Do you hear me, Papa?

Dear Dad,

Remember the day, when you asked me to pray for that withered plant in our garden? I asked you why must I pray. To which, you replied," You are my Daughter, a blessing of God and He would never reject the prayer of an innocent and pure soul like my daughter." That moment I said nothing and did what you said, but all night I stayed awake like a night owl. Wondering, who you are? I knew you were my dad. But my questions were:

• How could a person be so loving and God-fearing?

• How could someone, every time, make me feel like I'm the most precious soul in their life?
• I've seen the world but why can't I find anyone even close to being as good as you?

You've taught me things that no soul could have. I can forget a lot; there's a lot that I feel like missing. But every single moment spent with you, every wide smile shared with you, is the asset of my life.

Those 3 days, when I was in 6th grade, we went to Lahore; You had a business meeting and some documents of M.Phil to collect, were the best days of my life. It's still printed with fresh ink on my mind. It was just 2 of us. You asked me if I wanted to come with you for a 3-day trip to Lahore, and without wasting a second, I said YES. It was my best YES ever. When we got to Lahore, you took me to McDonald's and bought me a 'Happy-meal'. Then we went to the biggest park there, even though you didn't want to waste your time in the children's fun place, but you did! I spent the rest of my day playing there and having you supporting and rooting for me whenever I tried a new swing.

I never felt that I needed more! Because you were everything to me.

And for the record, At present; you mean 1000x more precious and important to me. I always want my life the way it is with you.

A life that urges me to make you a cup of tea—the imperfect tea!

You have inspired me every single moment. My 16 years of life were nothing but your constant efforts and affection to turn me into a good human, a warm-hearted.

I couldn't write a poem for you. The truth is that: I never tried. Because I know my poems are imperfect, 'Imperfect' as I am. I don't know— if I ever try to write a poem for you, would I mess up? I don't think I would find the words to incorporate my feelings and gratitude that I have for you. Because my love for you is perfect and beyond words.

'You', telling me that: 'You trust me', is the best line of poetry for me. These words are better than any fancy book for me.

All the times; when you and I watch movies...

Both of us watching 'Hickhi' over and over again, wiping each other's tears is the best cinema for me.

While emptying your pockets, whenever you gave me the left pennies were gold for me. You bringing me 'Dairy Milk' while returning home was my best treat. The mimicking of 'Kuch Kuch Hota Ha' —Rahul and her daughter's hand and nose iconic impression was my favorite vibe of all time.

The never-ending story and profound events with you have made me a better person than I was selected to be...

But after all these events, every cherishable moment, I've developed a fear of losing you. The fear of losing a person who is my best friend.

I pray to God, always and forever. He has my word;

"Take me, when you ought to take my father! I'd consider it my happy ending!"

I love you, PAPA! You're my world, my universe.

Do you hear me, Papa?