Let it Go

9. Family

"Dadaaaaa......." (Brother in marathi) Shanaya came screaming at the top her lungs and toppled me with hug. I let go of my bag just to catch her, if I have not, then floor would have definitely caught us.

"Dada, it's been so long. I am so happy that you are here. I missed you. I am so soo sooooo happy." Shanaya was bouncing up and down the whole time like a baby. All her excitement made me laugh whole-heartedly. She is special and makes me feel special.

"Yeah.... I can see that you are very HAPPY with all the bouncing. Stop it or else flooring will be uneven, you heavy fat fellow. I can already see couple of tiles broken down there." I teased her; she is so thin just made of bones and skin, not with an ounce of fat. She will hardly able to scratch the flooring.

"Dada, you are so mean. Take it back, take it back right now."

"I won't my little heavy Shanu." With saying that I started to run because I know very well that she will come to hit me. And as predicted she shrieked and started chasing me in all over the living room. Mom came from kitchen and watched us quarrelling like small children.

I went behind mom, making her shield between us.

"What is it Shanu? He has just arrived and you already started a fight with him."

"Yeah that's right, take it dear little sister and I love you Mom." I kissed Mom's chick.

"But Mom...." Shanu tried to protest.

"No buts Shanu. He is back after so much time and why are you running like a kid? Behave like a lady you are not 5 years old. I asked you to prepare some dishes; but you don't behave like a good girl." mom scolded her once again, who was smiling seconds ago is now on the verge of crying.

Mom turned to face me she caressed my face and was looking at me adoringly I smiled at her. I was happy that mom was caressing me but Shanu's tear got my attention. She quickly turned away from us to hide her tear.

"Go freshen up beta (child); I will make something for snack." Mom went to kitchen. Shanu was about to go her room, I grabbed her wrist and made her face me. Her eyes were moist and I knew she is trying very hard to control her tear. I pulled her in my arms and hugged her.

"Dada what are you doing? Don't love me this much if you are going to leave me soon." She was on the verge of crying her last words quiver. Mom's words made her sad. Mom always does that trying to make a small girl to a lady; just like any other Indian Mom does to her daughter. Loves their daughter to the moon and back; but because of social expectations from relatives and friends they behave strictly with their daughters. I want her to remain baby girl. Enjoy her life to the fullest without tension, without burden not like a matured, sophisticated lady. She will be like that when time comes.

"Hey Shanu, you know that you look so good while crying. Cry a lot my little, fat sister. Cry a lot so that you can win Miss Universe competition for this year."

"Shut up da.. I look ugly when I cry. "

I mimicked her "Shut up da.. I look ugly when I cry. "

"Dada.... I don't want to laugh"

"But I am telling you to cry not to laugh. Please cry some more."

Shanaya started to hit me on biceps with a bright smile on her face. Her actions wanted to show anger but her face failed miserably to do so.

"Hit me as much as you want Shanu. But please keep smiling. Your single tear makes my heart bleed."

"I love you Dada."