Rokiya Hossain Harem

Dear Father,

I still remember the days when you used to carry me on your shoulder and roam around. Whenever I look back in my childhood, I see the good old days with you. Time flies faster than light, doesn’t it Papa? Still this grown up me can feel the warmth of your chest where I used to sleep in when I was your little girl. Your arms were my castle and I was your princess, and I still am. From grabbing your pinky finger to holding your wrinkled hands, your princess has grown up very fast. She has now stepped out in the world of maturity from your chest, your castle.

Papa do you know how scary it feels to see you grow old? Do you know how heart wrenching it is for me to see your hair turning gray and skin getting wrinkled? You are growing old father, but you have not grown up yet because your world falls apart in my absence for a while. Your world is still nothing without me and same goes with me as well because you are my world. I had been an obstinate daughter whenever you warned me about this scary world full of scary people, but each and every lesson in my life has vividly proven you right. You are right Papa, people are scary; they hurt, they harm, they take advantage, and eventually they leave. Papa who will defend me from the pains and sorrows the way you do when you will not be around? You have always been a shield to me in my tough times. Your hands are my umbrella that save me when the rain starts to pour, your arms are still my most comfort zone.

Whenever I cry, I can see tears in your eyes too. My wound has always been hurting you more than it hurt me. Father, can you feel the pain that is killing your daughter inside with the fact that she cannot even imagine her future without you? You were always right Father, you still are. This world is scary and there is no escape from it. I know that one day you might not be around me anymore and I will have to go on without your presence, but how can God take you away from my heart? Your daughter has stepped on to the world where she knows she will be all alone, but do not worry Father because your daughter is now no more a princess, she is a soldier!

Love,

Your only daughter