Nikku's Super Girl

My brother is twelve years younger than me. He was born when I was in class seventh. I was on cloud nine as I knew the arrival of my younger brother. He was a premature weird blue colored baby who initially took shelter in neonatal Intensive care unit. In a week he regained his original ease and my mother came home with him. Once my brother came into my life I understood my limitations and the priorities my parents have to succumb to.

But my entire guess was wrong. My parents already had a notion that a 12 years old adolescent girl may be disheartened if her importance is lost by a single penny I remember how my amma and acha started loving me even more and pampered me, listened to my school tales, recess howling stories, friends, teachers, jokes and pranks. Though I never demanded them, they all were showered upon me like elixir.

Slowly my brother Nikku grew. He was an apple of every ones’ eye. I had a sisterly and motherly privilege for him. Even with an age gap, we enjoyed fighting and caressing each other. I would get his every wish done. He would insist on me and cry badly for want of small things starting from chocolates to cookies. Many a time my mom refuses to accept his mere demands. But I felt sad at his misery. I would get him his choices somehow. He developed a sense of confidence that his sister is a super girl…. And I was really proud of that.

Once when Nikku was three years old, we were returning from our tree park, our evening hub for relaxation. Suddenly something stopped us. Our huge mango tree has hidden a surprise for us. We could hear the chirping sounds from all around. We looked up and what a beautiful sight it is….

Weaver bird has intricately woven a beautiful hanging nest. The bird was trying to fix the nest for cues.

Nikku said at once. “There will be small birds inside. I want to see them.”

My heart ached at once. Seeing the height of the giant mango tree and the position from where it is hanging. I became speechless.

Manoj bhaiyya told “Usually male birds make nest. When the nest is complete, the male will announce an open house by fluttering his wings to invite a female home. If she does, there will be eggs in the nest within days. I hope you can see eggs after three more days.”

I took a deep breath of solace, for I knew climbing the tree is a herculean task. Moreover I didn’t wish to disappoint my Nikku.

“Let’s go home. Amma would have prepared samosas for us.” I tried to distract his thoughts.

Days passed on and Nikku was counting days. On the fourth day morning, he told me “Chechi, today we can see small birds, right.”

Amidst my sleep I asked “Which bird?”

“Oh…how could you forget? Manoj bhaiya told about weaver bird and its nest. Show me naaa…please” Nikku started pleading.

I knew the difficult situation I have to overcome, but I didn’t want to dishearten him. I was sure mom wouldn’t let me do these adventures.

I asked Nikku “ What is Amma doing?”

“She is in the kitchen”

“And Acha?”

“He is reading the newspaper. Why? Should I call them?”

“Oh no..They will not let us go and climb the tree. “

“But why”

“Because it is dangerous. Let’s go out from the backdoor. “

“Yes..let’s go,” Nikku said with his mischievous smile which I always loved.

We tiptoed out and ran towards the giant mango tree. I helplessly looked at the branch from where the nest was hanging.

“Let us both climb on the nearby Palace wall. I will help you to climb. Once you reach there, you must sit there quietly. Promise me you will take care of yourself.”

“Oh… Promise Chechi.” Nikku said in obedience.

 “Then I will slowly climb onto the tree. Once I reach the top of the branch, I will get you the nest. You must take care of yourself. Is it okay?”

“But I can stand on ground also” Nikku pointed.

“Maya aunty will see you if you stand here. She will surely call amma and tell everything. Do you want that to happen?”

“No no….. I will climb the wall.” Nikku nodded in agreement.

We both initially climbed the wall. I searched for a safe point in the wall for Nikku.

I climbed the tree. I never had an experience in this matter. Moreover, I guess it rained yesterday. I tried to cling firmly to every point. But I had ways to reach. I looked at Nikku who was smiling and anxiously awaiting to see the baya bird's nest. Tha smile motivated me to climb ahead. Within a second, I felt as If I lost my grip. I looked down, I could see the bare ground that was quite a distance. I do not rememeber anything else…

I regained my consciousness and I could hear some feeble voices around. I opened my eyes and I could see my mother.

She was in kitchen. How could she land here?

 I turned around. My father was also there. When did he finish reading the newspaper??

Nikku….??

“Amma… Nikku….Where is he?” I bursted.

“Chechi” he held my hands. Seeing him safe and alright I felt s sign of relief. But I could feel pain…not in my heart. But somewhere else. I can’t understand.

“Chechi you fell down from the slippery trunk and your right leg is fractured,” Nikku said weepingly.

Pehaps he too can feel the pain.

“Oh really!!!” I said in dismay.

“What else you were expecting when you decided to climb such a big tree and that too without letting the parents know of it?” it was my mother’s turn. Her voice was full of anguish and agony.

“I almost fainted when Maya told me that your daughter fell from a tree and your son is crying there. We were not expecting this. When did you both leave home, we never knew. ” Dad too released his grudge.

Anyway, I looked at Nikku. He held my hands like a small calf lingering the cow.

“I never knew, this would hurt you so much,” Nikku said in low voice.

Perhaps the most sincere and obvious confession.

“Don’t cry Nikku. I am alright.” I hugged Nikku.

My parents stood there looking at us speechless.

“I couldn’t deny his request. That’s why I did this adventure. I never intended to hurt myself or you people. It just happened. Please do forgive us.” I owed guilt.

My parents looked at us smilingly.

Even after twenty five years of injury, at times, my right knee pains to remind me of the sweet memories and unconditional love I always owe for my little Nikku

Glossary

Amma – Mother

Acha – Father

Bhaiyya – Brother

Samosa – A snack

Chechi – Elder sister