Inheritance

Dear Dad,
I have taken after Muma for a lot of things.That she was my idol even while choosing my career- isn’t a hidden fact and thus the world just happens​ to know about the bond that muma and I share. I realise it is my fault as I have never written or spoken about you before. This open letter is my tiny attempt to make up for that.
To me material inheritance is not as importance as inheriting characteristic traits and passions from both Muma and you.

If I had to enlist all that I have inherited from you, the top most would be my love for travel and trekking. You took me for my first trek when I was barely 3 years old!! Of course I don’t remember much of that trek. But all I remember is you motivating me​ to walk up till the peak no matter what. A faint memory of my other treks are of me fondled in a flowery raincoat trekking up various other forts in the Sahayadri range. I realise that you do that even today; motivating and pushing me to make it to the peak in my life and career.
The one trait I am thankful I inherited from you, is my navigation skills and understanding of terrains. I realised that​ only now when I travel a lot without you, I realise how you unknowingly taught me to live with basic necessities. I never need to read up on shoestring budget trips as I never learnt to travel any other way.”

It is admirable for a man to take his son fishing, but there is a special place in heaven for the father who takes his daughter shopping.”

—John Sinor
I would love you taking me to shop, of course, but I think what makes you special is the fact that you would take me fishing as well.
And you have proven it numerous times as I grew up. There wasn’t a single thing you thought that Krishna could do and I couldn’t. You dreamt of me driving and discussed cars with me since we had our very first car. Now it feels so good to hear you tell random people, how I drive and how much I have already driven. It makes me realise, that making you proud or happy is the most effortless thing in my life. That’s not because you have set small targets for me, but because you know every small step is for a greater good. You have taught me to enjoy the journey and still navigate to my destination.

 The best gift you have given me is believing in me and loving me unconditionally. You try to protect me from every possible criticism but still try and motivate me to face them myself. You believe in my dreams but question them nonetheless. Not to discourage, I understand now, but to make sure I don’t mess up.

I am ever so thankful to you for teaching me to be compassionate towards humans and animals alike.

I want to promise you today to make you proud with every passing day.

Thank you for gifting me a childhood that  child deserves.

Lots and lots of love,
Your loving daughter,
Vishaka

Attire:

Racerback T-shirt from Jockey

Kurti Jacket and white cotton pants tailor-made from cloth bought from a Hastakala Heritage, Laxmi Road

Footwear from Max Fashion