Together Forever.

The pages of my book fluttered incessantly, as I waited for my sister to try out ‘one last outfit’.

Sigh, that’s what she said, at least.

“How do I look?” she asked, as she exited the changing room, and grinned at her reflection in the mirror.

“Great.” I said, not bothering to look up from the boring black and white flooring that I was currently staring at.

My sister always looked pretty.

“I think you should have a look,” she snapped. “Just once.”

I decided to give up, and looked at her. I was awestruck.

The red dress hung beautifully on her slender frame, and made her look even more beautiful.

“It’s..it’s lovely!” I exclaimed.

“I know.” She said, with a wink.

“Can we go now? I need to prepare for the test.” I said, knowing that I’d have to do a lot of coaxing before we could finally leave.

“Yes yes, I know about the test. Just a minute. Let me do the payment.” She said.

Oh, that was easy!

“I’ll get the car out.” I muttered.

This was probably the most important test that I’d ever write. Or maybe, the most important of the ones I've written till date.

We ate dinner in silence that night, with me being highly tensed about the exam, and my sister being highly busy with her office work.

We both had been there for each other when no one else was, we had gone through thick and thin together, we had cried together at our parents’ funeral, and since then, we had never left each other’s side.

My sister was everything for me. She had taken the place of my parents in my life, and had never ever let me feel their absence.

“You’ll do well.” She said, as her lips curled into a reassuring smile.

“I hope so.” I said, not returning back her smile.

*Later that night*

Sleep had decided to evade me. I was worried, and tensed, and there were a hundred thoughts churning within.

I walked up to the kitchen to get a glass of water, and realized that my sister was still awake.

“Don’t you ever sleep?” I said, being sure of the fact that she could hear me.
“Too much work load. No other option!” she replied, casually.
Sometimes, I felt sad that I could do nothing to help her, or decrease the pressure she had on her, and that she was wasting away her youth so that I could have a better future.

“Can I sleep in your bedroom tonight? I won’t take up much space, I promise.” I asked.

“Sure, kiddo.”

So I settled myself on her bed, and thought, that with her around, all my worries would be wiped away.

“Thanks. For everything.” I mumbled, not wanting her to listen.

“I heard that, kid. You don’t need to thank me. Sisters for life, remember?”

I grinned, and pulled her into an unexpected embrace.

“Too much love, eh?” she said, as she pulled herself away, and switched off the lights.

“Goodnight, elder sister.” I said, as I finally drifted off to sleep, confident about the test.