Rakhi is Here But Bhaiya is Away…

It’s been three years since I have not been able to personally tie a Rakhi on my brother’s wrist. He is my only brother, and actually much more than a brother. He is a friend, a confidant, my guide and even a father. The time we have spent together constitute some of the most cherished moments of my life. He is the person closest to my heart and naturally Raksha Bandhan is most special occasion of the year for me.

When we were together, I used to make elaborate preparations for Rakhi celebrations. I had to buy a new dress for myself and present a nice one to my brother. This is the ritual I followed ever since I began to understand the true meaning of festivals. Of course the Rakhi had to be the most ornate one and there had to be the most exotic lunch for the occasion. To sum up Raksha Bandhan was the most special day of the year for me. I celebrated it with reverence and secretly said prayers for the well being of my brother; completely believing in the tradition and auspiciousness of the day.

Five years back, my brother left India and settled down in the United States of America. For the first two years, he planned his annual home visits around July – August just to ensure we celebrated Raksha Bandhan together. Later, he became immensely busy. His home visits were planned around December when it was a holiday time in the US. Rakhi celebrations were amiss. Two years I cried on Raksha Bandhan badly missing the presence of bhai and all the fun we had together. Later, I got on with the idea of virtually celebrating Raksha Bandhan - sending Rakhi online, imitating the ceremony over web cam and consoling each other with the wonders of internet technology.

Now, Raksha Badhan is close. Again my brother has shown his helplessness over his busy schedule. I have no complaints from him but at the same time I can’t help feeling the pang of his absence on the occasion.

I pray for my brother’s well being and pray we celebrated it together, next year!!