The Guardian Angel

Kiran got up disturbed that morning as he was a little upset since the previous night. Finally, one of the best days of the year has arrived but thanks to Corona Virus this year for ruining it and his mood too. The fact that his elder sister won't be visiting this Rakshabandhan was making him sad. He looked at his partner Aarya who was still sleeping peacefully with a beautiful smile on the natural pink lips and got out of the bed.

After completing his daily early morning routine, he made himself a cup of coffee and was peacefully sipping it in his spacious 1BHK flat balcony, which he and his live-in partner struggled to acquire on rent. Thus, after a few sip, the magic of caffeine started and transported him into the treasure of memories that he safely stored in a folder of some corner inside his brain named 'Charu Didi'.

For him, Charu didi was like an oasis in a desert or human version of the song 'Kun Faya Kun' to his soul. No matter how difficult the situation would be, she was always there behind him- His only support system right from his childhood. For other children of his age from the 90s, Mukhesh Khanna was their real Shaktiman, but for him, it was Charu didi.

It was the first day of school after summer vacation and the most exciting day for Charu didi, not because she was missing school and her friends over the past two months but because of a gift which was going to be delivered that day itself finally after waiting for over 9 months. Yes! She was going to be an elder sister after convincing her parents to get a sibling for over 7 years. As soon as the last lecture got over, she ran to the hospital where her mother was hospitalized the same early morning. After somehow reaching the maternity ward with great difficulty, she saw the most beautiful masterpiece ever created by her parents. There he was! Her baby brother, sleeping in a cradle with eyes shut, whose skin was as soft as a rose petal, carefully wrapped in a blue towel.

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Thus, thereafter Charu didi became her baby brother's or Kiran's guardian angel blessing him with her unconditional support and love. Be it saving him from bullies in school during primary level or supporting him for pursuing music instead of engineering which required wrath from the family, Charu didi did everything for him. She was also the first person in front of whom he successively came out as a homosexual. Though initially she was bit shaken with the revelation but later after many explanations accepted him. Now, after his parents who have disowned him socially, Charu didi is the only person whom he can call a family.

This high streaming of memories and thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a familiar song playing in the background. Kiran identified that it was Aarya's ringtone. He came out of their bedroom hurriedly 2 seconds later and rushed to open the door. Kiran was still confused about what he was doing. Just as the door opened, Kiran's mouth was left wide open. It was Charu didi at the door smiling and radiating her positivity through the mere presence in their 1BHK home. She somehow managed to come only to surprise her beloved baby brother.

Soon after taking bath and changing her clothes, she came to the drawing-room to hug her brother and his boyfriend but was amazed to see the entire room decorated beautifully for the Raksha Bandhan ceremony. Everyone made themselves comfortable and the most marvelous time of the day arrived for which Kiran was eagerly waiting- the tying of Rakhi. After performing all the necessary aarti rituals, he tied rakhi on his sister's wrist and in return he received a warm bear hug and lots of love from Charu didi!

That's how Kiran and Charu didi celebrate their Raksha Bandhan ritual from childhood. After all, this festival is all about celebrating and glorifying those beautiful souls who offer unconditional love and support to us by tying rakhi on their wrists irrespective of gender!