I hate you Dad

He was crying out loud! He looked up as if some guardian angel might drop in as his savior. But alas, he was jostled down. He started weeping like a toddler. There he collapsed, downtrodden like an old sack! He started mumbling “I am in pain. I will pass out. Get me some water please”

In a moment’s time, he got kicked on face! I could feel his excruciating pain. The dormant rebel in me shouted “Stop it”. It’s blasphemy! Am I supposed to react this way? I was hauled from the scene of crime. I protested but finally subdued.

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“Look at you, so handsome” – He shrugged and winked.

I got an urge to hide behind the wood. I was like a touch-me-not leaf being touched for the first time. Wow, the very first compliment. During last eleven years, I have been qualified as “clumsy” “imp” “stinky” etc. I lived my life as the worst creation.

He was a middle aged gentleman who waved his hands at me while I was waiting for bus. His hair style was the one which I always adored. Barber uncle used to mock me “Son, you should grow your hair a bit more to have the step cut.”

“What is your name?” He came closer to me. I started drawing pictures on the ground with my feet. He noticed my school badge and read “Abiezer. Nice name. Have you been to County Beach?”

I heard a lot about County Beach. Foreigners used to flock their for sun bath. Also, heard a lot about the gory stories and paranormal activities associated with this beach. Altogether, is an eerie place; but everyone wanted to visit this place out of curiosity. Once I thought of engaging in conversation with Dad about County beach. With the very reference of the place he stared me as if he is going to convert me to ashes!

“No. It is a bad place” I said in a mellowed tone. He laughed and came near me. He put his arms across my shoulder and said “Young man, nothing like that. It's a fantastic place. The resplendent sun descending down to the azure coloured ocean leaving brilliant artwork in the horizon – No one in this world would miss it for any chance. Let us plan to be there tomorrow evening. I can get you ice cream, kebabs from street hawkers.”

He started speaking like a poet. I was carried away by the description of possibilities. “But I don’t know who you are!” This time, I gained some confidence and started opening up. He came closer to me and said “I am going abroad tomorrow and hence came to your city. Just that, you resemble someone whom I know. I am sure, you will like my company. You will enjoy.”

I was tempted. Again, how can I present this at home? Seems, he understood my dilemma. He said “Just tell your Mom and Dad that, you have some extra activity at school and will be late. You come to Hotel Sea View in County Beach. I stay in Room Number 101. I am sure; you will love the delicacies of the hotel also.”

“Uncle, what’s your name?”
He thought for a moment and said “Suleiman. Please don’t ditch me. I won’t give this offer to any passerby. You seem to be a fantastic kid. I love kids!”

That was enough and more for me. Never in my life, I was appreciated and recognized. Suleiman Uncle turned out to be an angel who is going to fill my life with colours.

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“Mom, have you been to County Beach ever?” I started striking conversation with her. I had no plan to reveal about next day’s plan but I could feel butterflies in my stomach.

“That is not the place for people like us” Mom said in a harsh tone.

“Why? I heard that, it is the most beautiful sun set point in the city. Also, delicious kebabs are available in the street. Also, there is a famous Hotel there” I was not supposed to reveal all this but ----

“What hotel? And who told you all this?” This time Mom was sounding quite serious.

“Hotel Sea View. I saw advertisement in the hoarding near School”. I never thought of being a master in crafting lies so well.

Mom became a bit suspicious and she started asking many questions. I have carefully avoided those and started dreaming about next day. I snuggled myself under the blanket and started dreaming Kebabs of Sea Tide, Sun Set etc. Day after tomorrow, I can boast a lot about all this with my classmates. Ennui is the root cause of my agony. This is a life time chance to break free.

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I have almost parched while reaching Room Number 101. I was running all the way from School and three and a half miles marathon in sun in this muggy climate almost took life out of me. I was guided by the security guard in the reception who was smiling all the way while accompanying me to the room. Suleiman Uncle came out of the room with a wide smile and hugged me tight. He took me inside and locked the room.

He took me to the balcony and I could see the blue strip of ocean in a distance. “Shall we go there?” My dreams were about to fulfill in a few minutes.

“Sure, but you have to change your cloths. It is school uniform and people might think that you are fooling around”

“But, I have not carried extra pair”

“No problem. I told you, you will have fun for lifetime with me. This is what I got for you. Just tell your home that got this as a gift from School for participating in some competition”

He handed over a pair of denim and T-shirts to me. I was totally amazed at this gesture. He came near me and started unfasten my shirt. “Let me help you wear this new dress”

This gesture is never extended by my dad or mom. They left me on my own which I hated.Suddenly door bell rang and from the facial expression, I could make out that Uncle do not want to be disturbed. He murmured “What a nuisance” and opened the door.

Suddenly someone barged in the room and kicked him hard. He fell down and tried to get up but he was kicked down.

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While I was dragged all the way out of the hotel, I felt like running away. I could not. While whimpering, I said “Dad, why did you do that to Suleiman Uncle. He is a nice fellow. He got me a present. Have you ever got me a present so far?”

I made a mistake by divulging about Hotel Sea View to Mom.

“Dad, I hate you. You spoiled my evening. I just hate you” I never got courage to seethe like this. For the first time Dad looked at me and said “Shut up! If you utter a single word, I will kill you”

Yes, that's my dad! Epitome of duress. I just hate you from the bottom of my heart!

~സജിത്ത്~