My father is one of the kindest people I know. When I was eleven, I told him that my heart hurts looking at old people struggling to make ends meet, he gave me a pointed look and asked, “what do I plan to do about it?” I had no answer. on some days, I wish I could ask him a similar question, “what do you plan to do about your relationship with your son?” I wonder if he would have an answer.

Mother tells me that when my brother was little, he would wait for dad to come home before eating dinner, he wouldn't just have it otherwise. I don't remember the last time they sat together and ate. I can't help but doubt her words or maybe its true, most of the relationships don't age too well.

In my family, we don't tell each other that we love them, we just manage to show it in our little gestures - like letting them wear our favorite dress or eat the last slice of pizza, staying awake with them until their work is done or making them a hot cup of tea when they are sick. My father does it all, but here's the difference - he stays too stiff when he does it for my brother, and I think my brother knows it too, because he stays just the same.

They don't know how to act around each other, either they are too loud or too quiet, there is no in between. It feels like there is an invisible wall between the two of them, waiting to be broken down. So many unsaid words trapped inside, emotions rusted over time.

I see them cry. Ofcourse, they don't hate each other, if anything, they probably love each other the most but they have forgotten how to communicate, other than asking stuff like, if there's an extra razor in your washroom, or maybe, they were taught to not remember at all.

I like to think if they were of the same age, they would've been best friends, they are too alike. They would watch movies every weekend and dance on retro bollywood songs. But most of all, I wish they would just sit with each other some days and not say anything because that's all they need.

Just want to thank my dad for being the kindest soul. Love you for everything. Stay happy and blessed. ❤️