My Princess

I was up before the dawn and it was a New year morning. I was wishing all my buddies a “Happy New Year” and replying back to all those forwarded messages, photos, and videos. The fresh 365 days standing in a queue to be filled with beautiful moments. As a doctor is very busy, I have no routine from day to dusk except for two things. I kiss my daughter before she gets up and goes to the clinic, and at night I kiss her forehead caressing the hair till she sleeps.

Descending the stairs, I entered her room and saw her sleeping happily. Gently stroking her hair and kissing her, I wished her for a successful and a wealthy year.

Papa, good morning, she replied.

It has been so long since we spent time together, due to the busy schedule. I called the clinic to check the status of the patients and decided to take her out for a day. As a father, it pains a lot when you don't know even little things about your princess.

We started driving on our favorite bike. I never spotted any place, in particular, just a ride with my queen wishing to be inquisitive about her. I started with the status of her school and marks like every parent, she started sharing all her stories at school and her marks. Her marks don’t match what I expect and asked her why? Papa, I had a singing competition at my school and my concentration was not on studies. I know she hears songs 24*7, but I never know she is really dreaming to achieve in singing. I asked her to repeat the song she sung on the competition, her voice was soft and gentle that any baby can stop crying and sleep. I prodded her to go on her own path which gives immense happiness.

When she mentioned a huge list of her friends, 3 Girls, and 2 Boys were so important for her, as far I understood from her way of talking. She shared her moment when she fought with her friend Moorish, which made me remember my golden days. Ah, and then I understood my daughter will get angry easily.

I stopped at a hotel to have breakfast. Dosa and Coffee were her engaging friends for life, we ate together gossiping about our neighborhood aunties, when sharing about her trips with her friends, I can understand she is as like as her dad in wandering.

After fulfilled with the breakfast, she was watching closely while I was starting the bike and I questioned what was so important to stare at, Papa I really like to ride a bike and I want to ride every time I head out. I pinched her cheeks promising her to teach whenever time permits.

Whenever my bike crosses the speed limit or the other bike riding in rash she presses my shoulder so hard in fear, it showed her childishness and trust when sitting behind me.

We stopped at a cafe. She kept complaining about Mom annoying while talking to boys, for getting low grades and many more. With a tinge of hesitation, she told a guy proposed her but rejected of no interest. I wasn’t shocked but happy about her boldness towards sharing it to me and a sigh of relief that I gave her space to share everything.

We reached home with a sense of peace inside.

She stood near me when I was parking, uttering these words,

Papa, this trip was one of my secret lists and you fulfilled it. I feel blessed to have such a true friend beside me, and always strong support. “I am always at my best as I am your daughter”, as a change of routine, she kissed me and ran inside the home.

Deepest dedication to all fathers who treats her daughter as a Princess.

#It is indeed a treasure knowing her little world. Having your daughter as best friend is as living in heaven.