My dear Radhika,
The day I held you in my arms for the first time, I promised myself that I would not let anything happen to you. But… I still blame myself for that unfateful day. Your ear-splitting cries still echoes in my ears, I will do anything to change how that day turned out for us as a family. I wish it was me and not you who fell into that bucket of steaming hot water…
Your resilience and bravery at the time
still puts me in awe of you.
You know I am a man of few words, but through this letter I want to pour my heart out. I want you to know your old man will always be in awe of your courage. When doctors informed us that you endured third degree burns we couldn’t help but cry about the tragic situation that had fallen upon us.
We lived a slow death every day watching you writhe in pain
on that hospital bed.
I remember you asking for sweet curd and chocolates and breaking down. It was the smallest thing you could have asked for but at a time when we had no money left even for your treatment, it seemed like the last straw.
I had lost all hope of arranging funds for your treatment, your skin grafting surgery and ICU stay – all costing Rs 6.9 lakh. My earnings from my job were not enough to pay for the piling hospital bills. We were on the verge of losing you while I was running from door to door to seek help.
You keep the room alive with your antics, your quirkiness, your pranks and your silliness. You are growing up before my eyes, and it fills me with wonder and joy, sadness, and fear. I am proud to be called your dad.
Now, when you are facing a tough time in life, remember those times when you were brave and courageous enough for both of your parents. Remember, even though I may not be able to express it enough, you will always have your old man rooting for you.
