When Do I Remember You?

It's late in the night and I'm finishing a pending assignment from work. Suddenly a radio plays up in the neighbourhood. Old hindi songs and I remember you. How you enjoyed them! Lying sideways on your bed, legs crossed, hands in a semi clasp, right index finger tapping on the left index finger and a smile that made us feel that everything was well with the world! I also remember you when I see a kid running around. A kid could bring joy to you even in the most low moments. I remember you when I see a young person looking for advice on any of their life's problems - you were the most compassionate, experienced and concerned advisor that could be. I remember you when food is laid out on the table - the connoisseur that you were, you loved your food and Mom was always delighting you with new creations all the time.

I also remember you every time there is a dip in societal and political values, how sad and disappointed that would make you and how you would continue to tell us to stick to our values of honesty, truthfulness and integrity, how much so ever tough it would be. I remember you every time I need inspiration to stay disciplined - your achievements and milestones of excellence and achievements in the most challenging personal situations at a young age, your meticulous preparations and presentations before every lecture, your mindset to always be curious and learn till the end, your focus and single minded dedication to your endeavours, 80 years of hard work, 60 years of service without a break - I have an ocean to pick from.

I remember you every time I hear an urdu ghazal or sher - the countless evenings of my childhood we both heard the mushairas together on Doordarshan and you explaining the meaning of every word to me with such enthusiasm, depth and soul. I remember you every time I have to explain a concept to anyone - from management theories to life's mysteries - how soulfully you could simplify everything yet infuse such clarity and meaning. I remember you every time a woman faces disappointment from discrimination because of her gender, how she would have the biggest supporter, feminist and motivator in you. I remember you every time I see people looking for the secret sauce that could make life happier and the formula that you left with me - it's called love. Making every moment better, every job a creation of love, every relationship richer and never ever complaining about anything, anyone ever! I think you get the drift Dad, I just remember you all the time :-) So long..