If you, on a normal day, say the word ‘small brother’ to me, it would perhaps only register as a ‘big bother!’ I mean isn’t he always….
• The one who lands you in some huge trouble with your mom…. ‘Why did you make him cry like that? Poor thing… you’re taking too many liberties just because you’re five years elder!’ Hello! I did not do anything you know. What can I do if he stomps all over my homework and then sheds bucketfulls at the first words that come out of my mouth?!
• The one who finishes all the chocolates before you can even get to them… just because his school finishes a whole two hours early? And the worst part is… your parents always choose to be so diplomatic about it ’Shashwat.. Don’t do that again putta. You should always share with your sister, right?’ * Yeah right! As if anyone’s gonna heed *that!
• The one who tags along with you wherever you go, and wants to do whatever you do…. Especially when you’re going out with those friends with whom you wanna discuss your latest crush! Arrgh….
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And so on… The cribbing never seems to end. But somehow, I always seem to forget the fact that he’s also….
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• The one who gives you that sympathetic, cute look… just after that scolding from your mom… guranteed to make your heart melt, and all your anger fade away! And sometimes I really wish mom goes on scolding me, so that the look gets even cuter!
• The one who gets that half-eaten chocolate out of his mouth, and offers it to you saying * ‘Didi, ekach raheli aahe’* (there’s just one left)… And that piece of half-melted, half-chewed chocolate seems like the sweetest you’ve had till then!
• The one whom your friends call ’Cute!’… And you feel yourself swell up with pride. Thogh you always assure them he’s the ‘other’ cute…. Creating Unnecessary Trouble Everywhere …:)
In short, you know you love him to death, but somehow never get a chance to show your affection, your love for him! And you always look for opportunities to show your love without being too ‘showy’ or ‘embarrasing’ about it (I hope you know what I mean).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actually, you don’t really need an occassion to express your love for him. You can always do that with gestures like…..
• Helping him out with his homework. Who would not love to shine in the class? And a great assignment done, will rocket him to fame… and you as well! Always remember, regardless of what he says or does, he always looks upto you… and would never refuse help (if offered nicely!).
• Playing the big didi in front of his friends when they bully him also acts as great cement for your bond! Something like ’Aye tune isko mara?!’ (lol) It makes him feel protected, and secure. Remember, your parents can’t do this, they’ll be too diplomatic about it, and the problem will always remain. Its you who has to take charge!
• Support him in whatever he does, (if you think it is right, that is!) It not only boosts his confidence, but also cements his trust on you. And the best part is… if he ends up excelling at whatever (which you’re pretty sure of!), you can proudly claim that you supported his decision! Winners all……
• Little shows of emotion will neither do him any harm nor you! Though he might try to act as though he hates your hugs, he actually does cherish them a lot! And who would not love being loved?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
But what do you do when you actually have to gift him something on his birthday? Though its my strict belief that….. ‘To each his own’, I’ll try and list some gifts that most younger brothers will enjoy (Sorry bade bhaiyyas!)…..
• A good book: My brother would love a book anyday, given that it’s not anything preachy…. Or mythological… or too sentimental (!). In short, some good fiction (prefrably action/adventure).. or a book on something he loves (like Dinosaurs, Stars, Dogs etc.). Its not only immensly satisfying for him, but also for you!
• His latest fetish: It could be anything… ranging from those pokemon cards, to digimon, to those gameboys to the latest- bayblades! Believe me, these gifts work like wonder. And his joy will know no bounds!
• A badminton racket: .. Or just any equipment for some game he’s really interested in. A cricket bat, a tennis racket, a hockey stick, a pair of swimming goggles. And make sure they’re really good quality…. It’ll amaze you how seriously he starts taking his game after that!
• A big birthday party: Boys love showing off even when they’re as small as 11 years. So if you organise a big party, invite all his friends.. and generally make him feel really special… you can see the glow on his face for so many days afterwards!
……… And I can go on and on, and the gifts will never really end! ‘Coz even my love for him never will. Sometimes I really wish he would grow up, but most other times I wish he stays as he is, so adorable, so innocent… and so cute (not the other one!). So this review is dedicated to him… and him only.
Love you always,
Arundhati