Illustration/ satish acharya

Dear Diana,

I don't think my dad ever forgave me for being the cause of my mother's death. I'd like to think that I didn't kill her but the truth remains, she died giving birth to me.

It wasn't my fault that she died but he never talks to me, always avoids me and even sent me early on to live with my grandparents. I don't think I could ever forgive him for letting go of me like that.

But I wouldn''t blame him. I remember my grandfather telling me once that I was a spitting resemblance of my mother. I bet it would be difficult having me around if I kept reminding him of her.

But it's been 21 years since. I've found love and am due to get married soon and it would mean so much to me if he gave me away (kanyadaan). How do I convince him to?

Distressed Daughter