The Lesson of Respect

The Lesson of Respect

BY: Khan

Nooria was a bright student in the seventh grade — intelligent, confident, and, perhaps, a little spoiled. Being the only child of her parents, she had always been the center of their world. Every wish of hers was fulfilled without delay; every demand was met with affection. Over time, this constant pampering made her a bit proud and dismissive of others. She had developed the habit of thinking she was better than everyone else around her.

In Nooria’s house lived an old maid, affectionately known as Bibi Amma. She had been with the family for decades — long before Nooria was even born. In fact, she had held Nooria in her arms when she was a baby, feeding her and singing her lullabies. But now, Nooria barely respected her.

Whenever Bibi Amma made a small mistake, Nooria would scold her harshly. Her mother often tried to make her understand, saying,

> “Nooria, Bibi Amma is like a family member. She’s been with us for years. You must respect her.”



But Nooria would roll her eyes and mutter under her breath. Respect, she thought, was something only elders deserved — not servants.


---

One afternoon, as Nooria sat doing her homework, she noticed a slight crease in her school uniform. Annoyed, she shouted,

> “Bibi Amma! Didn’t I tell you to iron my clothes properly? Do it again!”



The old woman nodded silently, took the clothes, and went back to the ironing board. Nooria didn’t even notice how tired she looked or how her hands trembled from years of work.

Her arrogance only grew worse when her friends came over.


---

One day, Nooria invited a few of her school friends for a small get-together. She wanted to show off her stylish room, her fancy dresses, and the luxuries her parents provided. When Bibi Amma entered the room carrying a tray of cold drinks, one of the glasses had a small smudge on it — barely noticeable.

But Nooria noticed.

She grabbed the tray from the old woman’s hands and, in a sudden burst of anger, threw it against the wall. The tray crashed loudly. Glass shattered, and red syrupy drink spilled across the floor like a pool of shame.

> “Can’t you see what you’re doing?” she screamed. “You never wash the glasses properly! Go and make the drinks again — this time, clean them first!”



Her friends sat in awkward silence. Some exchanged uncomfortable glances. Bibi Amma, embarrassed and teary-eyed, knelt to pick up the broken pieces. Her wrinkled hands trembled as she cleaned the mess. Without saying a word, she went back to the kitchen.

That night, Nooria slept peacefully, unaware that life was about to teach her a powerful lesson.


---

In her dream, Nooria found herself in a small, dark kitchen. She was wearing old, faded clothes and holding a tray of teacups. Her hands were shaking. She didn’t know why she was there, but she felt the weight of exhaustion and fear.

Suddenly, she walked into a large, beautiful living room. On the sofa sat a woman wearing elegant clothes and expensive jewelry. She looked strict and proud — and then Nooria realized, it was Bibi Amma.

The elegant woman frowned at her and said coldly,

> “What took you so long? Bring the tea!”



Nooria hurried forward, terrified. But as she placed the tray on the table, the woman’s eyes narrowed.

> “You foolish girl!” she shouted. “Did you even wash these cups properly?”



With that, she picked up a cup and threw it against the wall — just as Nooria had done earlier. The sound echoed through the room, and hot tea splashed onto Nooria’s hands. Tears filled her eyes.

At that moment, she felt the same humiliation, fear, and pain that she had caused Bibi Amma countless times. She tried to speak — to apologize — but her voice wouldn’t come out.

Then suddenly, everything went dark.


---

Nooria woke up with a start. Her heart was racing, and her eyes were wet with tears. The dream had felt so real that she could still feel the sting of the hot tea on her hands.

She sat up in bed, realizing the truth: what if she had truly been in Bibi Amma’s place? How painful it must have been for the old woman to bear such disrespect in silence.

The next morning, when Nooria saw Bibi Amma in the kitchen preparing breakfast, she walked quietly toward her. The old woman looked up, surprised. Nooria hesitated for a moment, then said softly,

> “Bibi Amma, I’m… I’m sorry. For everything I said and did.”



Tears welled up in the maid’s eyes, but this time, they were tears of happiness. She gently placed her wrinkled hand on Nooria’s head and said,

> “It’s alright, child. Realizing one’s mistake is the first step toward goodness.”



From that day on, Nooria changed completely. She became polite, humble, and kind to everyone — especially those who worked for her family. She began helping Bibi Amma with small chores, often serving her tea instead of demanding it.

Her friends noticed the change and admired her even more — not for her wealth or looks, but for her kindness and maturity.


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Moral:
True respect isn’t shown by words — it’s shown by how we treat others, especially those who serve us quietly and selflessly. Nooria learned that lesson the hard way, but it changed her forever.

Sometimes, it takes just one dream to open our eyes — and one act of kindness to heal a heart.