Introduction

It was winter, and all my friends had planned a trip costing 5,000 rupees. But a sudden incident caused me a lot of trouble. I said, 'I have work now, you can’t go!' One of my friends replied, 'Shala Fakinni’s child! Destroy all your plans,' with a mocking tone. I smiled and moved away, knowing the reality of their financial situations.

Unpayable Debt of Father's Love

Who can travel with 5,000 rupees when their father’s weekly income is only 1,250 rupees? This was the stark reality I faced. It's not just about money, but the unpayable debt of my father’s love. Even when I had the chance to take part in farewell ceremonies or share small pleasures with my father, I realized the depth of his love and the unmeasurable debt I owe him.

On the night before exams, all my friends had new clothes. When I told my father, 'Dad, let me take out your pair of shoes last Eid, I’m going to take the test, Dad, don’t blink,' my words were full of pride and gratitude. The next moment, I saw my father, still working a weekly salary of PHP 1,250, standing under an umbrella, waiting for me at the bus stop. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I realized how much he had given for me.

Sacrificing for the Family

I told my father, 'Dad, I will tell you something,' and he responded with a smile. Without a hint of bitterness, my father said, 'You will be born as my child in the next birth. I can not repay your debt in this birth! So he paid off the debt by becoming a child in his next birth.'

My father's eyes, sudden as a stop, said, 'Listen to this, Abba!' As we walked, I held my father's hand more tightly, and he finally stopped, wiping the rain from his eyes, as if to wipe away the unpayable debt.

Somewhere, I said, 'Dad, I've changed my mind!' My father smiled and asked, 'What decision?' I replied, 'The decision to make you a child in the next birth!', to which he said, 'Then, what else?' I said, 'I want to be your child in the next birth, never wanting to repay your debt. No one can keep me in this world except you.'

Heartfelt Appeal for Recognition

Amidst the injustice I perceive, I miss standing on 5th Avenue in New York. The question lingers, 'Where are my rights, you creeps who are calling the shots for me, how dare you stop my pleasures in life?' I won't let any group, including police, firemen, veterans, or Knights of Columbus, tarnish the flag that we all hold dear. Whether it's Columbus Day or any other holiday, the flag stands for everyone, and to stand against it or turn away from it is simply not fair. They should return to the country they love, and not this one. In the end, I appeal for recognition of our shared values and respect for the sacrifices made by our loved ones for us.

Story: Father’s Debt
Written by: Jewel Rahman