Heart-warming Anecdotes That Sing The Praises Of The Sibling Bond

They can be incredibly sweet and generous, or they can madden us by snatching the TV remote or spilling our secrets to our parents. But you can always count on them, no matter what. Yes, we're talking about siblings - our brothers and sisters who add so much joy to our lives. Those who are lucky enough to have siblings will always have exciting stories to tell. Here are five such stories.

1. Team Sister Vs Team Others

Although politics is not a word one associates with children, if you grew up in my housing quarters in Delhi, you'd be surprised! There were over 30 kids who would meet every day to play, fight and make up. It was only natural that some energetic young ones in the group would regularly lock horns. There were two major gang leaders in the group. A soft-spoken, gentle-featured Bengali girl called Shonai and a loud, opinionated Tamil girl - Me.

My brother and I had just moved to Delhi. Because we were newcomers to the community, most of the group sided with the senior, Shonai, during our disagreements. It was more than a little disconcerting for me, an 8-year-old mini-politician! Today, I remember with much fondness and gratitude that no matter what, my little brother never left my side in those days.

Adulthood is full of trials and tribulations. Our relationship has had to go through tests by fire. But I know that just like he did when I was a kid, my little brother has got my back!

 Ashika, Chennai

2. Hanging Out with Big Sis And Her Friends

My sister and I have an age difference of eleven years. People often assume we never fought because of the age gap. But we've seen it all - screaming, wrestling, and, of course, arguments.

I was in kindergarten when she began college, and I remember how she always took me with her when she went out with her friends. While I can only imagine how awkward it must have been to take a little one along on a day out with friends, she did take good care of me. I find it very sweet now.

I wish we could spend more time together, but we are trying our best to stay connected despite the time zone differences and our busy lives. She's more like a mother to me, and I can't wait to meet her soon!

 Rashmi Nagendran, Nagercoil

3. Where's Your Sister?

One day, when I was 5, I couldn't leave school on time. So, my big sister (then 7), who was waiting for me in our designated auto, went back to the school to find me, leaving her schoolbag in the auto. While she was looking for me, I walked out of the school, got into the auto, and reached home, never wondering why my sister wasn't home yet. When my mum asked about her, I said her bag was in the auto, so I assumed she was in there too. Mum had to rush to the school for my sister, who was still looking for me and crying because she couldn't find me! Now, we always look out for each other. My sister is still the most caring one.

 Suchitra, Hyderabad

4. My Brother Gets Me

My brother and I have an age difference of five years. We were not very close, but we did get along. While growing up, we had our share of squabbles. After Class 10, my parents sent me to Chennai for my higher secondary education. I had to stay at a relative's house. Apart from missing home terribly, I was facing some difficulties living there.

My mother was able to understand my feelings during our phone calls. What surprised me was learning from my mother, many years later, that after the calls, my brother would share his concern with my mother, "Anna is not okay. He doesn't talk to me like he used to". So, my family visited me and stayed with me for a couple of days to let me know that things will be fine soon. During their stay, my brother tagged along with me all the time, and he wouldn't stop talking! When they were about to leave, I tried hard to hold back my tears. But my little brother came and hugged me and cried. I believe a special bond was formed between us that day.

I'm 38 now, and my relationship with my brother today is one of my most cherished ones. We've gone through some hard times together and this has made our bond tremendously strong. I haven't seen him for the past one-and-a-half years because of the pandemic and I miss him terribly.

 Arun Krishnan, Helsinki (Finland)

5. Making Mud Pies with Kid Brother

As kids, my little brother and I would eagerly wait for the rains. We would be thrilled beyond measure, as the showers came pouring down. In weird-colored and overly large raincoats, we would set off excitedly on our sail-away mission. We would make paper boats, and after the boats had sailed away, we would sail just about anything - a dry leaf, a twig, or a candy wrapper!

And as the rains receded, we would catch the tiny guppy fish frolicking under the glistening waters, only to put them in lovely glass fish bowls! Some of the fish turned out to be clammy tadpoles (eeks)!

The monsoon project didn't stop there for us! We would fill up empty coconut shells with mud and mold to perfection little rows of choco mud pies. The joy that went into creating those perfect mud pies is priceless. That joy is greater than the joy of digging into a rich chocolate cake, debatable though!

It's fascinating to look back at the little moments of happiness we created for ourselves. Even today my brother and I have a great relationship. We have amazing, enriching conversations and we recollect our childhood memories. And, of course, we still pull each other's legs. It's every sibling's right!

 Deepthi, Chennai