JustThink#157

 4th January, 2026...10:03 PM

My brother called me a while ago...

He’s on a Jammu–Kashmir trip. Right now, in Jammu. On the video call, he looked wrapped in layers of warm clothes and gloves, standing in temperatures between –3 to 3 degrees. He told me he was the only one in his group who walked nearly 16 kilometers to reach Vaishnodevi for darshan. The rest of his friends were too tired from the cold and took a horse ride...

As he spoke, I wasn’t impressed by the distance. I was surprised by him...

This is the same person I once went to tuition with. The same brother with whom I climbed Cypress Gardens mountain in Mulund, careless and underprepared, thinking that was peak adventure. And now here he was, walking through freezing weather, calling me just to share his small victory...

I realized how much he has grown...

Some people remember you even when they’re busy living their own moments. Even when the situation is completely different. Even when it’s freezing outside. He’s that person for me. And I’m glad I’ve kept him close, not just as family, but as my best brother...

He does things for himself. He travels. He walks. He gives himself experiences as gifts. Things he feels he deserves...

That thought stayed with me...


Later that day, a pair of shoes I ordered for myself got delivered. My father received the package at his shop. My sister saw them and told me they looked good. After she left for her PG, she texted me something else...

She said Papa was talking. He mentioned that I buy things for Mumma when she needs them. Groceries. A new phone. Essentials. And that I buy something for myself once in a while too, like these shoes...

Then he paused...

He said nothing about himself.

At first, I thought the usual thing. Mumma tells me what she needs, so I get it for her. Papa never really asks. He never says what he wants. So I don’t know.

But the truth is simpler and heavier...


He doesn’t know how to express it. And that makes it harder for him to ask for anything.

So I decided something quietly, without making it a big emotional promise. On 16th January, the 6th anniversary of our shop, I’ll gift him something. I don’t know what yet. I’ll figure it out. I’ll make it a surprise...

I know he’ll love it...

And I also know this. I shouldn’t wait for expressions anymore. Some people show love by staying silent and steady. They still deserve to be remembered. Not just once. But once in a while...