Father’s Feelings

My Dearest Sheru,

The flip phone you gifted me when you bought your new Apple phone rests safely in the inner pocket of my old sleeveless jacket; the one hanging second or third from the right in the wardrobe. That jacket, now retired from outdoor use, has found a new purpose: it faithfully holds my wallet whenever I return home. Over time, reaching for or returning the wallet has become almost a conditioned reflex - a habit performed effortlessly, even in the dark of night.

You had planned to activate the flip phone yourself, but your pre-marriage days were a whirlwind of preparations and responsibilities. Meanwhile, the little gadget — meant to be just a simple phone for a man in his seventh decade, has somehow turned magical, beyond the reach of any artificial intelligence or machine learning! A gentle touch on that tiny device brings you instantly before my eyes: image after image flipping one after another, from your childhood to the graceful young woman you have become. Each picture appears and fades in sequence, as if the years themselves are turning their own pages. That brief, silent “meeting” with you brings immense comfort and joy to your father’s heart. It has become a cherished daily ritual ever since you began your new phase of life, a month ago.

Over the past three decades, we tried, like all parents, to give you every possible resource and guidance. But more importantly, I hoped to help you grow into a good human being - courageous and kind-hearted, true to the spirit of the name Sheru. In our family, I alone always called you by this name, and it still echoes with all the affection it ever held.

I also find myself remembering one of the hardest days we faced together - the 2014 deluge in Srinagar, during the short time you had returned home. Water rose quickly and fear was everywhere, but you stood steady. You alone helped me save every book, journal, and research-paper file of my professional library: packing them into gunny bags, lifting them, and carrying them up to the second storey of our home. That quiet, tireless effort; done without fuss - deserves to be acknowledged here. It taught me again what I have always known: your compassion and courage reveal themselves most clearly in moments of crisis.

During the years you pursued your education outside the state, your safety and wellbeing were constant concerns; especially amid the distressing events that often appeared in the media from different states of the country. The long, isolating months of the Covid-19 pandemic were particularly difficult, yet they also deepened our bond. Our frequent phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp chats became a lifeline, bringing comfort and connection each day. In this new phase of your life, we reach out to you only as and when needed - not out of distance, but out of trust that you are settled, content, and safe in your new home.

Now, as your responsibilities have shifted from us to your new home, I trust you will face life’s challenges with strength and grace. During your wedding, all our relatives and friends joined us in heartfelt prayers for your happiness and success. And today, as we see you and your partner enjoying life, traveling, and building your own beautiful nest, our hearts feel light and grateful. Alhamdulillah, this past month has been one of peace and deep contentment for us. May the Almighty bless you both with everlasting joy, mutual respect, and a lifetime of togetherness. And may this humble flip phone continue to serve as our little bridge - uniting us, even if only for a few magical moments each day.

With endless love and prayers on the blissful completion of the first month of your new journey together,

Abbu