In Chennai :
Early in the morning this flat in Chennai starts with an Elderly lady instructing her husband saying “Call pannungo kozhandhai ku” “Call pannungo Kozhandhai Ku”.. And also with her additional cribbing, scolding, complaining about this person for not taking enough effort to call these old ones.
In Bangalore:
Mobile starts ringing… Am all elated in spirit to pick this call.
Mobile Phone still rings at a distance and the name reader shouts – “ Umchi calling” “Umchi calling”
Am all gladdened to attend the call and say “ Hey Umchi, Yeppadi da irruka”. But then, my sweet little devil brother will hell back “ Yenna de Umchi, Loosu”, so I cut that part, still excited to talk to him and say Hey , Hi da, Yeppadi irrukaa??
By now, you must know – Am talking about “UMASHANKAR THE GREAT”
I have known this person all my life (for the past 27 years) from the day he was born. Naturally bcoz AM HIS SISTER He lives now in another part of the world (different time zone, different culture, and different environment) and the only communication is “TELEPHONE”.
Not sure how we can live without that now, especially when you’re loved ones are miles apart.
A friend is a brother who was once a bother
The Next few Lines, will talk about this GREAT BROTHER OF MINE
Umashankar is a very responsible, caring person, affectionate, (but not expressive) nice, handsome, smart, cute,
friendly, easy going, cool, jubilant person. He is a good photographer. All his life he has been clicking only me and my Little Sister (Ramya) (Podhuma da,- Too much cha sollarena??)
But yenna mudi dhan romba mela pochu .. Jokes apart, HE IS THE BEST.
As a child, he has been the naughtiest brat ever. He used to be very thin but every blow from him that I got used to be very hard and bad (Bone weight). He used to be a good boy according to the aunties of the apartment, but if any kid starts fighting with him, he will not keep quiet; they could get back royally from him.
I remember his Red Color Tri-cycle, that used to make sooo much sound, and all the afternoons during the weekends and holidays we were tortured to hear only that sound at home.
As years went by, he become very silent and a Man of few words, of course this was only at home. Outside he was a prospective HERO for his entire group of friends. And of course , HE WAS A HERO FOR US(To me and my Little Sister).
I used to enjoy seeing him and his Friends talk and spend time in our house.
As he grew, our bond became strong but not much was expressed. And even when I try to be expressive sometimes – He will say “Vazhiyadha de” He maintained that Sister – brother relationship rather a good friend.
When he entered college, he did not have time to even sit with me and talk, he seemed to be too busy with his friends, college, college life. This was the time, I felt horrible. I used to feel so very bad but many a times have not expressed to him.
For the last 5 years he has been in the USA. Finished his MS and now working.
He has been a pillar of support to me in all my good and bad days.
He is a good son to my parents and a good bother to me and my Little Sister.
We are very fond of him and just adore & Love him.
When I go to him with problems or worries he is the one who makes me understand in a different angle. He puts thought to the problem and analyzes and gives good suggestion.
I have experienced it many times, that now when am in some confusion or trouble, I start looking for him.
When the family is in trouble, confusion or any other bad experience, Uma is right behind to support emotionally. He knows where, how, when & what to talk to us and be supportive throughout the episode.
To sum up, HE IS THE BEST BROTHER I CAN EVER THINK OF. I OWE HIM MUCH MORE THAN THIS POST.
Love u Loads
