To Brothers

I was the first born girl on both, my paternal as well as maternal side. The family lore, understandably, narrates tales of how celebrated was my arrival in the family. On the maternal side, it is believed, I might have carried a blessing, because each single birth after my own welcomed a sweet little fairy into the family. This tradition continued for long, before being broken, again in favor of two little, insanely adorable cousin brothers.

I was the cuteness you all always tried to influence :P

Despite being incredibly fond of the mini plaything I got when my kid sister was born, I always felt envy towards those girls who had a brother, an elder brother to be precise- to love, fight with and feel protected under. Sisters can be best friends for more reasons than can be perceived on the surface, but I have always felt that a brother-sister bond is more special. It might be the grass-is-greener-on-the-other-side syndrome, but this is only an honest confession.

Being the eldest sister and the first born girl came with its set of advantages, but also lots of responsibilities, and expectations. I do not rue any of it. But again, a friend in an elder brother is what I have often hallucinated to be the perfect companion, support, guide, and encouragement. Why only a brother? Because I have felt comfortable around guys, having been brought up among them. And I was blessed with the best of cousins to fill in the void I felt within my own family. This post is to collectively thank them all. And brag a little about myself.

Each cousin brother of mine has been very,. very special. I've been lucky to have been pampered for years by them. Random tears, pecuniary support, crap talk, excitement sharing, planning and conspiring, protecting, preserving secrets, understanding from miles afar- I think God had his plans well in place when he gave me no real brother but a lot many more cousins who, today, are people to be proud of. I should be dedicating an individual post to each one of them, but for now, I will quickly mention them together.

Thank you Ayush and Manan bhaiya - You both are as good as real. Besides all the love, I will still keep asking you for recharges, books and other gifts. I mention you together, because I you both are infinitely and equally close to my heart.
Thank you Mayank, my first cousin with whom I somehow share the same relation from both sides of the family. We don't keep in touch, but I fondly remember the days when we would share everything.
Thank you Anjal bhaiya- It is nice to have a brother whose rectitude is an example to follow. You're the one who always looks out and gives me the morally and socially right advice, without judging me for my perhaps contrary actions.
Thank you Prateek bhaiya- the one elder brother I chose, and am incredibly proud of my choice. You watched over me as a little girl and I still feel that presence around me. 
And more recently, thank you Achint bhaiya- you're relatively new to my life but I almost treat you like one I have right over. Thanks for all the love.
Also, thank you Tapan- you don't fall in the elder category, but you've been a support. 

Why all so senti all of a sudden? Because of two beautiful testimonials I received to aid my Narcissism from two of the above mentioned people. In words and in gestures, I've been made to feel so special that getting overwhelmed is only natural.

To each brother out there who cares for his sister, cheers! You all do an incredible job of making your sisters feel they are the best gifts you've got. I know of a few who are hesitant put their affection on display, who speak less but mean a lot in their heart. Trust me, your sisters understand. The bond each brother and sister share is special and should be treated thus. To all those out there who love, God Bless. May the love only grow with each passing day.

The fun, the color, the smiles of childhood, All still so fresh!

PS- It will be nice if you all check out a cute few testimonials written specially on demand for Nascent Emissions, on the page called Narcissism.