I grew up sandwiched between a brilliant brother and an equally endowed sister. We had a simple childhood. No frills. No luxuries. But we were happy.
I never really thought much about being a middle child.
It was nice to have siblings well looked up to. For their brilliance,their talent. The accolades,the compliments that came their way. I was so proud of them. I did well too. But in my chosen sphere. We got along well.
Our parents never pressurized us to excel.
I'm sure people asked Mom. They asked Dad.
'Wo beechwali,uska kya hua?
I'm sure Dad and Mom went mute then. They'd have spent sleepless nights worrying, 'Iska kya hoga?'
But they made sure I didn't catch a glimpse of their frown. No talk of careers or accomplishments ever in our home. We knew we had to study. We must excel. No late nights poring over books at the last minute. Only regular hard work.
No coaxing rewards to become what we didn't want to be. Just do your best,was what they silently conveyed to us. As they prayed. As they waited.
So we laughed,we played outdoors most of our time. For there was no PC or silly video game to hold us in. We frolicked in sand,ate on grass,lunged at butterflies. Simple pleasures. Simple fun.
Pocket money was rare. But friends so many.
'Tera bhai doctor,behen bhi doctor. Tu kyu nai hui?' Friends asked me.
'Bas unke kitaabe dekhkar mai behosh hui,aur phir patient ki bhi sakht jaroorat hai na?' I retorted.
They had no answer.
We needed an in house comedian badly. I took over. Mom laughed at my every silly joke. She was shaping me unconsciously. For my future call.
It would have been tough for them. Answering pertinent questions,from well meaning friends and relatives. 'Iska kya hoga?'
I'm so very thankful for understanding parents who never pressured me to do anything I wasn't keen to. Just because my siblings excelled.
Nowadays parents subject kids to too much stress. To become what they themselves couldn't.
I thank God for mine.
They gave me the greatest gift.
They just let me be.
Myself.
