“Agar kisi cheez ko dil se chaaho, to puri kayanat usey tumse milane ki koshish mein lag jaati hai.”(If your heart truly desires something, then the entire universe works to help you achieve it).

I’m sure all of you would have heard this famous dialogue from the movie Om Shanti Om. Some may believe in the power of these words, some may simply negate it, but for me it has worked practically. Yes, the nature and the entire universe had fulfilled my deep desire.

When I was just a naive little girl, did not even know the power of words, or the power of a prayer, I would go around innocently asking God to give me a brother, so that I can celebrate Raksha Bandhan. An Indian festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, it involves tying of a Rakhi (the sacred thread) by a sister on her brother’s wrist. And in turn the brother vows to protect her and gives a small gift on this occasion.

At that young age the desire to receive the gift could have been more than the desire of a brother, but yes, always deep down, I prayed and hoped to have a brother. I vaguely remember going to an Ashram of some Sant ji, that my parents initially believed in and when I met him I unabashedly asked him to fulfill this wish of mine. I remember, he did smile and tell me it will come true. I was ecstatic, very young and dumb enough to not ask the timelines for its fruition.

Years passed, but I did not get a brother. To keep us sisters’ morale upbeat, our dad volunteered to play the dual role and we tied him a Rakhi on Raksha Bandhan and we got gifts or cash in return. We were happy and sorted.

When I was around 11 years, my parents changed their lifestyle to focus on the spiritual realm of life. We went to Satsangs (spiritual congregations) and had them regularly at our home too. Very soon, we were a large community and in no time we became a part of many lovely families, families that loved my sister and me as if we were their own. It’s here that we met our brothers, who were ours not because of any blood ties, but because of some divine cosmic power. They loved my sister and me not because of any obligation, but because we were connected in ways that defies human logic. They were part of our most joyous occasions and stood by us in testing times, giving us the belief that we have someone watching our backs.                

Today on the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, I thank the almighty for giving my sister and me Veers (brothers) that any girl can only ever dream of. Veer ji your gleaming eyes and each gesture reflects how much you care and love us. Whom we can call anytime and seek the most trust-worthy advice. Who will never belittle or judge us for our choices or actions. But will be there to place their hands on our heads to bless and make us feel special.  

Veer ji, today, we may not be there to tie a physical Rakhi on your wrists, but we pray to the almighty for your safety and well-being. May you get always whatever your heart desires.

As for us sisters, the Lord, the universe has already made our wish true and blessed us with you in our lives.