My Dad My Hero- A Fathers Day Special

Memories-Waking up in agony and crying with an acute stomach pain at night. I must have been about 7 years old and we lived in Calcutta at the time.

My dad came rushing in from his bedroom and asked me what the problem was. All I could manage to say  was, " My stomach is paining Pop.Very badly."

As it happened that day, our car was at the garage for some major repair and we had no means of transport. It must have been 2 am but my father didn't hesitate. He just picked me up and ran. 

Ran in the middle of the night for almost 1 km, till he reached the home of our family doctor, a Dr. Mrs. Pai. Ringing the bell with quiet determination, yet ensuring that I was doing OK, my dad became a real hero in my eyes that day.

What followed was not quite as exciting. As it turned out, I had a case of severe indigestion ( not appendicitis) as my parents had thought initially, and after a dose of medication and a quiet lie in, Dr Pai drove us back home.

It was about 6 am by then after which my dad proceeded with his normal day's routine- got ready for the office,and worked a whole busy day while I rested at home waiting for him to return.

A bond was forged that day and one that continues till today. 

My dad- about 5 years ago

Of course my dad did all the normal things that dads do for their children.He held my hand as I learnt to walk. He picked me up when I was low. He cared for me when I was sick. He gave me a warm and loving hug whenever I needed it. 

Over and above, he also did some more interesting things such as accompany me for my night shift at the General Overseas Service( GOS) at All India Radio where he would sit in the newsroom watching, listening to and making interesting conversation with all the famous newsreaders of the time.  

A more recent pic with my Dad-H S Serna 

Incidentally, I must point out here that my father was the ONLY parent ever permitted to enter the "secure zone" of All India Radio . The reason, he didn't want to deprive me of a wonderful opportunity to experience the life of an English Announcer( which I only did on a part time basis while still studying at the Indian Institute of Mass Communications). Yet he wanted to ensure that I was safe and that all was well.

Makes me wonder as I sit and write this, how many other dads would have done this for their daughter? I really don't know of even one other such dad.

I could go on and on- my dad told me and my brother interesting stories inculcated a love for the fine things in life- coffee, chocolates, eating out and enjoying being 'foodies' wherever we traveled and so much more.

Cut to the present

In Sep 2013, and then again in November of that same year, my mother had to undergo a major surgery. We were in Muscat while my brother Navtej lives in the UK. While fully abreast with all that was happening on a daily basis, we had planned to come to Delhi closer to the surgery and then stay on as required. Goes without saying, my dad had to bear the entire brunt of the pre op tests- of which there must have been at least 20, finalising the admission procedures, along with a hundred other misc. things that go towards making the entire package of what surgeries have come to mean in the modern day world.

Finally all that was done and over, the date for the first surgery was set in September and we reached well in time for the operation. My husband Avi and I spent our time with my dad during the procedure and realised that he was in acute mental stress. Giving him a tight hug, both of us told him that all would be well, it was a mere matter of time. ( As it turned out, all went well at this surgery as well as the second, far more complicated one and my mom is doing fine now.)

We saw his eyes well up with tears and while he quickly brushed them away, he hugged us back and said, "I really couldn't have done this without  you,  my bacchas."

An unimaginably poignant  moment and I don't mind admitting that a few tears escaped my eyes too. Here was this strong man, my dad telling us that he couldn't have done it without us.

Sab Time, time ki baat hai..

“This father’s day, I am expressing my love towards my dad by participating in the #HugYourDad activity at BlogAdda in association with Vicks.

Taking my World With me in the Renault Lodgy- An exciting Weekend in Goa

Think about Goa and what does the mind's eye conjure up? Most likely the beach will be top of the list. However, the fact is that there’s a lot more to Goa than sun, sand and surf.Green and clean, rich in natural beauty, topped by stunning views, a relaxed way of life and  delicious cuisine, its always a good time to visit Goa.

