Rahul Bose Instagram – I was 8. He would take the morning off work and we’d go to watch test cricket at Wankhede. We used to enter from Marine Drive near Zaver Mahal. Park the car across the road and queue up to get into the stadium. The rule was simple : I had to always hold his index finger during the walk in. It used to be crowded but never suffocating. He had prepared my lunch box, water bottle and given me a cap for when the sun hit the west stand in the evening. My steps would quicken when I’d hear a roar from the crowds inside. The finger would restrain my speed. Up the stairs, into daylight and the thrill, the splendour of cricket bathed in sunshine with 20,000 people watching. It was only when we’d reached our seats that I was allowed to release the finger. I can never forget the sense of safety that finger gave me. It was as if once I held it I was cloaked in inter galactic protective armour. That’s the wonder of being the right kind of father. It makes your son Superman. This image was taken 22 years after those test match days. 22 years after a boy had experienced boundless love and kindness. Thank you, Baba. You were everything a little boy could ever want in a dad. Happy birthday. #RupenBose (1930-2007)