A House Divided: The Tale of Misunderstandings and Reconciliation

A House Divided: The Tale of Misunderstandings and Reconciliation

BY:Khan

Life is a blend of sweet and bitter experiences, and it is these experiences that give color and meaning to our journey. But this beauty fades when a once-happy home is overshadowed by misunderstandings and ego. Aqib was an honest and respectable man, and his wife, Talat, was a wise and understanding woman. They were blessed with two sons and a daughter. Aqib’s business was modest but sufficient for their needs.

As the children grew older, Talat suggested sending their elder son, Faisal, abroad for better opportunities, while the younger son, Mohsin, could join him later. Aqib, however, sought the advice of his spiritual mentor. The mentor advised against it: “Can you endure the separation? Let him stay and work here. That’s better for his growth.” Aqib conveyed this to his wife, but Talat, trusting the mentor, insisted they pray and seek blessings. The mentor prayed for their guidance and finally permitted Faisal to go abroad.

Initially, Faisal struggled abroad. He spent months unemployed but eventually married a local girl and found work. He sent money home regularly, helping his parents build a three-story house in the city. During this time, Aqib fell ill with hepatitis. Faisal, deeply worried, brought his father abroad for treatment. Despite their efforts, Aqib’s health deteriorated, and he passed away. Faisal then prepared Mohsin’s paperwork and sent him abroad while he remained in Pakistan.

Mohsin adapted well. His sister-in-law was already there, and though he did not find formal employment immediately, he began working with a Pakistani businessman. His circumstances improved, and his sister-in-law wanted him to marry a local girl to establish his social standing. After a while, Mohsin married a well-educated, beautiful Pakistani girl. He and his wife shared a loving relationship.

However, Mohsin’s mother, Talat, still wished for him to marry a girl from their hometown, as Aqib had arranged before his death. Mohsin was enjoying his rising reputation abroad, but after persistent insistence from his mother and family, he reluctantly returned to Pakistan. His mother, sister, and brother eagerly prepared for his marriage. Soon, the wedding day arrived, and Mohsin brought home his bride, Jameela.

Jameela’s family was reputedly wealthy, but the reality was disappointing. She brought a modest dowry, including a young girl as a domestic helper. Months passed, and Jameela failed to take on the responsibilities of a typical daughter-in-law. She would wake up late in the afternoon, leave breakfast for her husband to buy from the market, or leave the chores to her sister-in-law. Despite this, her mother-in-law never criticized her.

Jameela frequently called her mother several times a day and spent nights shopping and roaming with her husband, showing little interest in household responsibilities. The situation escalated when Jameela’s mother came to take her back home. The mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, and even Mohsin were surprised. His mother prevented him from stopping her, so both mother and daughter left. A few days later, the mother-in-law went to bring Jameela back, but her mother refused to send her, insisting she could not live in a house dominated by the sister-in-law and mother-in-law.

The constant dowry-related remarks and early morning disturbances were ruining the once-happy household. Eventually, Jameela overheard a conversation between her mother and the helper and realized the truth. She confronted her mother: “Who told you all this?” The mother replied, “Your maid informed me.” Jameela understood that the maid, who was hired to assist with household work, had been creating misunderstandings between the families, poisoning the atmosphere with false claims.

She assured her mother-in-law: “This is all a misunderstanding. The maid has been reporting false stories to my mother, and she believed them without asking me. I will return to my house in a few days, and everything will be fine.”

This incident is a clear lesson. A single person’s malicious actions can turn a joyful home into a place of conflict. Yet, wise decision-making and direct communication can restore harmony. By understanding the truth and addressing the problem calmly, peace returned to the family. It also highlights the importance of not jumping to conclusions based on hearsay and ensuring fairness in judgment before taking action.

Hopefully, by now, Jameela has returned to her home, and the household has regained its former happiness.