Blue, Green and Beautiful Goa

(Image Courtesy-Wallpapers Brothersoft.com)

So when I checked BlogAdda site and found this very interesting opportunity to possibly spend some time in Goa during the amazing weekend trip for the #LiveLodgycal Drive from 19th to 21st June, I realised that its  clearly  going to be one experience that I just don’t want to miss! Topping it would be the fact that for me it would be a great way to experience Goa for the first time ever and come back with memories to last a lifetime.

Technically, our world is the Earth, but the definition of ‘My World’ differs from person to person. These are the things which matter most to a person and according to the brief for this campaign, I've been asked to talk about my Top 5 things, primarily those which I'd find difficult to live without.So keeping in mind the fact that its the peak of summer, I'm going to try and define them  accurately.

Inseparable- Me and my large handbag 

The first one on my list is this large brown handbag that you see me carrying in the photograph above. Its a travel staple and one that functions as a carry all. From my bottle of water to some snacks, my make up kit, a shawl or scarf as the case might be and even a change of clothes, this bag can do it all! The other factor that adds to its charm is that it looks smart, is highly durable and I can and have taken it everywhere I go on an outstation trip.

My I Phone 5S

Then we come to my trustworthy and 'always with me' I Phone 5S. If I was to be really honest, I really don't think that I could last even one 1
( whole) hour without it. With over a 100 Apps, and the ability to do just about anything I want to do, this phone has proved to be a lifeline for me more than once, Given as a birthday present by my husband last year, this phone gives me hours of happiness so I guess by now you aren't surprised as to exactly why  its a huge part of 'My World'.

My Sun hat and dark glasses

Last month I bought myself this new pair of sunglasses and a hat. Since then both these items have become indispensable. For those of you who are familiar with the wrath of the summer sun in New Delhi, its probably easy for you to understand. Must add here that I have a have a real problem with exposure to the sun, so while some of you who need a higher dose of Vitamin D might think otherwise, for me, both these items are 'must haves' in the very real sense.

Last but not the least on my list would be a pair of blue jeans. These are something that I can team up with any kind of shirt/jacket/coat/etc and make a new outfit each time. Can I do without them? 

Seriously  NO...

A pair of comfortable blue jeans

Now a little bit about the all new Renault Lodgy, a spectacular looking car which will redefine what comfort travel is all about.

The All new Renault Lodgy

(Image Source- Auto Gyaan.com)

The Renault Lodgy has a massive boot space of 207 litres, expandable to 1861 liters, and can carry a whole chest of books, a gaming console, a set of speakers and so much more. If it’s entertainment you can’t live without, then you can connect your phone to the Medianav System and have your fun on the go! Can’t bear to be parted from your smart phone for any length of time? The mobile charger will ensure that your phone never runs out of juice. And if your world resides in your family, you can take all of them with you with ease, courtesy of the 7-8 seater Renault Lodgy.

Of course, no journey is complete without food and drinks, so you can carry your favourite food and drinks without the fear of spilling with the cup holders and luxurious flight trays.

Comfort-You only have to open the door to see how practical the Renault Lodgy is. Very spacious with up to 7 full-size seats over three rows. Its modular loading volume is unbeatable with folding 2nd and 3rd row bench seats. With climate control to the 30 L of storage space located around the vehicle, comfort for all on board is ensured.

Technology-When it comes to equipment, the new Renault Lodgy has even more to offer. Enjoy fingertip control of the MediaNAV multimedia system thanks to its 7-inch touchscreen. Parking is child's play, with the rear parking aid. Keep control over fuel consumption with the Eco mode and zip off for a smooth and easy ride.

With overall safety and relaxation ensured, you can now - travel safely and let the new Renault Lodgy take care of you. Their  experts have done their utmost to ensure the safety of all.

I will conclude on that on that note but not before saying that I just cant wait for an opportunity to experience the #LiveLodgycal Drive in Goa as well as experience the all new Renault Lodgy up close and very personal. 

I’m participating in the #LiveLodgycal contest with Renault in association withBlogAdda to get a chance to be a part of the #LiveLodgycal Drive in Goa.”