Kiran (above), Mohan. Pictures by Sachin

Sisters pray for the safety and well-being of their brothers while tying a rakhi around their wrists but Kiran Sharma went much further to save her brother’s life.

Mohan Sharma, 32, runs a printing press in the Marufganj area of Patna City. Six years ago, he was on the verge of despair as both his kidneys had failed because of high blood pressure.

When neither friends nor family came forward to donate the essential organ, Kiran volunteered to do so to save the life of her younger brother. The transplant was successful and the siblings are still together to celebrate Rakshabandhan.

“This festival has a special significance for me,” said Mohan. “It became even more special after I realised how much my didi Kiran loves me.”

At the moment of crisis, only she stepped forward to save her brother. Forget other relatives, even Mohan’s brothers were hesitant to help him.

With tears in his eyes, the grateful brother said: “She loves me so much that she didn’t even think once before donating her kidney to me. It is not an easy decision to give away your organ. But she did it for me, and saved my life. Woh mere liye kisi bhagwan se kam nahi hain (She is no less than a goddess for me).”

What better occasion than Rakshabandhan to celebrate such fraternal affection?

But this year, Mohan and Kiran could not get together. “This year, didi could not tie a rakhi on my hand because her father-in-law (husband’s uncle) has died,” said Mohan. “But she called me and wished me. I’m happy that even at a time of bereavement, she thinks of me and Rakshabandhan.”

For Kiran, the love for her brother is above everything else. Asked whether her husband or in-laws had opposed her decision, she said: “Not in the least. Instead, they encouraged me to go ahead with the decision.”

The greatest support Kiran had while taking such an important decision was her father-in-law. “He is a doctor. So he could understand my desire to save a life. He always encouraged me to go ahead with the decision,” said the affectionate sister.

Asked how the relationship between the siblings had changed after the act of benevolence, both agreed that the bonds of love had only grown stronger.

“My brother respects me a lot. He consults me before taking every small decision,” said Kiran.

Every three months, Mohan has to go to Lucknow for a check-up. The first person he calls up to inform about his health is his sister.

“He tells me everything. I enjoy a special place in his heart and his life,” she said.

Mohan, too, cannot live without his didi. “Yes, I consult her about everything, even if it is trivial,” he said.

The brother added: “I know that only she will give me absolutely selfless advice, as she loves me from the bottom of my heart.”