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July 10, 2015
Sibling Chivalry
June 4, 2013

My younger brother was intensely annoying some twenty odd years ago. He was always a champ at Atari, Nintendo, T-Lo Express and antagonizing me. Poking, hit n run (like a bullet), climbing onto my bed (with his filthy feet), screaming whilst I was sleeping, snatching and pushing, creating a mess in my room (always) were some of the tricks that came naturally to him and frequently resulted in hysterical sobs from me and further fueled his mischievous little mind.
We are both parents now and his four-year-old son has the same powers over my six-year-old daughter. Biology passed its own test successfully. The cloning of looks, mannerisms and habits is beautifully true. It was amusing as we sat together and watched the cat n dog race, the tale tattling, the uncontrollable wailing – entirely charmed at how the two little monsters were playing our younger years with such candidness. Wii has taken over the black boxed Atari, Ipad has taken over green screened IBM boulders, Disney Channel has taken over Chitrahaar playing on Doordarshan and our kids have taken over the rivalry legacy.
Now, lovingly, my brother has taken over me also. The elder brother in all respects except age he has aced at affection, consideration and generosity. Chivalrous and caring he still pesters me but always with a shy smile, a glint of naughtiness and an air of sweetness.
Sharing with you a recipe of rice pudding, subtle, sweet and sacred! A coming together of two ingredients, rice and milk – entirely different in their forms and tastes but matured together to give a simple concoction of delight, love and unity just like sibling togetherness.
This velvety pudding turns out best with short-grained rice like Arborio; however, basmati rice can be used also. It is extremely therapeutic also when you mix sweet with a hint of salt, throw in some plump raisins and gently cook short thick grains of rice in the creamy milk.
Rice Pudding (Adapted from Laduree Cookbook)
First friend and first enemy; a visible tyrant and invisible support; a hateful tease and loving pestering; growing together, going apart and coming together is the nature of sibling relations – tied firmly by blood, heart and soul. Ballay Bhai!


