DAUGHTERS ARE FOREVER!

Published in MSN Contribute as "Story of the Day" with "Editor's Choice" Tag!

http://content.msn.co.in/Contribute/Lifestyle/UCStory6576.htm

In 1989, Videocon’s ads were a regular feature, being flashed in the breaks between overs of Test matches. “Bring Home the Excitement!” the ads urged viewers to buy their television sets. When my wife, Amita, was due to deliver the baby, I told her, “Bring home the excitement!”

Amita delivered a bonny baby girl! (I wanted a baby girl!) Supriya was our excitement! When I did some acrobatics with the tiny one in my arms, just for thrills, she would laugh and demand more. “Aani”, Konkani for “More”, was a word she learnt very early in life. “Yeh Dil Maange More” (Pepsi)

Then came a time to adore Pappa. “My Daddy, Strongest!”, another popular catch-phrase ad-line. A phase that Daddies of the world pass through, albeit for a short while. Six packs not necessary. If truth be told, no need to be strong, either. All children think their father is the strongest, smartest dad in the world!

Once in school, we would encourage her to take part in various cultural activities like singing, painting, elocution and so on. It was then time to inculcate the “Just Do It!” (Nike) attitude so that she would participate in all events.

As she grew, and got into more complicated stuff (like Maths), she would make mistakes, only to learn from them, later. To inject the “first time right” attitude, we would urge not to resort to the “Surf Excel Hai Naa” attitude, which would only set her back.

Once into college, she would soar high and get into her own orbit - a world full of friends for chatting over the phone, Orkut, messenger. Pappa, Mamma become secondary. After hours of excited talk, interspersed with “Mad Only!” (MO) and countless giggles later, she finally hangs up.

I wonder whether “Deewana Bana De” (SETMAX) inspired her “MO”? Like a misfired cracker, it is directed towards one and all, me being no exception! Hope she passes through her “MO–phase” sooner than later. Supriya, my teenage daughter cannot be expected to be in awe of her Pappa. So when she calls me “Cute”, it certainly stands for “Causing Unnecessary Trouble Everywhere.”!

When we recently watched the touching movie “Father of the Bride” on TV together, it occurred to me that, one day, I too would have to get her married. But then, I would rather “Make the Most of Now!” (Vodafone)

No “Paraya Dhan” stuff for me. Daughters, not Diamonds, are forever! Needless to say, “I’m Loving It!” (McDonalds)