“Please come at the earliest”

As I had realized that some I shall be assigned with the task of Principalship somewhere I had thought of preparing my daughter for the temporary separation. She had got adjusted to the secured feeling of sleeping amidst both me and my wife. For a child of 4 years to becomes really traumatic experience to miss at this stage either of the parents.

I know her weakness for keeping a pet dog which was always denied to her on the genuine ground of the house being small. Hence, I thought this to be a better area to venture into. I started talking to her about having a bigger house in which she could keep a pet dog. She was thrilled and had started looking forward to it.

By the time the appointment letter came for me to take up the task around 400 kms away she was mentally prepared. She willingly allowed me to leave for arranging a better school and a bigger house. It was 17th September when I left Korba for Nigahi. I took over Principalship from 18th onwards. On talking to her on phone I was really taken aback when she told me in very clear terms, ‘Papa!, I don’t want a pet dog.’ She wanted me to be with her and failed to understand the reasons behind this separation.

Only if government would understand these little sentiments of people and take proper decisions things would start looking better.

Last whole week my daughter had viral fever and severe cough. I too was unwell. Still I used to go to the STD booth and talk to my wife and when she used to give the phone to my daughter I coundn’t hold my emotions for her voice used to be so weak. Inspite of her weakness her main concern used to be, ‘Papa, did you eat well today?’, I had told her that if she won’t eat well then God won’t provide me with food over here. So she was concerned and kept repeating that, ‘Papa. I feel scared in the night because of your absence, please come at the earliest’.

16.10.98