My Wandering Wednesday Series are dedicated to the flight of my imagination now and then, captured by my camera lens or nestled in my album. And then, songs and movies simply fill in the gaps for the right captions! I try to give you the back story of the picture too. Perhaps you may see a tale hidden there. Check the previous posts here.
We lived in the same building. I must have been around 1 – 2 years of age. The three of them were older to me. Two boys and a girl. Before we knew it, we were living in each other’s houses. Aunty would make it a point to feed me before she left for work. Mom took care of the kids while she was away. Life was good, love was abundant.
Once I fell real sick. The doctor advised my mom to give me Parle-G dipped in milk, as that was all I could swallow. The onus of feeding me was on the boys, as I was a real fussy kid. They would wait for me to not finish so that they could have the milk and biscuits.
Another time, I was going through a rough patch in school with regards to Maths. The younger of the two was right by my side to help me through. He was the one who taught me how to use a dictionary. He also was the one who accidentally introduced me to the cutest boy in college, when he came to meet me. He even went on to work for the brand Parle-G later on in life.
The older of the two was more adventurous. No one could sleep as sound as him. The cymbals could ring and he would not turn a side. He also was the resident banana eating champion. He once introduced me as ‘his girlfriend’ to his best buddy who kept harassing him to get a girl. All was good till I opened my mouth to say, “Bhaiya, let’s go home.”
Time flew and they moved base. I found two more sisters and a brother. Rakhi was always meant for all three of them. The eldest of them was calm, composed and very patient. All of them took to us as their own. Over the years they relocated to US and Canada respectively. But even today, they are just a heartbeat away. And BTW, the youngest one’s daughter digs Parle G just the way I like it!
And as the world celebrates bonds between siblings, I want to tell you all, nothing and no one can ever mean to me/us as much as you guys do. True, families can’t be chosen. Sometimes, if you are real lucky, they come gift-wrapped, next door.
Brothers, Country Roads beckon
Disclaimer: All pictures belong to the author and may not be used in any form.
Comments
Such wonderful memories and touching too.
Yup Janu………….they are some of the best days of my life.
Which is the ickle Vinita in those pictures?
Bujho toh jaane, Hrishi! 😛
I want such wonderful gift wrapped friends and brothers too. You are blessed to have them in your life.
Alka, you can say that again………….and yes, touchwood!
Ahh now we know how far back your love for parleG goes:)
childhood memories are so precious !
Oh yes……….that is how it all started. And continues, BTW 😀
Beautiful post.. So wonderfully you have portrayed it all into words.. Love the line ” Sometimes, if you are real lucky, they come gift-wrapped, next door.”
Yup, you’ve got to be real lucky for a hand delivery like that 🙂 thanks for dropping by Priya.
Lovely memories. I was lucky to find a dear friend who is more like a sister now next door.
Kathy
http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com
Aren’t those the best kinda relationships Kathy? It is amazing when you find like minded people. The best bet would be to hold on to them. Glad you have a soul sister too 🙂
I have the same feelings for my sister. How I would sacrifice my pocket money for the junk food she loved 🙂
Ah, I can totally understand Diwakar……she must be one lucky girl 🙂
Aawww that was so sweet …especially the little girl’s love for PArle biscuits 🙂
Oh yeah………..and she has it too just like me. Ain’t that quaint? 😀
Ah such a warm and fuzzy post! I also had the same kind of friends and family in my childhood. But it is tough to find that kind of openness and warmth nowadays. So much of mistrust and “put on” behavior nowadays.
True Swapna, but I am still the hopeless romantic at heart and I do believe in happy endings. I think we meet people just like us and our fears are reflected in their inadequacies and vice-versa. There has got to be something right with the world……I hope 🙂
lovely memories and totally no childhood can ever be complete without parle g… infact I still can’t leave that pack of parle G with chai at mums house!.. :)!…
Oh I so endorse what you say Vandana. I still have two packs for breakfast every day, almost! 😀
This is so beautiful! Indeed, sometimes families come gift wrapped. Ditto for some of the friends we find on our journey of life! What a sweet bond you guys share! And, here’s raising a toast to Parle-G and the girl (you!) who still clings on firmly to childhood passions!
Oh YES I DO! Lol, I think I can be their brand ambassador 3 decades and counting is a long time 😀
Aaah such a lovely and warm post, straight from heart. True sometimes they come gift wrapped 🙂
PS: A wonderful tribute to Parle G 🙂
So THAT’s the back story of Parle G!! 😀
“Bhaiya, let’s go home!” bwahahahahha
Ha ha ha Yup Roshni, THAT is how it all started! 😀
And oh that “Bhaiya, let’s go home!” moment…………..Jesus, I need to write another post just for that, lol! *feeling totally daft*
Those pictures are lovely, and yes, family does come gift wrapped at times 🙂
Loved reading this.. in many ways reminded me of my own such days… I and my two bro’s were brought up in a Mumbai building and in the house next to us lived two girls who started tying us Rakhee, both of them were older to us, today one is a doctor another is a housewife in two different metro’s and yet we connect as warmly as ever on phone and whenever we meet! 🙂