The Mirror of Respect

*The Mirror of Respect*

In the bustling town of Mirzapur, there lived a young boy named *Salman*. He was clever, quick-witted, and full of potential. But there was one thing missing in his character — *respect for others*. He believed respect was something reserved only for those who held power, money, or high status.

At school, he would talk back to teachers, mock the cleaner, and ignore his grandparents at home. His grades were good, but his attitude made people distance themselves. When someone corrected him, he would say proudly, “If they want my respect, they better earn it.”

His father, Mr. Rashid, a humble shopkeeper, noticed this change. He didn’t scold him but decided to teach Salman a lesson — not through punishment, but through experience.


*The Lesson Begins*

One day, Mr. Rashid took Salman to the shop with him. “You’ll help me today,” he said. Salman agreed, thinking it would be an easy day.
As the day went by, Salman observed how his father greeted every customer — young or old, rich or poor — with the same polite smile. He addressed the cleaner with respect and listened carefully even to children. Some customers raised their voices, but Mr. Rashid stayed calm.

At lunchtime, an old ragged man entered the shop. His clothes were torn, and his hands trembled. He asked, “Can I get some flour? I don’t have money, but I’ll return it.”

Salman expected his father to send him away. Instead, Mr. Rashid nodded, packed the flour, and said, “No need to return it. Take care of yourself.”

After the man left, Salman whispered, “Why give to someone who can’t pay?”

Mr. Rashid smiled. “Because everyone deserves respect — especially those who have the least.”


*The School Surprise*

The next week, the school principal made a surprise announcement. “A new interschool project will begin. Students will visit a senior citizens’ home and write a report on their experiences.”

Reluctantly, Salman went with his group. At the home, he met an old man named *Chacha Kareem*, who was quiet but had kind eyes. Salman spoke to him without much interest. But slowly, he learned that Kareem was once a respected college professor, had traveled the world, and taught thousands of students.
Salman began visiting regularly. One day, Chacha Kareem said, “Beta, you remind me of myself. But always remember — people may forget your words, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

Those words sat heavy on Salman’s heart.


*Change Starts Within*

Back at school, something shifted. Salman greeted his teachers more politely. He thanked the gatekeeper. He started helping his younger siblings at home and listened patiently to his grandmother’s stories.

One day, during a class presentation, Salman’s voice shook with nervousness. Before he could lose confidence, his classmates clapped and cheered him on — the same classmates he once ignored.

That evening, he told his father, “Abbu, I think I understand now. When I respect others, they respect me too — not because they have to, but because they want to.”


*The Full Circle*

Months later, Salman stood outside his father’s shop as a group of boys teased an elderly man walking by. Salman stepped in and respectfully asked them to stop. The boys laughed, “Why do you care?”

Salman simply replied, “Because one day, we’ll all be old. What we give now, we’ll receive later.”

The elderly man turned, smiled at Salman, and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Your parents have raised you well, son.”

Back at home, Salman helped his grandmother to her room, kissed her hand, and said, “Thank you for your stories, Dadi. I wish I had listened earlier.”

She smiled through tears. “It’s never too late to become better.”


*The New Salman*

Years passed, and Salman grew into a respected young man — not because of his wealth or position, but because of his attitude. People trusted him, liked working with him, and sought his advice. He carried the lessons from his father and Chacha Kareem into every part of life.

At a youth seminar where Salman was invited to speak, he ended with words he lived by:

*“Respect is like a mirror — what you show is what reflects back. Show it to everyone, not because of who they are, but because of who you are.”*

The hall echoed with applause.



*Moral:*
*True respect is not reserved for the rich, strong, or famous. It belongs to every soul. When you give it freely and sincerely, it always finds its way back to you. Never underestimate the power of a respectful word, a gentle gesture,