My father left us when I was two years old. I remember growing up as a very insecure kid. I had too many complexes. It was my mom and sister who always took care of me and made sure that I always had everything. But still the absence of my father always made me feel sad.

I remember I was thirteen years old then. I was a teenager and you know how fluctuating teenagers can be. In those days, I used to be mighty angry with my mom. She had never told me about my dad except the fact that he left us one day. I asked her many times but she always refused to answer. There were no photographs of my father at our home.

I wanted to so much to know him and to talk about him but noone was ready to tell anything. I used to see my friend’s fathers and feel extremely jealous and very lonely. I hurt my mom a lot during that time. I used to ask her why she and dad separated but she still never told me.

I remember one day I returned from school and found mom talking with a lady in the living room. I tiptoed inside and listened to their talk. They were both talking about my dad. My mom was crying and telling the lady how my dad used to physically assault her and abuse her. My mom was crying so much. She was telling that he was a very possessive man who couldn’t bear the sight of my mom talking to anyone. Her life had become hell.

At that time, I didn’t understand much. I only understood that fact that my dad was a very bad man who gave lot of pain to my mom. But now I can understand. I understand what my dad gave to my mom. He took away her freedom as a person. He wanted to over power her individuality.

My mom has always taught me to respect women. She always told me that If I love her, then I will never be disrespectful towards a woman. She always told me that both men and women are equal and they have similar right to have freedom of mind and expression.

My growing up years were very tumultuous. I had many doubts and also confusions but now I don’t have them. I know I have not become a very important person but I am a balanced person with a peaceful heart. This is the gift of my mom to me. I am because of my mom. I don’t remember my dad now. I belong to my mother.

Let me take your leave now. Please take care. Bye.

The ‘common man’ and his wife took every decision in their life together. The wife always wondered why the common man never complaint to her regarding anything. She didn’t know that it was common man’s promise to his mom. In his patience was the essence of his mother’s life long efforts to make him a good human being.