‘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.
Masis truly are the best. It’s a blessing to people who love you and pitch in when you need them. That’s really what a family is.
Glad to know you concur! Thanks Tulika!
Reading this made me think of my own family for a moment. It’s strange how the smallest memories and everyday moments end up meaning the most later on. This felt warm and genuine.
Thanks Saadique!
As a Maasi myself, I know how special they are. But it was your last sentence, that family are those who show up when you need. Sometimes, friends become family too.
Glad to know it resonated with you!
I couldn’t agree with you more, Anamika. Family consists of people who are there for you always, and has nothing to do with blood. As an Army brat myself, and later an Army wife, I can see exactly what you mean when you talk about Regimental bonding and the grooming that we went through under the motherly hands of senior ladies. Sadly, I think that is a thing of the past now as life within the Services has changed.
Glad to know this about you Deepti! Times change… hope the good things will stay on! Or become better!
This is so true in most Indian families. We all grew up like this, under the care of all family members
Glad to hear that! Thank you!
Yes, family whether it’s the one you are born into or the one you make outside your home always sticks together.
Glad to know it resonates with you!
Indeed! Family is anyone who is willing to pitch in when needed. We became family for others when we help, and vice versa. The Force is, of course, another family whose bonds can never be broken. God bless you always with these kinds of families!
True! Thank you!
Such a heartening read…took me back to my childhood days. You are so lucky to have women to have your back. They are treasures to cherish for a lifetime.
Thank you Janaki!
It is indeed a blessing to have an extended family that supports and cares so much. The gatherings with the family of the Forces sound so lively, warm, and full of fun and knowing they are always by your side is a source of strength.
Thanks,Pinki! I feel blessed to have an extended family.
The last line.. you have described family perfectly. The ones who are there when you need, without asking. Beautiful post.
Just because of the very reason you mentioned in the last para, I consider my closest friends as family.
Whenever I talk to you, read something written by you, I feel like I am with my English teacher. She is one of the precious people in my life.
Ah, extended family of masis, bringing vibrant extension of family 😄
Exactly. Family is who choose to stand by you and show up, no matter what.
So nice to read of the amazing memories you have of childhood with friends and family.