My Dad

In my childhood days, dad was always this serious, no-nonsense guy and rarely did he used to joke around with me. As any normal kid I was scared of my dad and hence stayed out of trouble as much as I could (or atleast tried my best that he does not get to know) . It was not that he used to scream at me all the time and stuff .. but he was serious when we talked..always! He was a classic executioner of many psychological practices to get things done. He was an expert in the "Silent treatment". Whenever I used to screw things up (trust me I was am an expert), he never shouted at me..he just used to go silent. He did not respond to me directly. And damn! ..that was the worst!! I'd pray that he'd scold me and be over with it but no. I used to constantly try my small talks with him just to see his response. He used to give in a few hours later..and that would be a such a relief for me! And it used to work..I was a better man (boy?) after that. One more technique which he uses till date is the "Reverse psychology". Whenever I miss doing anything..like forget to put the dirty laundry in the washing machine..he first makes sure that I am around and then in front of me picks up the clothes and puts them in the machine. And he gives this "chuckle" while doing it. I have no choice but to keep in mind the next time he asks me to do stuff. Anyways but things started to change as I grew up. I really opened up with my dad after my college..or like the end of 3rd year or so. We discussed stuff that we didn't discuss before .. he taught me to drink.. I mean formally. I used to drink before that too but not with my dad. Although he used to give me a small sip of everything after I started college, but it was in my 3rd year or so..he used to give me lessons..teach me finer nuances and tell me facts! :D . We are really cool with each other now.. we joke about a lot. But I dont get to talk to him much..mainly cuz he's still in the office when I call, but we exchange emails many times over the day. Its fun..its like this totally other side that I get to see now. Like just the day before yesterday I got this mail from dad. He had to work from home. So he says "I cant believe I am turning 60..this is the last year of my service and I cant believe this bullshitting still hasnt stopped. I have to work at home on my laptop and that too on a saturday!!!". I never get these words from my dad..and damn!..it had me laughing away like there's no tomorrow. No wonder I like to use profanity while writing..its in my genes! Also I got this another one yesterday. On my uncle's new year resolution to stop drinking he says "Unni (my uncle) has resolved not to drink. A fool I say! I have asked him to send all the booze across to Delhi". My uncle is a commandant in the BSF and its at his place we have our biggest, meanest daaru parties ever! Anyways this is a welcome change which I am getting to see from all my folks. Even my bro talks to me on the phone .. I dont remember talking to him for more than 10 seconds before I came to Japan. Maybe they finally realized my importance :D .. and that things are boringly uneventful without constant screw-ups...half done chores and dirty laundry on the bed.