My dad's shining eye

It was back in 2010. I was in a science college, like my other mates i was suppose to hang out in any of the benches dedicated for class bunkers, but my presence sticks to our NCC Unit. As a young skinny chap ambitious to serve the country and being judged by gap between the knees had to give my 100% to our Unit. The deal was like more i spend time at unit the more i will get closer to fly microlight (dedicated aircraft to train cadets for pilot competition). I was well aware about the cost to attain that flying experience outside, Ignoring the fact of losing focus from academics seemed to me affordable. Fortunately i got opportunity to see the earth from the height of 5000fts (my 19th bday gift from our Commanding Officer), though it was not recommended to fly on that height. I did complete the entire training with flying colours and flunk in the examination, idea of giving up other events like firing and drill just to be a birdy got me into anger and depression. While travelling back to my home town i could speak to my dad where he wished to buy a new car, as usual i was surprised instead of congratulating or expressing proud words he was more concerned to discuss about different car segment and models. I was anyway not feeling good but happy that after a month of stressful training we are going back to home. Everybody was quite busy in doing their stuff rather having a chitchat among each other, similar was with me doing restrospection about the last sortie also thinking about suggesting a car to Dad in given budget. We off boarded the train after one and half day journey, i made a call to inform my dad about our return. He was not at all in a mood to ask me to take rest or check about my well being but wanted me to board another train and come to the city near to our village (preferable car showroom) . It was really annoying about not being recognized of the efforts to make him proud parent anyway i still ignored and reached after 3 hours of travel. The moment i reached destination my eye was trying to catch a glimpse of my kind and always smiling dad and caught him sitting on a bench like a college pass out appearing for campus placement. I approached him to touch his feet but he grabbed my arms and gave a detailed look. I never saw him doing this even though i was little cute as per my mom in my childhood. He was checking my strong biceps and full dark skin coz of heavy physical regime in our camps. The world went on pause for me and could see stars in his eyes blinking infinitely and the word "Mere pilot beta meri car to chalayega na (My Pilot son, hope you drive my car)". I almost forgot all the mishap happened during my last sortie with our examiner and put around my hands on him and hugged tightly. That was the first and last time i saw that shine in his eyes which i stored in my inner somewhere. Happy Father's Day to all!!!