Power of Voice

A Journey That Began With Two Suitcases

I come from a small town, one where my parents built their entire world from scratch. They arrived there over 42 years ago, carrying nothing but two suitcases and a heart full of dreams. They found shelter in a tiny home for just ₹15, and that little town gave them everything—a stable job, food, security, and, most importantly, a future for their three children.

Despite our modest beginnings, I had a privileged childhood. While many of my classmates walked to school, I went to school in an auto-rickshaw. We owned an independent house, even a rental property, and my parents made sure we lacked nothing.

Growing up, I was the rebellious one, always speaking my mind, questioning norms, and challenging authority. My elder sister, on the other hand, was the responsible one—the perfect Indian elder sibling, who carried the weight of expectations with grace.

And then there was my father—a man of few words, deeply engrossed in his work. To him, life was all about accounts, numbers, and responsibilities. We weren’t particularly close to him. Instead, our mother was the one who listened to our endless stories, our dreams, and our worries.

The Call That Shook Me

One day, my father complained of severe stomach pain and was admitted to the hospital. My sister and I had been calling him regularly, but something felt off.

His responses were brief, distant, and to the point—a far cry from his usual self. It felt as if something was being kept from us, and that feeling only grew stronger.

Then came the call.

It was from my father’s colleague.

There was a long, unsettling silence before he spoke. “Your father has a slight infection…” he said hesitantly, but his tone told me there was more to the story.

Panic gripped me. I needed answers.

I demanded to speak to my mother, and when she finally answered, her voice was trembling.

“I don’t know what’s happening…” she admitted, her words laced with fear.

Without hesitation, I told them to leave the hospital and come straight to where I stayed. When they arrived, however, they had no reports, no medical details—just fear and confusion. Here me and my sister were put to test because we had to fetch the report as soon as possible, because Doctors are asking about the history of the patient, previous surgery if any, I couldn’t blame them. The weight of uncertainty is unbearable, especially when it concerns someone you love.

The Realization That Broke Me

The doctors ran a series of tests—MRI, CT scans, blood work—and when the results came, they were devastating.

“By the time he reached here, the infection had already spread. We don’t have much hope.”

Even if they operated, his survival chances were 50/50—a gamble no one wants to take with their loved ones. He was 69 years old, and because he was on blood thinners, the surgery had to be delayed for five days to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.

Those were the longest five days of my life. Every moment felt like a battle between hope and fear.

I felt it would be the longest 5 days of life... and here my father was hallucinating things and in those 5 days I heard my father for the very first time ! For me he was not hallucinating ! He was speaking his heart out and in his heart the only thoughts were

Heart talk 1 ❤️

He tells to the Doctor that he is going to London keeping few clothes in bag and no money in his pocket and he going bring his grand child to India and the baby is waiting for him!

He is sharing about he is not happy with the way his subordinates are working and he has to go and look after the matter and was asking me every balance sheet is burnt what do I do now?

I said “Dad… they have taken a Photo copy of all that you have worked on Dad!” , you don't need to worry.. “ in those 5 days he was only listening to me! I think he knew that his Second daughter is a rebellious kid so it was pretty much there in his mind.

Heart talk 2 ❤️

Me and my sister somehow managed to stay there as much, because we didn't want to miss what Doctor had to say so after my sister came to hospital I had come back to my home just to freshen up have a Quick talk with my kids just when I get a call from my Sister saying Dad is not agreeing to take bath and he is shouting at the ward boys!

Finally, the day of the surgery arrived, and despite the uncertainties, my father made it through.

I talk to him “ Dad its my birthday get a quick shower a vehicle is coming to pick you " He says "Is it ? It's your birthday they dint tell me ok.. I will get ready” Actually it was my birthday and he had underwent a surgery came to the ward before 4 hours stay in the ICU.

The relief was overwhelming. Hours later, as he lay in the ICU, the doctor asked him a simple question:

“How many children do you have?”

Without hesitation, he answered:

“I have two daughters.”

He had completely forgotten my younger brother. 😂

My mother laughed and gently reminded him, “It’s your daughter’s birthday today. Wish her.”

And that was when it hit me—I had received the greatest birthday gift ever My Dad!

Life moves fast, and in the rush of responsibilities, we often overlook the moments that truly matter.

But every now and then, life forces us to pause—whether through a familiar voice on the phone, a hospital room conversation, or the joy of seeing a loved one survive against all odds.

And in those moments, we realize something profound—

The greatest treasures in life are not money, houses, or possessions.

The greatest treasures are people. ❤️