I dedicate this memoir to Kruthi who changed my life
November 2009,
Drip, Drip, Drip, Kerplunk. The drops of colorful paint slowly started to take the form of my baby sister’s name, she would be coming home this evening! Satisfied, I let the gift I was making for her, a straw painting representing her name, dry. I couldn’t wait, this was the day I had been waiting for. The day where I finally would not be alone. I would have someone to feel protective about, someone to call me Akka.
After what seemed like an eternity, my parents dropped me off at my friend’s house so they could bring my Kruthi. We played but my mind kept drifting to my new little sister . “Brrring, Brrring”, the loud noise of the telephone brought me back to the present. My friend and I hurried to my home. As the door creaked open, sounds of voice came from the family room. Friends and family gathered around the empty cradle, also waiting for the baby.
Would she like me, would she be cute? I kept thinking about what her characteristics would be. I knew what would be happening that day by heart. When we got to my house, we would wait for my parents and when they got there, we would have the “Cradle Ceremony” to officially welcome baby Kruthi home.
A cool wisp of November breeze came in as my dad, mom, and sister entered. I finally got a glimpse of my sister! Eyes closed,and tiny lips pursed. They gently set her in the cradle. I could feel the cool, smooth wood underneath my palm as I gently rocked her from side to side. My mom came up behind me to tell me that the tradition was to sing a song and since I was learning music I softly sang. As I sang, I waited for her to open her eyes, to find out what was home. She looked down with her hazelnut eyes half opened watching her tiny pink tongue. I could just imagine what she was thinking, “ What is this contraption, how do I use it ?” I was so lost in thought looking at her that I didn’t notice her open her eyes fully until she started to cry. I snapped out of my thoughts and started to rock again. The moment I looked at her, I knew what she was thinking. “ Who are you, when I learn to talk, what should I call you?” It came time for the rest of my family to rock her. When my friends tried to rock her, I was very protective.
Now, it’s hard to believe that, that tiny little thing is now a naughty, funny 4 year old! She giggles when I tell her this story, especially the part where I didn’t let anyone touch the cradle. I can’t believe that my dream of having a baby sister finally came true! Now again, I am waiting for her to grow older. I learned that you can love someone even before that moment you lay eyes on them. I am grateful to god for giving her to me!
