(On 16th May 1994 Times of India, Delhi, reported these last words of a helpless teenaged girl killed by her step father because of his inability to marry her off due to dowry demands way beyond his means)
Oh Papa!
Dear Papa
Mat maro please!
Is it just a far cry?
However far it may be
Nonetheless it is a cry
From your own daughter
Nay step daughter
Papa what mistake is mine
If I am your step daughter
I have always loved you as
My, my own dear Papa
So much so I don’t even know the
Meaning of the word ‘step’
I have always longed for you
I have always looked up to you as my
Darling Papa
Where have I erred in my
Being your daughter
What would you get by killing me?
None of your miseries are due to me
Nor are they even remotely attributable to me
But Papa here I am to share
Your griefs as best and as much
A teenaged daughter can
Papa I love you
As much as I love my mom
I don’t want to ever ever get married
If it burdens you
I want my Papa to be happy, gregarious and
Even proud of his daughter
Oh Papa! Mat maro please.
