There are superheroes in our lives who wear no capes – just lungis, old T-shirts, and a habit of reading newspaper like it holds the secret to winning the next family argument.

We call him Baba!

You’re in deep sleep during an afternoon nap, dreaming nonsense, fan blowing at full speed. Suddenly a wave of uncomfortable heat hits you! Your eyes flutter open, confused and sweaty. The room feels too still. You look up, and boom, the fan is off!

No, not a power cut!

Just Baba thing……His signature move in the art of waking you up: when screaming your name didn’t work, he cuts off your air supply. Genius level baba tactics, silently executed.

Let’s not forget about his obsession with feeding you fruits. Especially, in summer it’s like a ritual. If he didn’t bring home tons of lychees and mangoes, did summer even happen? And you dare to say, “I’m not in the mood?”

He’ll still peel it, slice it, chill it, and stand there like: This is medicine!

He’s also the saviour in family politics. When maa’s voice starts rising and you know an emotional TED Talk is coming your way, Baba’s the one saying, “Arrey thaak na”…just like that you’re forgiven. He’s also the unofficial peace negotiator in the house and the family’s secret ATM. And you know he’s the chill parent. When maa’s at her wit’s end and threatening to throw your phone out the window, baba is there to rescue. He’s the silent softie.

His sudden curiosity about technology. Every new app, every new phone update – he needs a full tutorial.

Just the other day, I had to give Baba a full workshop on emojis – yes! Because he wants to utilise them properly for different emotions! Now he sends 😡 when the internet’s slow, 😍 for the good food and 👍 for literally everything else.

Beneath the laid-back tone and Baba jokes is someone who carries the weight of the world like it’s no big deal.

He doesn’t always say I’m tired, even when his body is begging for rest. He does everything with a kind of passion that doesn’t expect praise. Whether it’s fixing a broken something at the midnight or standing in the line at the pharmacy – he just does, without complaint.

He won’t post emotional tributes to Facebook, He doesn’t show off. No filters, no stories, no emotional captions. But he’ll remember your exam schedule and those little things that is overlooked by everyone. He’ll look proud when you achieve something, then act like no big deal – but the whole family will know by the end of the week.

His love hides in the small things. In the bowl of cut mangoes, in the fan being turned off, in the way he makes sure the entire family runs smoothly, while asking for absolutely nothing. And for those who carry his memories instead of his presence, may these small reminders bring a smile, a little warmth, and the comfort of knowing that kind of love never really leaves.

It stays. In us. Around us. Always.

This Father’s Day, here’s to every Baba. The man who gives without noise, one who sacrifices without showing it. The one who turns off the fan, but never turns off his love. Happy Father’s Day!