The unseen Hero

Chapter 1: The Golden Son

In the Malik household, the eldest son, Ibrahim, was the pride of the family. His academic achievements were celebrated like trophies, and every report card with straight A’s brought joy to his father, Amir, and mother, Layla. They would boast to friends and family about how Ibrahim would become a doctor or an engineer, someone who would lift the family name to new heights. Ibrahim, ever serious and focused, rarely had time for anything outside of school. His nose was always buried in books, much to his parents’ delight.

Meanwhile, the youngest son, Zayd, was different. He had no interest in academics and spent his days dreaming of soccer. To him, the soccer field was where he felt alive. But in his parents’ eyes, Zayd was wasting his life. “Why can’t you be more like Ibrahim?” Layla would often say, her words sharp. Amir barely noticed Zayd unless it was to scold him. The family’s affection for Ibrahim was as clear as daylight, while Zayd’s passion was met with disappointment. Even the family gatherings had everyone doting over Ibrahim, as Zayd watched quietly, feeling like a shadow in his own home.

This was Zayd’s world—one where no matter how hard he tried, he could never escape Ibrahim’s shadow.

Chapter 2: Sacrifice Unseen

The days of living in Ibrahim’s shadow grew heavier for Zayd. His love for soccer, once a quiet rebellion, was now a lifeline. Yet, when his mother, Layla, fell gravely ill, even soccer took a backseat. Ibrahim, absorbed in his academic success, had no time to visit hospitals or nurse his ailing mother. “I can’t jeopardize my future,” he would say. Amir, ever focused on his business, insisted he was too busy to take time off.

With no one else to step in, Zayd quietly took charge. Each morning, he would prepare her breakfast, ensuring she ate before taking her medication. He cleaned the house, sat by her side, and kept vigil through her worst nights. Even as his friends from the soccer team called, urging him to come back, Zayd stayed. He hoped this would show them how much he cared. That maybe, just maybe, his mother would see the love in his actions. But every day, Layla’s words stung. “What good are you, Zayd? Why can’t you be more like Ibrahim?” Her voice, frail yet cutting, echoed in his mind.

Amir’s criticism only intensified. “You’re wasting your time here. Go find something useful to do,” he snapped, dismissing the countless hours Zayd had poured into his efforts. Yet, despite the harsh words and lack of recognition, Zayd’s heart remained steadfast. He continued to show unwavering love, holding onto the hope that one day, his devotion would be acknowledged and reciprocated.

Chapter 3: Shadows to Stardom

Years passed, and Zayd’s life had completely changed. Kicked out of his home with nothing but his soccer ball and a small bag, he wandered, feeling the weight of his family’s rejection. His father’s harsh words and his mother’s cold dismissal echoed in his mind. They had thrown him away, doubting his passion, believing he would fail. But Zayd never gave up. He poured every ounce of pain and loneliness into the one thing that never abandoned him—soccer.

He trained relentlessly, pushing himself far beyond what anyone thought possible. There were moments of doubt, nights where he slept on benches, and days when he felt the world was against him. Yet, in those dark moments, Zayd held onto hope. He imagined the day he would step onto the field, not as the unwanted son, but as someone who had earned his place through grit and determination. The field became his sanctuary, his hope, and his dream.

A decade had passed, and Zayd was no longer just a boy with dreams—he had become a living legend. His name echoed through stadiums, chanted by thousands of adoring fans. He had risen to become the greatest soccer player his country had ever seen. The stands were always packed, filled with people who came to witness his extraordinary talent. Yet, amidst the deafening cheers and the adulation of the masses, Zayd’s heart still bore the deep scars of his past. His family had never reached out, never acknowledged his incredible achievements.

Despite the accolades and the fame, Zayd had learned to find strength within himself. He no longer sought their approval. His triumphs were not for them—they were for him. Standing victorious on the world stage, he smiled, not with bitterness, but with a quiet hope. He hoped that one day, his family would recognize the man he had become. He had taken their rejection and transformed it into his greatest triumph. The journey had been long and arduous, but Zayd had emerged stronger, turning his pain into a powerful force that propelled him to greatness.