Simplicity At Its Best

My dad being in the Indian Administrative Service is very strict, upright, and honest. He has always been considered a very competitive officer. Being a Sardar people normal Hindus who dont interact with sardars much, get confused when dad is not in his turban but wears a scarf. They find it difficult to recognize him.

It was in the 80s when he was the municipal commissioner, being too dedicated to his work and a fitness freak went out for an early morning walk to serve a dual purpose, he thought of having a long walk and would see the cleaning procedures of streets, roads, pools were taken care of well or not . He wore a scarf and left for the walk cum inspection, people working under him were shit scared of him. As he walked by a street, a man standing next to dad was howling at the top of his voice are jaldi safai karo abhi mera baap aa jayega check karne ( clean it fast, make it quick, my big daddy will come to inspect anytime now ), dad stood there for a moment but the man didn't show any sign of recognition, dad smiled and moved on

He then joined the officers’ club later and used to play badminton there. His department juniors too used to come there and they used to enjoy it a lot. Dad was happy that his juniors were good sportsmen and left office works and talks behind while in club . The environment was very informal. One day after a busy day while he was leaving for home from the office two of his juniors came up to him and asked him to join the officers club too and told him that another Sardar gentleman comes up to play there regularly and plays very well dad smiled and walked on assuring them he would definitely join in one day.

This incident is much to my mother's delight the most favorite one to be narrated again and again. My dad loves plants. He enjoys gardening and doesn't let anyone pluck his lovable flowers. Kids used to keep on asking for them while passing awestruck by the huge lovely garden. Dad prefers nourishing and caring for the plants himself whenever he has some time up his sleeves which is usually in the mornings on Sundays. One fine Sunday morning he was busy in the garden in his scarf when two kids stopped while passing by and asked dad for his flowers, mali baba, mali baba ( gardener ) phool de do, my dad being mistaken for a gardener was being asked for his flowers, he couldn't refuse directly, he thought mom would do it, mom was sitting in the lush green lawn, velvety grass, on a huge, comfy, cane chair with her cup of morning tea, cookies, and newspaper. Dad sent the kids to mom saying ask madam. The kids opened the gate and asked her for the flowers not forgetting to tell mali baba had sent them to ask madam . On listening to mali baba, my mom couldn't help laughing, her ear to ear smile was a clear indication that these children could have their flowers.