To Swasti, on your 16th

As far as relationships go, I think what we have is probably the most unique of them all. You are my flesh and blood, we share identical values and lives, yet we could not be more different. My rationale is that nature is in perfect balance. For every one of me, there needs to be one of you. Your sportiness to my creativity, your passion to my calm, and your stupid to my smart, of course.

When I look at you and see you grow up and learn the lessons I feel like I've already learnt, there is a sense of contentment that would be difficult for me to put into words. I see you blossoming, bit by bit, into who you were meant to be, and it is an inexplicably humbling process for me. You have started giving me reality checks - of you being someone more than just my baby sister, that you have your own path to forge.

At 16, you're no longer a little girl. You’re becoming someone independent, with thoughts and dreams that are entirely your own. It's both beautiful and terrifying to witness. I can’t protect you from everything, but I can promise to always stand by you, even when our differences seem like they couldn’t be greater. Because in the end, you're my sister. You're my opposite, my reflection, and my constant.

So here’s to you, darling, as you step into this new chapter of your life. May you always chase your passions, stand tall in the face of challenges, and never forget that you’re a force to be reckoned with. Happy 16th birthday! You’ve got this. And I’ve always got you.

With love, by Aditi.

P.S.: A ravish contradiction: bright like the burning sun, persistent like those crashing waves.