“My Favorite…”

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“You are everyone’s favorite, they love you more. You always get good things, like many toys, your favorite dish and their attention, I am always left ignored!” says the sister. Brother, whom she calls “dada” responds in a few words which makes her smile and forget all her concerns. He says, ” My little one, you are my favorite! I will give all the love, care and never let you feel ignored.”

He always kept his promise. When she is sick, he is there by her side. When she is sad, he makes her smile. He saves all his pennies and breaks the piggy bank to buy her gifts. He even argues with family when they “ignore” her. During exams he helps her, teaches her when he himself should study. Whether it is school or home or any gathering, he is always there for her.

Time flies, and they face lot of turbulence in their lives. Losing father when they are teens is unbearable. But he wipes his tears and sadness for her. He takes on the role of her dad. A few years pass and he gets his first job as an intern. With a little money from his first stipend, he buys some clothes for her, her favorite colors! He pays for her education and helps her get a job. Now she is independent. So he marries and brings a wonderful sister in law for her. Another blessing, as she gets even more love now.

A few years later, he finds a match for the sister, his “little one”, and makes sure that she gets a happy life. She moves on, life is definitely good. She becomes happier and happier… Now she has her own world, a loving husband and wonderful kids. She stays in touch with her “dada”, calls and goes to meet him whenever she can. But like always, takes him and his love for granted. “Dada” never complain. His love remained the same for her…

She forgets the grudge that she had during childhood about who gets more importance. Until she gets a shock she never ever imagined… “Dada” passes away forever… And now, all of a sudden, she realizes how much he loved her and all his silent efforts to make her happy. She sure loves him back but never thought he will go… so soon… and she is left with so many things to say, to share with him… unexpressed emotions and apologies too…

Now she thanks everyone for loving him more, for giving him more attention. He definitely deserved this and much more.. and she looks at his picture and says,” Dada, I took you for granted and never thanked you for all your sacrifices and efforts for me. Never told you that I love you and never expressed that you have always been my favorite too. I miss you more and more every day.. Please say, “My little one, you are my favorite”.

She knows, she will get to hear those words and she will smile, when she meets him on the other side. Until then, its a long wait… every moment feels like a burden…