A TALE OF LOVE AND LOSS
In the serene mornings of my childhood, your fingers were my anchor. Whenever fear gripped me, I’d hold onto you, finding solace in the gentle strength of your hand. I watched in awe as those same fingers delicately wrote my name in my school notebooks, your smile like sunshine illuminating my path.
You were my initial instructor, leading me through life’s milestones—showing me how to walk, ride, swim, and defend. However, you never pushed me to fight for myself… Instead, to fight for the downtrodden… The most important lessons you taught me were about compassion, bravery, and perseverance. You were the most precious gift in my life, a shining example of unconditional love.
When you try to make me happy, you take me fishing. If the fish is out of water and gasping, I feel sad. You notice and return the fish to the water, then hug me warmly with a smile. Today, I feel like a fish out of water without you. No one else can bring me back to the pool of love and happiness. Without you, I feel like I’m dying.
Once, in a fit of anger, I threw a stone that accidentally hit your forehead. You never anticipated that I would do such a thing, nor did I realize I had the ability to aim for your forehead with such precision. I vividly recall you standing before me with a smile, unaware of the impending harm. The deep cut bled profusely, causing you to faint. When our father found out, you claimed that you had fainted and fallen, resulting in the injury. I later learned that, until your final moments, you would touch the scar on your forehead and smile, reminiscing about your mischievous brother.
As time passed, our journeys took us in different directions. Yet, I always felt your watchful eyes, searching for me with concern as I soared high on the wings of my dreams. When my wings were clipped by the harsh winds of life, you cradled me, nurturing me until I regained the strength to fly once more. Whenever I faced challenges in life and found myself alone in silence, you were there to support me, holding me tightly and encouraging me with a smile, saying, “Nothing can stop you, my little brother.”
I ventured out again, like a migratory bird seeking new horizons. But in the shadows, I could hear the silent cries of your heart, filled with worry and love. When I found myself caught in a hunter’s net, I managed to smile despite my suffocation, assuring you that I would not wander off again and comforting you by promising to return to make you proud.
Even in my darkest moments, you were always there to support me without judgment. You never focused on the negative aspects of life, but instead, gently guided me towards the right path. You stood in the sunlight, offering me shelter in your shade and nourishing me with sweet honey from banana flowers. Your words of encouragement were like a beacon of light in my darkest times, providing me with hope and strength. I reassured you that I was like a phoenix, meant to rise from the ashes, stronger and more resilient than before.
Now, as I find myself surrounded by the remnants of my life, much like Abhimanyu in the Mahabharata, I come to the realization that you are now beyond my grasp. Fate has cruelly taken you away from me, leaving me defeated. The day you departed from this world remains etched in my memory, and in my sorrow, I have laid down my weapons. You did not wait for my return from the flames; instead, you journeyed with our mother to the realm of eternity, leaving me behind in a world where I can no longer feel your presence, hear your voice, or see your smile. I am left alone, without the comfort of your touch or the shelter of your shade.
In this vast expanse of sorrow, I find myself lost, defeated by the finality of your absence. Yet, I hold onto the memories, the lessons, and the love you bestowed upon me. You were my guardian, my mentor, my greatest treasure, and though you have departed, your legacy of love will forever illuminate my path.
Life is an unpredictable journey where love, loss, and lessons intertwine in a delicate dance
In the world of human life, luck is a fickle friend. The idea of controlling destiny is only a temporary illusion. My brother, a wise warrior, shared advice that resonated deeply with me. “To succeed,” he said, “one must avoid the temptation of greed. Victory is only possible when you help others without being manipulated.”
His advice, a mix of firmness and compassion, guided me through the uncertainties of my goals. He warned me not to become too confident in my successes, reminding me that even constant wins can lead to arrogance.
Always be cautious of your opponent,” he cautioned, pulling me into a brotherly hug. “Every enemy, no matter their size, has the capacity to be a strong adversary.”
Despite his wise advice, I find myself here, a victim of fate’s cruel game. Beaten down by life’s challenges, I am a mere shell of who I once was. My sense of self, bravery, and dreams have all been overshadowed by the darkness of grief.
Reflecting on my life’s journey, I realize that you were an omnipresent force in my thoughts. Your presence was like an unwavering shadow, offering shade, protection, and guidance. You stood by me, defending my spirit and sometimes surrendering your own happiness to ensure mine.
Your love was a valuable present, packaged in gentle feedback and encouraging wisdom. During times of uncertainty, your words provided comfort, easing my tired spirit and kindling a flame of strength.
Even in my defeat, the lessons you imparted remain a source of strength. Through the lens of your wisdom, I find a path to redemption, where the essence of love and dedication transforms my sorrow into a crucible of growth.
In this rendering, the emotional and philosophical depth of the original story is highlighted, emphasizing the enduring nature of love, the wisdom imparted by a beloved brother, and the transformative power of life’s trials. This version captures the essence of human resilience and the profound impact of relationships on our journey through life’s unpredictable landscape.
If God were to grant me a wish, I would ask for an additional life to be born again as his little brother, so that I could experience the purest form of love in the world. I introduce my AHAM Series – True stories of people, influenced by my brother’s wish for me to be a source of positivity in the world. This series is dedicated to my brother by sharing honest and authentic accounts of the experiences in my life that have helped numerous individuals find hope and light in times of darkness.
Dr. Sreedhar Saraswathy