An ode to the men in my life!!-Part 1

                   Today is International Men's day and I thought it would only be fitting to write an ode to all the amazing men in my life. 

              First and foremost, I want to start with the man who's partially responsible for my existence:) He is the most influential man in my life. Growing up my dad nurtured me with his big heart filled with tonnes and tonnes of love and like many daughters I was and always will be his little girl. Being a single child, he was my best buddy who engaged in pillow fights, who made tearing waste papers an activity just so that his little girl could laugh like a crazy maniac...Having said that, like every other typical Indian dad he did have a stern and strict exterior but on the inside I knew that his heart always melted for me like a softy. He stood with me during my highs and lows and never once gave up on me. There were phases of my life when I hit rock bottom and this man was my undisputed ally. He picked me up when I was down,held me together during my tough times and always and literally every time had the right things to say. 

          A few years down the lane, I realize that he has instilled so much in me without uttering a single word. He is the most disciplined man I have ever known and I strive every single day to achieve that level of perfection, punctuality and discipline in all the little things that I do on a day-to-day basis. By keeping his friends from a tender age still close to him he instilled in me that friendships are an essential component in one's life. By being a voracious reader he has time and again made me realize that books are one of the best companions that one can have. He is not a person who sits me down for an advice session rather he would drop pearls of his wisdom during his casual talks, thereby making sure it seeps well into me like the roots of a century old Neem tree. While most people crib that its dreary after retirement, he embraced his with such grace and I have never heard him complain once till date. 

             Although life has stationed us at two different parts of the planet and time and distance has separated us his guidance and his love stays like a protection ring around me at all times. There are a few people who downright owe their success to my dad and hearing those stories my heart beams with pride. 
              If I am a decent human being today with compassion in my heart and a positive mind, its because I was raised by an exquisitely mannered man whom I proudly call my dad. I am bounteously grateful that I have the pleasure of being his daughter and I know I could not have asked for anything more!!!