Day: June 15, 2025

A Father’s Day Inspiration

Father’s Day is a time to celebrate those incredible men who shape our lives, and for me, that journey begin with my dad. He’s more than just a father figure; he’s the one who literally gave me a space in this world, and whose presence has always been a fortress against fear.

Every morning, a gentle kiss on the forehead from a man who stands at a towering 6 feet 6 inches spoke volumes of his boundless care and unwavering support. In his presence, there was, and still is, no room for fear. He’s always been my safe harbor.

I vividly remember our secret escapades, especially our trips to eat out, which we’d often sneak out for, leaving my mom in the dark for a little while. Our favorite clandestine meal? Cashew idlis at the Maruri rooftop in Tirupati. Now, hold on before you judge! Yes, idlis. And yes, at that time, it was simply “the Maruri hotel” – the concept of a fancy “rooftop restaurant” wasn’t even in our vocabulary back then. But let me tell you, I have never tasted idlis as good as those. And no, I’m not comparing them to my mom’s delicious idlis; that’s a sacred category of its own! The sheer joy of sneaking out, savoring that food, then later confessing to my mom and receiving her playful scolding – that whole experience was, and remains, utterly priceless.

Another source of pure delight was going on rides with him on his Royal Enfield Bullet. Imagine this: in all of Tirupati, he was the only one who owned such a magnificent machine. Those rides weren’t just about the wind in our hair; they were about the bond, the adventure, and the feeling of being utterly secure with him at the helm.

But do you know the moment I saw the purest joy, the most profound love, shining in his eyes and heart? It was when I said yes to the groom he showed. His gaze, a thousand volts strong, locked onto my mom. The look he gave her, silently conveying “that is my daughter,” is a moment etched into my memory, never to be forgotten. It was a look of immense pride, of validation, and of deep, unconditional love.

So, who is this extraordinary man? He is my dad, my Nana. And I am his Ninni. He is the one and only person in this entire world who calls me Ninni. And for that, and a million other cherished moments, I am eternally grateful. Happy Father’s Day to the giants who stand tall in our lives.

Then, I went from one home to another, and there I met a different kind of man – the Man of the Jogis, my Father-in-Law. While our interactions weren’t as frequent, it was clear that his presence was powerfully felt. He was truly one of the most respectful men I’ve ever encountered, deeply devoted to caring for his wife. He was her steadfast backbone in every aspect, even extending to the simple yet profound gesture of cutting vegetables in the kitchen. My mother-in-law was, without a doubt, the luckiest woman. One of my earliest and most cherished memories with him dates back to the very first day of my marriage. We were at my in-laws’ place, and the memorable meal we shared was “Saddi Annam” – which translates to fermented rice in English, and my kids affectionately call “Ice Biryani.” It was a dish that quickly was our favorite for both him and me. We even managed to make everyone else eat it, because people do not prefer that as it is considered poor man’s food, though I might have earned myself a spot on a “blacklist” within the first week for my zealous influence!

And then, came my husband. For nineteen years, my dad had been the unwavering hand holding mine, guiding me through life. On a momentous day, he lovingly placed my hand into the care of the one and only man he knew would bring him profound happiness – a moment eternally etched in his memory. Since that day, I’ve held onto my husband’s pinky finger, walking the seven sacred steps of marriage beside him, and following his path for over thirty years. He has been my constant guide, the illuminating light in my life, my steadfast fighter, my insightful critic, my trusted advisor – truly, he is everything. He is none other than my G.

Happy Father’s Day!