Happy Birthday, Dad

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Dad holding me up on a balcony in the hills when I was small, both of us laughing.
From the very start.
The two of us squatting on a lawn in the same pose, chins on our hands.
Whatever you did, I did too.
Dad sitting in a stone window frame, hugging me tight from behind.
At a restaurant table, my head against his, his arm around me.
Dad leaning down next to me, both of us raising a fist at the camera.
Always on my team.
The two of us in jackets and sunglasses, leaning on a stone wall high above the clouds.
Dad and me on the balcony at night, each holding a lit diya.
The two of us grown up, both in glasses, arms around each other and smiling.
Dad standing on the walkway of an old stone fort, hands in his pockets.
Dad in a grey suit, smiling, one hand in his pocket.
The two of us from behind, standing together and watching the sun set over the water.
Still side by side.

Dad,

I'm writing this from Dubai. I wouldn't be here, studying in another country, if it wasn't for you.

You have supported me in everything I've wanted to do.

You've grown so much over the years, as a person and as a father, and I have noticed.

You're amazing. I appreciate you, and I love you a lot.

Happy birthday, Dad.

With love, Gautam and Mom