‘Eeeek!’ The screech was unmistakable. My sister was letting out her signatory, blood curdling yell, protesting, her annoyance on display for all to see. She was a teen then. One of us, that is my sisters and I had taken her favourite dress and worn it.
That was a crime beyond pardon.
That was something that happened regularly.
Yet, today the same sister buys the most exclusive, trendy and expensive dresses for all of us. If we even once say, “That’s a lovely dress!” Her prompt reply is “Take it!”
Back then if you told me that’s what she would do when she grew up, I would have not believed it at all. Neither would my siblings or my mother,, for that matter.
I got married early.
While I was still learning the ropes about ‘Motherhood’ and how to handle a hyperactive and intelligent child, my siblings pitched in without any question. All younger to me. So, my son had not just me but a score of ladies to mother him. My sisters and all their friends pitched in, just like that. That extended family of masis pampers him till date.
The Forces have their own ethos and structure. They are a family. When I have been faraway from my own parents and siblings, it was my Regimental ladies and officers who were my family. In times of crisis or moments of celebration we all were together. Even today after years of my husband being retired, our family of the Forces grows in strength by leaps and bounds.
Memories of joyful moments sparkle in my memory like precious gems. And we laugh about the other moments, which may have been embarrassing at the time. Like, inviting people home for dinner and mixing up the date. Remember, they were the good old days, without the apps for quick delivery of food. As I rushed to the kitchen, my guest assisted me to rustle up a meal.
My childhood friends, those I have grown up with, in cantonments which are historic and have assumed iconic National heritage status are always there for me, watching my back, lending a helping hand, just a phone call away. The bonds are strong and deep. Our children bond too, just like a family does. We have memories of endless cycling, swimming and vacations filled with books. Reading and swapping books used to be our favourite hobby, before television held us captive. Imagine a small box with black and white images, held people captive, under its magical spell.
A family is not just a bunch of people who share the same dwelling or genes, but those who show up for you, no matter what.
Pic: Courtesy the Internet, For representation only.
