Three words not said enough

As i was walking back home tonight from work the phone rang. It was the routine weekly call whichI always looked forward to.

I said, "Hello", sounding as cheerful as possible but he sounded depressed. It was the same usual conversation revolving around my work, rain in Mumbai, my eating habits and my driving lessons. There was a softness in his voice and also a tinge of lonliness. He must really miss me I said to myself. He told me how much he remembers me and talks about me to all his friends. I felt sad for not being able to spend more time with him after all that he has done for me. After all I am what i am today because of him. I told him that I was looking forward to his trip in October. He asked me to take good care and eat right. It was time to say goodbye. In all these years we have never spoken for more than 3 minutes over the phone but i know those 3 minutes meant the world to him.

Just before he hung up he said, "I love you". I was surprised, he does not say this to me very often, it is usually just "I miss you". I smiled again and said, "I love you too Dad"