The stupid sons and the cunning outsiders

The stupid sons and the cunning outsiders

There was a father who had been doing his utmost to provide for his sons. Life had been taking its toll on him since the death of his wife, which seemed to have made it so tough a mission to be handled by one person.

He used to work night and day without conveying any sign of withdrawal, saving as much as he could because he simply wanted that his sons would lead a decent life after his death, and didn’t want them to be forced to beg anybody for help. He also wished that when they grew up they would invest the available money together, increase their wealth and live in peace and harmony.

After his demise, things took a direction diffrent from what the father had wished. A melee erupted on how the money should be split and some went further by asking the lion’s share. This dug a deep hole of enmity among the family, and instead of settling this predicament under their roof, everyone resorted to asking help from outsiders.  

The outcomers with their cunning wit plotted together behind the doors, and unanimously decided to pose as honest conciliators and trustworthy supporters. They convinced the sons to trust every step they would take. Instead of easing the disagreement, they made it more insoluble by deepening the dividedness within the family; they took all their money and run away, leaving behind a shattered bunch of stupid boys.

                                                                                                      By Ismail KAMAL

A life-changing reproach

He was a young man, and like every ordinary person had numerous ambitions and wished one day all his dreams would come true. However, at certain moments, he was in full disarray as a result of a mixture between being serious and having fun in tandem. Such paradox, in the normal course of life, will never come up with any fruitful outcomes. He got lost and didn’t know which path to follow, either the good or the bad one.

Out of the blue, an unmatched creature came into his life, and fortunately, it was a hero and a star that lit up his path.

It was his teacher that awoke in him the inactive treasure within his soul, let him know how great his skills are.

It was a harsh reproach, in public, in front his classmates, too hard to resist as he had a youthful heart. « You are a good guy and you can go further provided that you change your behaviour as well as your seat. From now on, you will be sitting alone.» she said.

It may seem for you that it was a simple reproach that every father, mother and teacher can address to their kids and students, but, indeed, this one was completely different, a life-changing reproach whose effect has worked to date, as though it had been a magic spell.

She guided him throughout the year, like a gardener adeptly watering his flowers; and to add some flavour to the cake and make it more scrumptious, the teacher gave her student a book, a gift that was a token of gratitude and guidance, which her student is still commemorating in his special manners.

                                                                                                  By Ismail KAMAL

Greed is blind

Once upon a time there was a widow living with her two sons. Feeling her age and seeing her final days looming ahead, she decided to reveal a secret she had been hiding for ages. 

On a rainy day and at her behest a meeting was held, and this was the very high time for everything to be clear.

"My lovely sons" she said "you know how much I love you, but you also have to know that my strength is wearing out day by day, and for sure my last day is coming soon, in that, I've called for this meeting. But first and foremost, there is something I want to share with you, something I do believe that it will be a boon to your future. Back to my childhood days and while I was strolling in the woods, I came across a box and because I was packed with curiosity, like every child scanning its surrounding for the first time, I decided to open it. What was inside caught my surprise, and though still a child, I had the awareness as to the divisiveness it would bring into the village, then I decided to keep it for myself and tucked it away out of sight. Now it's all yours, on the understanding that you keep looking after me till my last day, then you can go both there and use that map on the table, it contains all trails leading to the spot where the box is located." 

Two days later, the younger boy took the map secretly, and after scanning it well, and without a hint of hesitation he made it to the woods. When he reached the place, he immediately started the digging process, and a broad smile was drawn on his face. He opened the box, and to his surprise nothing was inside but a small envelop. He opened it and read:

"Greed is blind." 

A witch appeared from nowhere, and by her magic spells burnt the greedy son to ashes and made him vanish for good. 

                                                                                                                            By Ismail KAMAL