Dadu often thought about Maya becoming a strong, self-reliant woman. He wanted her to be educated so she would never have to depend on anyone else for her happiness or success.
The Passing of Time: While he felt immense pride in her milestones—like her first steps or her first day of school—he also felt a quiet sadness. He realized that as she grew bigger, his "little girl" was slowly stepping away into her own world.
Leaving a Legacy: Dadu's deepest thoughts were about the values he was instilling in her. He often wondered, "Will she remember the stories I told her?" and hoped that the kindness and resilience he taught her would guide her when he was no longer there.
Biological Renewal: Seeing Maya grow gave Dadu a sense of "feeling young again". Her laughter and curiosity made him feel that a part of him would live on through her for generations.
The Ultimate Protector: Even as she became a successful adult, in his mind, she remained the same tiny girl who once held his thumb to walk. His constant prayer was for her safety and that she would always find a way back to the "warm nest" of home they built together.As Maya grew up and stepped into the real world, her perspective of Dadu changed from a playmate to her greatest hero. She realized that while her parents provided for her needs, it was Dadu who built her soul. She often thought.The Silent Sacrifice: She realized that Dadu had spent his old age chasing after her, sacrificing his own comfort just to see her smile.The Living Library: To Maya, Dadu was no longer just an old man; he was a library of wisdom. Every advice he gave and every story he told became a compass for her life's difficult decisions.Her Safe Haven: In a world that was fast and often unkind, Dadu's presence was her "safe place." She felt that no matter how old she became, she would always be that little girl who found peace just by sitting next to him.The Pain of Role Reversal: She looked at his frail hands and felt a deep urge to protect him, just as he had protected her. She wanted to give him back all the time and love he had poured into her.