Throughout various stages of life, individuals encounter diverse relationships that may either be genuine or deceptive. Regardless of their authenticity, these relationships impart valuable lessons, whether positive or negative. Every individual is destined to engage in at least one connection with another person.
The reason I am discussing relationships is that I have recently experienced a new relationship that I had never encountered before. As the elder one in the family, I have a few responsibilities, always taking care of my sisters, siblings, and other family members. I am the elder sister among all my sisters, and I need to care for them as my parents have cared for me.
However, I had never experienced the care of an elder sister before. Recently, an incident occurred that fulfilled my dream and made me feel something new that I had never experienced. When I was pursuing my Master’s Degree, I experienced hostel life for the first time in my entire educational journey. It was a completely different experience for me, but I was excited to embrace this new chapter of life.
My roommates became like sisters to me in many ways, providing a sense of camaraderie and support. This was a unique experience because, as the elder one in my family, I had never received this kind of love from my elder sisters since I didn’t have any. Despite being the elder one, I enjoyed the companionship of my roommates and created some memorable moments with them.
One day, during Diwali, several hostel residents went to their hometowns. Although I considered visiting my hometown, I decided against it due to upcoming exams. Similarly, my roommates also headed to their respective hometowns. That night, I was busy writing my assignments when one of my roommates called me and said, “If you’re afraid to sleep alone, call the sister who stays opposite to our room.” I replied, “Okay,” but I was engrossed in my work, so I ended up sleeping alone.
Despite that, I felt a lot of happiness due to her caring gesture. I hadn’t experienced such a bond since 11th grade. During my 11th-grade year, I was quite a naughty girl, often disturbing others while they studied. It was during my mid-term exams that I met two sisters, Kavya and Ashwini, who happened to be my seniors. Coincidentally, we started chatting, and we would meet during break hours.
Despite being seniors, they never treated me as a junior. I tried to act like a senior with them, but they didn’t mind. Even our Math lecturer complimented us and enjoyed our company. We had a lot of fun together.
Board exams commenced, and everyone was deeply engrossed in their studies. The exams concluded swiftly. Unfortunately, the Coronavirus emerged, leading to a lockdown where people faced numerous challenges. Everyone had to stay within their homes, refraining from meeting others. Families, including those in the middle class, encountered various difficulties, risks, and troubles. Lives were lost, and many individuals found themselves in helpless situations.
During this period, I returned to my hometown and stayed with my family. After a few months, while the virus showed signs of abating, it remained a significant threat. Unexpectedly, I received news that my senior, Kavya, had gotten married. This revelation left me shocked and pondering various possibilities. I couldn’t fathom why she had married, especially since her dream had always been to become an engineer. Fate, however, remains beyond our control. My wish for her was always, “May she find happiness wherever she chooses to stay.”
A few months later, I returned to college. When my Math lecturer inquired about my senior, I informed him, “She got married.” However, the truth revealed by my Math faculty brought disbelief and tears. “She didn’t get married; the marriage dates were postponed. Sadly, after two months when her marriage date was finally set, she attempted to take her own life. Ultimately, she passed away.”
This shocking news was unexpected and left me feeling like I had lost my own sister. Despite spending only eight months together, our bond was exceptionally strong. Her connection with me remains unforgettable, and I continue to remember her to this day.
Also read: Unspoken Connections: The Silent Impetus for Change
