A Small Advice

Arshad and Amjad were two brothers who lived with their parents in a small village. Although their family was poor, life was generally peaceful, and their mother did her best to take care of them. Despite financial struggles, she ensured that her children wore clean, proper clothes and ate nutritious food. She constantly encouraged them to learn and grow, hoping they would have a brighter future.

But fate had other plans. Their mother fell ill and passed away after a period of sickness. Her death was a heavy blow to both brothers. Their father, along with their uncle and other relatives, tried to take care of them, but the emptiness left by their mother’s absence was deeply felt. Life in the village no longer felt comforting, and the limited opportunities for employment added to their troubles.

Poverty and hardship worsened over time, making it impossible for the brothers to continue their schooling. Their father, determined to improve their situation, decided to move the family to the city in search of better prospects. Once in the city, he began working as a laborer, and to help support the family, he assigned small jobs to Arshad and Amjad as well.

Arshad found work at a store that sold school supplies such as notebooks, pencils, and colors. The store was often busy, and Arshad spent his days assisting customers and fetching items for them. One day, a woman came to the store. She was an author who wrote children’s stories. Noticing her, Arshad gathered courage and said, “Aunty, could you write my story too?”

Curious, the woman asked, “What kind of story would you like?” Arshad replied, “A story about my mother.” The woman paused and then asked, “But will you listen to me first?” Arshad agreed immediately. She said gently, “You clearly love your mother very much. Every mother wishes for her children to be educated. Even if you couldn’t go to school, you can learn during your free time. With a little effort and guidance, you can learn to read and write. That’s how you can eventually read stories on your own, understand right from wrong, and learn valuable lessons. Education is the key to a better life. A learned person and an uneducated person are very different.”

She encouraged him, explaining that age is never a barrier to learning. Many children who missed out on school at an early age later realized the importance of education and began studying on their own. Inspired by her words, Arshad understood that education was the path to improving his life and making his mother proud.

The store owners noticed Arshad’s dedication and eagerness to learn. They allowed him to study in his free time after completing his work. Motivated, Arshad began to read, write, and study regularly. Slowly but steadily, he progressed in his learning. He completed his education and eventually earned a Master of Commerce (M.Com) degree. Today, he works as a manager in a factory, leading a respectable and dignified life.

Even after achieving success, Arshad remembers the kind woman who advised him and guided him to realize the importance of education. Her words had planted a seed in his heart, and through perseverance, hard work, and the support of good people, he transformed his life. What began as a small advice became the foundation of a life filled with dignity, knowledge, and accomplishment.

Arshad’s story demonstrates that even in the face of poverty and hardship, determination and guidance can change one’s destiny. With effort, guidance, and persistence, any obstacle can be overcome, and education becomes the key to personal growth, moral understanding, and a successful future.