. Abandoning her job after my arrival into this world was just one among them. 

         Contrary to my mother, I was setting my foot to employment leaving my 2 year old 2000 Kms. apart. Many unanswered queries were still lingering in my mind. The first and foremost was that whether I was doing the right thing. Will this be a mistake in my life?.

         Little 'S' had just started to speak. I will have to listen to her unclear vocabulary from a distance. The growth phase will be missed. How pathetic! I felt deeply broken. The only hope then was my Dad's promise that I can return at the earliest after availing the transfer. Infact, all of us anticipated my transfer very soon since I was a new mother. Eventually I kept my daughter in my parents safest hands and flew miles apart to work....

         The funniest part was that contradictory to what I was expecting the little one didn't bid adieu to me in tears. She was all happy and content. This innocence was a relief for me. Thank You dear one!..

          

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           Everything was different in New Delhi. The place,the climate, the people, their culture, custom, language, food ,etc. All seemed opposite to the place where I was born and brought up.  The Northern part of India is quite contrary to the Southern part of India. Life in that new city was tough for someone like me who was already depressed. Many a times I took leave from my job and flew back to my town just to have some peaceful time with my family , especially the little one.

            The vital lesson learned  then was when you are mentally enervated it affects the whole of yourself. I don't remember a single fortnight when I didn't consult the doctor. Literally sickness was my companion. Apparently, I lost pounds of weight. The bone throbbing body pain, the consistent night dry coughs, the often upset stomach, what more should a 28 year old have to face often. I cried my heart out, everywhere ranging from the hostel corridors to the office washroom hiding away from others to avoid sympathy. The mischievous toddler at the other side of the video call running to play... everything made me lost.

             But my nonpareil as always consoled me, motivated me and the best was she listened to me always. My mother!..Not even a single second she said that she was busy taking care of the child. Anytime when I wanted her she was silently listening to me, consoling my tears from the other side of the phone. She was/is more than the Almighty to me. I should not forget my Dad. The messages he sent me then, motivating me to hold onto my job, rather than resigning. These two saviors often repeated this quote.." This too shall pass". 

              Yes!...After 9 months of working at a foreign city I was fortunately availed transfer to the city of my choice. I owe it to all my superior officers and many other beautiful souls.

              Regardless I had only one single doubt while returning home. Will my little one love me the way she did before?..Will she forgive me for not being with her?...

              But life is beautiful, so are children. Her heart soothing hug and a kiss as soon as I said that I am not going back was only required for me to forget and her to forgive, those tormenting days of our lives.........