I had a lot on my mind and a lot more on my hands. I was doing my work
when suddenly I had the urge to surf Facebook. Yes, Facebook, one of the
easiest ways to get distracted and lose track of time.
Scrolling through the timeline I stopped to like a photo from my
brother’s farewell. I scrolled further but just a post later I was back at his
photos. I sat and looked through all the photos from the Farewell and the
After-Farewell Party.
Once I was done seeing the photos, I sat and wept. I lost track of time
completely and went through the album of memories. Every single moment spent
with my siblings carefully captured and kept at the back of my mind.
I start to cry again as I write this.
Where did all the time go? When did my little brother born on 12 July
1996 grow up to stand tall (taller than me, finally!) as a 17 going on 18 smart and handsome adolescent?
Right now I just want to hug him and tell him all this
Imran, I love you. You mean the world to me and a lot more. If I could,
I would write every happiness in the world in your fate. I don’t know if you
remember but I as kids when you were 3 and I was 8, whenever you got scolded
for some mistake it was I who used to start crying before you. I could never
see anyone hurt you in any way.
I have always wanted life to give me the best. If there is anyone I
wish to see happier than me it is you and Ayesha. I want you both to reach
success in your respective fields and bring pride to our parents. (Tell Ayesha,
there will be another emotionally charged write-up for her sometime but this
one is for you alone.)
I haven’t been a really close sister. During the years when I wanted to
be next to you the most, I had to be away. My career choice, my life, my
ambition distanced us but only physically. At heart, we have never been apart.
I know how much the tumultuous times in my life have troubled you,
Imran. I know how you value every little thing that is related to me.
Being away wasn’t all bad though. It has made me realise how much I
love you and how much you really mean to me.
It has also given me the chance of acting like the youngest and the
brattiest of the three. I know when I come back home every six months, I have a
brother and sister waiting for me. Waiting to fulfil all my little desires –
shawarma, ice-cream, pizza get together and so much more. Thanks sweetheart.
Dear not-so-little-any-more brother,
Step into this challenging world very carefully. Be mindful of all the
pitfalls you have been warned about. Remember the values you have been taught. You
don’t have to commit all mistakes on your own, learn from the mistakes of
others and don’t repeat them. If you ever err, know that there is someone here
who is always there for you. Someone who will not judge you, someone who will
accept you and help you get over whatever mistake you make.
(I promise I won’t tell mum like I have as a kid. Believe me it was only
always for your betterment but I won’t tell on you now.)
As your Board exams approach, I know the pressure that is there for a
good result. You have the added pressure of two outstanding results from your
sisters to live up to. Go out there confident! Surprise everyone. Ace the
Boards better than your sisters.
Every single moment I am going to be praying for your bright future. Till
the day you join the course and college of your choice, I am not going to be
able to breathe easy. Especially till April, I am going to be as tensed as I
had been during my Boards. You remember those dreadful days, right?
I am always there 24/7 for you via Gmail, Skype, WhatsApp, phone and
any other means you can think of.
May Allah guide you and help you in all your endeavours.
Love and best wishes,
Yours
Fatima
PS. Love you brother. You mean the world to me and a lot more.
