Thinking of You, Dad

I see flashes of you smiling benevolently at me when I made a mistake, smiling indulgently at my office banter, shaking in good mirth when I lost to you at a game, and smiling sheepishly when you were wrong & I was right.

I remember those rainy afternoons when the four of us played "Rummy" and when we sisters used to gesture to each other on the sly & cheat you. And yet you somehow always won. 

I remember the times when you cooked masala dosa or poori-masal for breakfast and left mom fuming over a terribly messy kitchen.

I remember the umpteen arguments we have had and the number of silly fights we have fought.

I remember you waiting for me at the gate for my return, with an expectant look like that of a child.

I remember the customary once-a-month family dinner outings, the same restaurant and the same-old orders, and how we used to argue about how much to tip.

I remember those old anecdotes & stories of your childhood that you would narrate so hilariously.

I remember you telling the history behind those antique silverware or the story behind the winding alarm clock.

I remember you taunting our poor knowledge of English grammar and questioning us incessantly on Gerunds, participles & infinitives.

I want to hear all of it once again. I yearn to get some more of your worldly-wise advice in your loud, booming voice. I wish I could wind the clock back....Ah! I wish

The world is celebrating Father's Day, and I am thinking of you.

It's Father's Day, and I am missing you, Dad. Wish you were here.