My
Our siblings are the lenses through which we perceive people, practice our values, teach us fairness, feel kindness and express care.
My Sister Urvashi and I have shared this incredible bond, wherein I have shared all my joys, conspired with her, and been a partner in crime. Some of these crimes have made us gain notoriety suited only to ‘Gabbar’, all across our familydom.
Those midnight games, treasure hunts, even dare games late in the night, despite our parent’s constant instructions of not to – were the most sought activities.
But, she also had her moral compass set due north. If she felt that something was off, and however fun it must have been, she refrained from partaking as well as ensuring that I get my earful from Mom and Dad.
Just like any two siblings, we had sibling rivalry but set to the right degree. Our childhood was filled with a constant power struggle, even putting the best of political sagas to shame. We constantly vied for our parent’s attention. She outdid herself in drawing competition, plays, and academics to ensure she stayed our parent’s favourite. And this charged me to outperform myself. She did everything right by the book, only to put me on the right path.
Urvashi had been a constant victim to the prankster in me. Her innocent self has cried many a time only to stroke her vengeful self. Flipping through the memory books, one can see all the good times that we had (in retrospect, weren’t such FUN ideas then). Sometimes I wonder whether the term ‘LOVE – HATE Relationship’ was coined after us. Those pictures reflect our happy memories, replete with good and bad times. Even the times wherein we might have conspired to kill each other.
But that bond has blossomed into a beautiful relationship and respect for each other. It would be wrong to say that we don’t know each other inside-out. Our inherited virtues, the catastrophes caused, embarrassment plays, joyous triumphs, sweet rivalries, arduous desires, and the last one standing. We have been branded together, ready to face whatever life sends.
Walking from Childhood through adolescence into the adulthood, Urvashi and I have brought about such a positive influence. Naturally , as an older sibling, I often had to step in as a role model for her, and also the fortress that helped protect her and still protecting her. For she was, she is and she will always be a part of my heart that beats in synchronicity, just happens to do it outside of my body.
It is imperative for us to understand that with there is an unsaid older SIBLING CODE. Like Uncle Parker said, “With great powers come the great responsibilities”, though with a lot of love, fun and a pinch of hatred.
LOVE you Urvashi – for the sister that you are, will not change a thing about it.