Know that you’re loved, Baji! (‘Wielding Words’ – #2)

#2

 

‘Baji’ : A word used as a mark of respect and endearment for an elder sister in the Indian subcontinent. Variations include ‘Aapi’, ‘Didi’ etc.

Can be confused with ‘Bhaji’, a dish of fried vegetable(s) which is cooked-until-soft with lots of spices in it.

 

Hey, everyone! How have you been? I just finished with my exams yesterday and decided to post a little something I wrote during that time.

I have an elder sister in her final year of MBBS and she is going through a bad patch. Almost half of her final year is done with and she says she has no idea how she’s gonna study a mammoth course and simultaneously prepare for her PG entrance test next year. I really fear for her as she has an extremely low self-confidence.

And the worst thing is, I’m not qualified to help her through this, I can’t relate to her or give her advice. All that I am able to do is lend an ear and a shoulder to cry on.

I wrote a poem in free-verse (or so I think) for her that I was wary of letting her read. But she read it nevertheless

I asked her if I could put it up on my blog and since she had no issues with it, I decided to go ahead with it! It isn’t much, but it works for me. I only write what I feel.

______

 

‘Know That You’re Loved, Baji!’

 

I love that smile on your face

Wish it never vanished for even a day.

Your quivering voice,

Of course! It worries me.

You’re my only friend;

Who doubles up as my sister.

 

Those silly stories of crushes,

That we share each night.

I wouldn’t trade them for the world!

They’re my anchor,

In this tempestuous sea we call life.

How I wish I could ease your pain!

 

You’ve made me proud, made me cry,

Made me laugh and smile too.

It’s been so much better!

For you were here… always.

Egging me on from the sidelines.

Alas! It’s unfortunate, but I can’t repay you.

 

If I told you what you mean to me,

I guess it would make this fear real!

This potent fear of losing you.

I know it can be lonely sometimes,

Even with everyone around, but

Please don’t give up… please.

You’re stronger than this, I know.

 

I’ve had fibbers for friends, so far.

But I could glean your clumsy lies,

In the blink of an eye!

If you ever told one, that is.

But it pains me when you actually lie to me

About anything that worries you.

 

My day gets better when I hear,

That revving up and the clicking shut of the scooter,

Signifying that you’re back!

I strain my ears to hear you say Salaam

From outside the door.

And then am satisfied that it’s really you.

 

You say low self esteem reigns within you.

And the feeling of loneliness is like a cloud above your head.

You want to shun society, for 

It’s farcical people aren’t bearable anymore.

But I hope you’d think of me, before 

You decide that you’ve had enough!

I hope you’d think of me, your sister and your friend.

 

Darkness that engulfs you every other day,

Know that it threatens me too.

You roam around people,

Fearing what they think of you.

Simple and ‘commonplace’ you.

I roam around them, knowing

They can’t stand me.

Bluntly chastising and ‘Religiose’ me.

 

How dare you think you are no use to anyone?!

Or, do I not mean anything to you?

My world would truly be bleak if you left it,

So know that you are needed by me.

You complain no one is fond of you,

That they don’t look at you like you want them to.

Because you are not beautiful.

Then trust me, they are all blind!

 

Love that stands on the foundation of looks,

Can it ever be true?

It withers with time and all it leaves is bitterness.

Besides, it’s overrated anyway!

To me, you’re the most beautiful person.

And I am blessed to have you.

So know that you’re loved, Baji!

🌸🌸🌸