Missing You!

"When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure" 

- Author Unknown. 

The treasure he has left behind is priceless!

Born on October 31, 1934, fourth among six siblings, he grew up into a highly dependable, very spontaneous and unique gentleman. Sometimes to the extent of being called stubborn, he had the ability to stick to his convictions and beliefs much longer than anyone else would and this trait, more often than not, resulted in some good for him and/or his loved ones. A scientist, who due to circumstances could not fulfil his dream of becoming a doctor, settled for a government job and his unmatched dedication, knowledge, intelligence and drive saw him rise from the lowest rung to the position of Head of the institution, a feat which, in today's times of growth by job-hopping, can rarely be fathomed.

Dr. Arun Gopal Jhingran

He along with his wife, a simple lady from the business town of Moradabad in UP, faced all odds and adversities to bring up their two children giving them the best possible education and facilities that the means allowed. Shoestring budgets emanating out of small, no-frills salary paid by the government were good enough for a decent and satisfying living but yearning to acquire and experience luxuries was equivalent to seeing a dream with open eyes. However, over the years, his untiring hard work and his passion to achieve the seemingly unachievable gave him some rewards and he did purchase a house of his own, a used 'Ambassador' car and once in a while, a family vacation would add the much sought excitement to the family's life.

Things, however, took a turn for better towards the end of his career. A FAO Consultancy Project took him out of the country after taking voluntary retirement from the job. A welcome change set in. The constraints hitherto, were removed and the time to live his dreams, began. A luxurious house, a luxury car and almost all the gadgets that would get launched found a place in his home. Three years down the line, when he returned to India, he decided to settle down in a rapidly developing cosmopolitan city and was all set to lead a relaxed life and reap the fruits of the many years of hard work. 

Destiny, though, had other plans. Cruel plans. Or was it jealous of him? Perhaps, the latter, that's why it could not see him enjoying the peace of life after years of slog, for long. 

He left, on the ill-fated day of July 13, 1995. Too soon, for sure!

It's been 17 long years since then. 

I miss you a lot, Papa.

I miss you when I cross a milestone, big or small, in my life for I want to share the joys of my achievements with you; 

Image Courtesy: djdrako.deviantart.com

I miss you when your grand-daughter asks me questions about you and her eyes swell when I tell her that she cannot meet you but can see you only in pictures; 

I miss you when your daughter-in-law makes 'besan laddoos' - your favourite sweet; 

I miss you when, in a solemn mood, I listen to Ghulam Ali, Talat Mehmood and Mukesh; 

I miss you when I make that long distance call to catch up with Mom; 

I miss you today! We all miss you!

To quote an unknown author:

"If tears could build a stairway, 

And memories a lane,

I'd walk right up to heaven 

And bring you home again"

Happy Birthday Papa! 

Where ever you are.