The Invisible Rakhi

Which hand do you think has more rakhis — my left… or my right?

You can see a few on my right hand. But the left hand… has many more.

They’re invisible — because they weren’t tied by sisters, but by girlfriends.

I’m joking! Even in imagination, I don’t have any!

The invisible rakhis on the left hand are not tied by sisters — but by strangers, by friends… and most importantly… by myself.

The First Invisible Rakhi

Growing up, I believed someone else would always stand up for me. If I wanted something — my parents would bring it. If someone bullied me — a teacher would step in. If life got tough — a friend would rescue me.

But life doesn’t always work like that. There are times when you fail — in exams, in relationships. When you are misunderstood, you are full of doubts. Times when there is no one to rescue you. Parents die. Friends leave.

That’s when you realise… the most important relationship you can have is with yourself.

You have to get your act together.

You have to take responsibility.

The first invisible rakhi is the one we tie to ourselves — To protect ourselves. To stand up for ourselves. To become the best version of ourselves. Only when we can protect ourselves… can we truly protect others

And the moment you protect yourself… something magical happens — you start protecting others without even realising it.

Over the years, I’ve noticed… We all tie invisible rakhis every single day — without threads, without ceremonies.

The friend who shares a Netflix password but swears you’ll never tell anyone.

The friend who stays awake until you text, “Reached home.”

The colleague who warns, ‘Boss is in a bad mood, wear a helmet.’

These are everyday heroes tying invisible rakhi

You may not know it… But you’ve tied one to me too. When you clapped for me after my first nervous speech. When you gave feedback without making me feel small.

You may not have tied a visible rakhi to my wrist — but if anyone here tried to harm your dignity or safety, I would stand in their way. Because I am bound by that invisible thread.

Even in history, Rakshabandhan was never just about family.

Centuries ago, Rani Karnavati sent a rakhi,— not an army or a treaty — to Emperor Humayun, asking for help.

He wasn’t her brother — but he came.

Because protection is not about blood relation — It’s about human connection.

So why limit it to once a year, and only to siblings? Every time we stand up for what’s right… Every time we shield someone from harm… Every time we offer kindness in a cruel moment… We are tying an invisible rakhi.

This Rakshabandhan, I will still tie a rakhi on my wrist — to remind myself to protect my dignity, my dreams, and my peace of mind.

But I will also look around and ask: Whose wrist can I tie an invisible rakhi to today?

Because protection is not just a gift we receive — It’s a duty we owe each other.

Tie that invisible rakhi. Be someone’s protector.

Thank you.