Of my brother

 "Are we not like two volumes of one book?"

Long back a tender hand reached out and touched me and the world changed around me. I sometimes wonder if that gentleman had not come into my life, what would I be doing now. He has been my pillar of strength, my critic, my punching bag, my sounding board, my teddy bear and much much more. Today on his birthday, can't help thinking about him and feeling so full with emotions that I feel like going back to the good old days of togetherness and laughter and all the stupid things that were so much fun. We are so vulnerable to gentleness, love and softness of being, that the smallest of gestures indulges us to an extent that envelopes us in an embrace, never ever wanting to leave. We are human and with immense human feel. We were made thus. Created by the nature of divine intervention. And in this creation, we were also so tightly bound to some that no passage of time or space could brittle the bond. Such is the joyful, and ever lasting love between a brother and sister.

Today, on his birthday, I feel immense pride and respect for my dear little brother who has grown up so much over the years. As kids, we used to travel with Dad and usually had each other for company. So we became friends and we grew up that way. I, being the elder one, was always instructed to watch over him and to care for him. Over the years, as we grew older, he took over the charge, and when the transition from the quiet younger brother became the strong, protective 'older' brother I would never know.  In school I would hear my friends who had younger siblings wish for older ones and if they had brothers they wished for sisters and vice versa. Later on, I realised that what they were actually wishing for is for a different relationship in a sibling as they didn't get along with the one they had. They were amazed to hear that I loved what I shared with my brother and we have never had a fight. And that holds true even today and one of the most cherished things about us. We have had disagreements, but always sorted out amicably. We respected the other ones decisions and have always given the space required at the same time being the moral support through thick and thin.

Now, though we are in 2 separate continents, I still feel the closeness I felt with him when I was 3 or 13. We have chosen different career paths, different cities, and yet the heart belongs to one place. When I got married and was leaving home, he hugged me and all he said was I will always be there for you no matter what! I know he meant it and I know it is true.

One of the best thing that ever happened to me was you.Here's wishing you a very happy birthday and lots of love and happiness and peace. Love you with all my heart!

                                    The Tom Cruise of the family