Pass the test..My Dear Sirius!

The night fell, the bright moon was completely out, the blue and black sky was dotted with countless small stars. Dhriti was all alone enjoying the charming night, counting the little twinkles, " One, two, three....."

Dhriti is just like one of those beautiful stars that shine in the sky, although not as brilliant as the Sun and not as clear as the Moon, but she is just like those which sprinkle the dreamy light into the world. So is gracefulness in her actions; kindness in her words; love in whatever she does, makes her a Sirius, the brightest one,that glows and beautiful both inside and outside.

"Are you counting on the stars? Didn't sleep?", came a voice from behind. It was her father, loving, and a beautiful soul.

Manish, her father is an open minded, good disciplinarian,inspiration and role model for many people,who leads being an Example. He is a single parent, who manages to bring up her only daughter from her age of 5. It is not easy for him but he always do his duty as both mother and father with utmost care,diligence and love. Dhriti is his world,his happiness,his support, strength and his weakness too.

"No Daddy, just wanted some air", still her beautiful eyes over the sky. " I am fascinated by these stars, today... they look lovely ".

"Yeah, they are...! I wish You to be like one -- Actually You are already One, special one. No matter how small, You look, You are so bright spreading the light of Joy and Love", came his proud words in a soothing tone, his hands waving over her silky brown hair, that radiated with the light from a nearby street lamp.

"I am happy that makes You happy too..." she cuddled around his arms like a five year old girl. "Didn't sleep? You look a way tired ...!?", Dhriti worried.

Looking into her eyes, her dad paused for a minute, "No, I am not much...Felt like wanted to have some talks with you" , gathered his courage to open up something bit serious, that would make this beautiful night,a scary night-mare. Dhriti, looked puzzled and gave a smile to hear out what it was.

"Well, I wanted to tell you a small story, a kind of untold one. I hope you have some time for it tonight..."

Dhriti got excited, "Of-course, how can i say No for a story time.."

And, as they sat under the sky and the story started.

"It is about a father, and his love for his daughter beyond everything. His world revolves around her, so is her world around him. He is a pretty cool dad, and he is there to teach his cute little angel everything from riding a cycle; writing those alphabets; making some hot pancakes ...to have a smile always in her face with dignity and courage , no matter whatever is there to pull her down in life.He taught her lessons for life , from the age of 10, and always encouraged her to be strong, kind, ambitious and purposeful . He always used to insist on one thing, and that is to see her Life from a distance and act accordingly....." he sighed.

"The little one was not at all a dumb. She is far better than his expectations"... by then Dhriti realized the characters in the little story.

He realized it too, and continued, "Now here comes the test for the daughter.." He took a deep breathe, before he continued.

"God is so kind and unkind too, for many reasons. HE puts up a situation that the father can't be so long time in this impermanent world, as he was offered an incurable illness as an invitation to the Heaven...!", he gathered more strength to pour it all , without seeing her daughter's teared eyes.

"So, now the father , having realized this completely, has accepted this uncertainty and impermanent nature of this so called Life. He is now asking daughter for her shoulders, for the rest of his remaining days,to support his heart and head, before he goes for a peaceful sleep forever with a promise that she won't let herself down, no matter how hard the rest of the journey is....!", he sobbed lending his palm out for a promise to Dhriti. The droplets of her tears fell onto his shaking palms.

It was like a thunder on her head, her little world got collapsed, her heart started to bleed. She could not accept the whole bitter truth. All she had was only him , to play; to sing and dance; to annoy; to fight; to share all petty and big things and of course to seek the love and support she wanted forever to grow.

"I wish YOU, sorry WE could handle it pleasantly and bravely. Yes, it hurts, so bad...Let us cry together and but, get back together to fight this and make the steps from now on, memorable ones...!"

Before he could finish it of... she poured down the tears, hugging her father so tight, that she never wanted that story to be true.

She gathered all the broken pieces within herself, realized his need of support from her, somehow managed to put up a bright smile and said..."Dad, let us do it.. I now make you the promise. I will be always be your shoulders to bear, whatever comes on our path. I will be strong enough to embrace everything, that happens from now onward. Let us worry less, live more....!"

Knowing that she was bleeding inside, he gave her a kiss on her forehead, with all warmth saying.. "Wish You pass the test and now I tell you my way of counting the stars.."

Wiping out the tears, he started counting them, pointing out his finger initially at his little brave daughter, "ONE---- and goes the other ones over the sky, two, three, four..." Tears rolled down from both the eyes with smiles too.

Life is like this, God has His own plans for everyone..We never know the destination, until we move on!