A letter from cricket to Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar

He sat cross-legged pondering over what he has done. He went through this innumerable times never arriving at a conclusion. “That’s the best thing you could have done now” a voice convinced him from his heart. Yet he couldn’t feel better. His heart ached. “Dad” shouted his son. He turned around with his mind elsewhere. “A letter for you” he said keeping the letter on the table. He glanced at it. After a couple of unsuccessful attempts, he tore it open. He started to read.

Dear Son,

I’m not going to ask “Why you left me”. I can never ask. It’s your decision. You know I always stand by your decision. I hope, like you, that this would end the way you wanted. Mothers can never choose between their children but there is always a special one. Of all my sons and daughters, you always remained special to me. I gave you all unadulterated love in abundance.

I remember that day when I saw you for the first time. You were crying and I was smiling – the only time I ever did that. I was so happy for you. When I see you now, I remember how very few have changed over the years except the wrinkles and white hair. You are still the same – my cute little child. You gave me a lot of tough times. It was so hard to keep you sitting at the same place. You hated being idle.

Your brothers had to run around the colony just to find you. You would climb the tress never worrying about falling down. You love pulling others legs. Sometimes you do that even today. You roamed with a band trying to imitate a superstar. Ah, those were the days!

‘Endra pozhyuthir perithuvakum, thun makanai chandron ena ketta thai’ – this is a thirukural in Tamil which literally means ‘A mother feels greater joy when she hears people appreciate her children more than she felt the day they were born!’

You gave more joy with everything you did over the years. You were a son for so many mothers of India, a brother many youngsters never had. Now it’s time for you to grow into a father that every son wants.

If I could, I would have held you forever. But life never works that way. You shall stay in my heart till I breathe my last. I hope you remain attached to me.

Love,

Cricket.

His son has noted his dad’s eyes turning moist. He looked at him sympathetically. Sometimes, unspoken words are the best words ever spoken. He decided to leave for his training session leaving his dad alone. As he picked his training kit, he heard his father clearing his throat.

“Arjun, remember to play in the V!”

He nodded. Sachin started to remove the little tears on the letter.