Quarrel or Love

Idrees Ahmed and Lateef are two brothers. Idrees Ahmed is three years younger than Lateef and two grades behind him in school. Lateef studies in the seventh grade. Although they are brothers, their personalities are completely different. Despite being younger, Lateef prefers solitude and speaks very little, while Idrees Ahmed is so mischievous that the entire household is often exhausted by his pranks.

However, both brothers are excellent students and always secure the top position in their classes. Because of this, their father remains pleased with Idrees Ahmed despite his playful behavior. Due to their contrasting temperaments, arguments between the brothers are common.

Mischievous Idrees Ahmed takes great pleasure in teasing his younger brother Lateef, but his intention is never to hurt him. He only wants to make Lateef laugh and play with him. Lateef, however, becomes so upset that he sometimes refuses to speak to Idrees for several days.

Near their house is a large orchard filled with mango, jamun, and guava trees. The special thing about this orchard is that the trees grow very close to one another. Flocks of parrots and sparrows often sit on the guava branches, a sight Lateef deeply enjoys. In the evenings, he usually goes to the orchard, sits under a tree, watches the birds, and reads stories. Idrees Ahmed, on the other hand, runs out with his friends whenever he gets the chance and engages in energetic play and mischief.

One day, the brothers argued over a small matter, and the quarrel escalated into a physical fight. Normally, when Lateef lost his temper, Idrees would fall silent, but that day something was different, and he argued back. By coincidence, their father arrived home at that very moment. Despite their mother’s efforts to calm them, the boys continued fighting, which angered their father greatly.

He scolded them, saying that they fought like this whenever he was not at home. He warned them that one day he might not be there to stop them and asked who would guide them then. His words struck Idrees Ahmed deeply, and he changed completely after that day.

Idrees became unusually quiet and began keeping to himself. Lateef did not like this changed behavior at all. He started thinking that his brother had never been like this before. Idrees had always been cheerful and lively, like a chirping bird. Lateef realized for the first time that Idrees’s mischief was what filled their home with joy. The sadness that now hung over the house felt unfamiliar and heavy.

Lost in these thoughts, Lateef walked toward the orchard. Suddenly, his eyes fell on a guava tree nearby. He saw a parrot feeding its chick with its beak. The sight reminded him of his mother’s care and affection. Just then, dark clouds gathered in the sky, and signs of a strong storm appeared. The wind grew fierce, and a small tree leaned against a larger one to withstand the force of the storm.

At that moment, Lateef felt that the larger tree was none other than Idrees Ahmed, silently protecting him. Overcome with emotion, Lateef ran back home, hugged Idrees tightly, and burst into tears. Wiping his brother’s tears, Idrees said gently that they would argue again, because when there is love, even quarrels feel like affection.

Seeing both boys happy again, their parents smiled with relief.

True love is not the absence of arguments, but the presence of understanding after them. Small quarrels, especially within families, often arise from closeness, not hatred. What matters most is recognizing each other’s value, forgiving quickly, and remembering that kindness and compassion keep relationships strong.