The True Measure of Respect

The True Measure of Respect

BY:Khan

Hassan Akhtar noticed that Yusuf was once again busy preparing to welcome a friend, humming a tune out of sheer excitement. Suddenly, Nazia’s slightly harsh and irritated voice disrupted the melody. Yusuf startled and looked up to see Nazia gathering her clothes. With questioning eyes, he asked, “Where are you getting ready to go?”

“Mind your own status in society and among friends,” Nazia replied, her tone tinged with sarcasm and annoyance. “Where I go is my concern. Since you won’t be home for two days, I’ll go to my mother’s house.”

Yusuf wanted to respond with his usual rehearsed words, but Nazia ignored him and left the room. Perhaps the old arguments had lost their meaning. After all, they had been married for five years. Yusuf, by nature, was obsessed with maintaining his social image and receiving praise from friends. He often spent his entire salary to impress others. In those five years, apart from one or two sets of clothes, he had mostly taken Nazia shopping for luxurious branded items, leaving her still using wedding trousseau clothes, shoes, and cosmetics.

Every month, Yusuf promised Nazia a shopping spree, but a party or an event would always come up, preventing him from fulfilling his promises. That very day, a similar situation occurred. Their neighbors, Faisal and his wife Shagufta, lived a content life despite having a lower income than Yusuf. Yusuf often wondered, “How do Faisal and Shagufta manage their budget? They earn less than us, yet seem happier.”

When Faisal’s friends from Hyderabad visited Islamabad for a few days, they naturally went to Yusuf, famous for his generosity. Yusuf delighted in hearing their praises, and after they left, he returned home only to find the door locked. Shagufta handed him the keys, explaining, “Nazia went to her parents’ house and left these keys as a token for you.”

Yusuf entered the house and lay down in his bedroom, regretting that he had not fulfilled Nazia’s requests. He considered various strategies, but soon remembered his friends and decided that visiting them might relieve his boredom. He first called his friend Rashid, who politely refused, citing family commitments. Then, Yusuf thought of his friends in Hyderabad and called Faheem. Faheem, speaking smoothly, explained that his house was already hosting guests and suggested Yusuf visit their mutual friend Wasim in Karachi instead. Yusuf, flattered by the offer, didn’t notice Faisal and Shagufta quietly listening to the conversation.

“Oh, sorry! Come in,” Yusuf exclaimed. “Why are you standing outside?” Faisal replied, “You don’t need to go anywhere. For a month, you can have your meals at our house. But promise us one thing—on your next payday, you’ll take Nazia shopping, fulfill all promises, and respect her rights. Focus on your home instead of trying to maintain a fake image and impress others.”

Yusuf nodded, silently agreeing. The awaited first of the month arrived, and he received his salary. After his day off, he went with the neighbor couple to Nazia’s mother’s house. Following a minor disagreement, her mother agreed to let Nazia accompany him. Shagufta had already explained everything to Nazia over the phone. The four went shopping, and Yusuf indulged Nazia’s wishes.

The next morning, when Faisal and Shagufta visited Yusuf’s house, they were surprised to see Nazia washing dishes, with Yusuf helping her. He had discovered the secret to a successful life: a man’s most loyal and true companion is his wife, and real respect and status come from fulfilling her rights.

Yusuf looked at the neighbors with gratitude. In our society, many men resemble Yusuf—spending all their earnings on outward appearances and prestige while neglecting the rights of the ones who truly matter in their lives. True honor and peace, as Yusuf learned, lie in caring for your spouse and home rather than seeking approval from the world.