My Best Friend

Having spent hours watching the ‘surprised my sister on her graduation’ videos on Youtube, I always hoped to be that surprised sister who wept at the sight of her brother. This became a reality on the 12th of December, 2018. At zero dark thirty, my mother woke me up and switched the lights on. ‘Look who it is!’ My brother yelled ‘boo!’

No, tears did not roll down my cheeks. I was at loss for words. I had spent the night throwing profanities at him in my mind as I was convinced that he wouldn’t make it for my high school graduation. But here he was, fulfilling my secret dream.

From the very beginning, he has found a way to make all my dreams a reality. He does this like Genie, but this Genie has unlimited wishes to offer. Like Peter Pan, he protects me from several Captain Hooks. Like Tintin, he takes me on several adventures and like Jim Halpert, he never fails to trouble me.

I have always strived to be like him. While striving to do so, I realised that he is the greatest teacher life has to offer. He made math and science seem like a piece of cake. Through the sounds of music, he taught me new words. With some assistance from sports, he helped me understand the concept ‘just do it,’ ‘never give up,’ as well as hard work and resilience. His actions defined words like compassion, humility, selflessness, and loyalty.

For about eight years now, we have lived miles apart. The house still feels weirdly empty. Every time we drop him off at the airport, I apply a coat of mascara to avoid the ugly cry. But when we hug before saying ‘see you soon,’ I become a sobbing mess.

This pandemic has made things look bleak. With travel restrictions in place, I am not sure when we will get to watch a game of cricket, drive down to Corner House at odd hours or sneak food into the house next. However, his infectious laughter still brightens my day. Using the means of Facetime and Whatsapp, he finds a way to get on my nerves.

Not a day has gone by where he has failed to express his love and affection towards me.

He is the most remarkable human being I have met and despite being ten years older, he is my best friend and my biggest inspiration.

Dear Anna, it is a privilege to be your little sister. Happy Rakshabandhan, I miss you and I love you!