Girish bhaiyya as we called him was my only elder cousin brother. He was very special to me and to everyone at home. He was the most loving and innocent guy on this earth. Can you believe he never ever lied or hurt anyone physically/emotionally nor uttered a single bad word in his 40 year life span. A very systematic person, he would go about his daily routine like a clock. His “mooney” smile would light up his face and eyes, which would brighten environs around him. His guffaw was very infectious and we sisters and cousins of different ages would always surround him to hear his quips and mimicry. He called us by different names that he concocted and we would be waiting for him to call us by those names.
Being the typical Indian male he did not have an iota of the so called male ego!
Bhaiyya was so easily pleased and never ever got irritated. He never tried to control anyone or anything. He never desired for materialistic pleasures nor did he have a strong choice about the food that he ate. As far as he got something to eat, he would be more than pleased and satisfied. And he had the sweetest habit of expressing his appreciation after every meal.
Are you all wondering whether this guy is real or since he is my special brother I might be just praising him. If you are then you are wrong and yes, yes, he was real but fortunately or unfortunately he was born with Down syndrome. Down syndrome or trisomy 21 (usually Down’s Syndrome in British English) is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. It is named after John Langdon Down, the British doctor who described it in 1866. To know more about Down syndrome click here. His helplessness to express few things tugged at our hearts and made us feel so helpless.
His parents and sisters left no stone unturned to care for him and make him feel comfortable. And when we went visiting them, he would be more than happy to see us and would recognize each one of us. He left us forever two years back but his memories are precious for me and the normal life that I lead is a tribute to the gentle soul, who took nothing but gave and made everyone smile and laugh, which is becoming a rare commodity in this egoistic world.