Sara's Chocolate Chip Cookies

Sarah was sitting in front of the television, filling bright colors in her coloring book. It was Sunday and Mummy was baking cookies in the kitchen. Chocolate chip cookies were Sarah’s favorite. Her two brothers were playing a rather noisy game of Monopoly in their room. Daddy was sitting in the recliner, going through the morning newspaper. The delicious, mouth watering aroma of warm cookies filled the room and made Sarah’s tummy grumble.

Sarah looked up from her coloring book and saw a rather disturbing image at the back of the newspaper. She saw a woman, holding a naked brown baby in her arms. The baby’s head lolled in his mother’s lap and his eyes were closed. It did not look anything like the fat, chubby baby that was in Sarah’s picture dictionary.

A young boy of about Sarah’s age stood nearby as if to seek comfort from his mother’s presence. They both looked malnourished. “Why is this woman crying, Daddy?” asked Sarah. Her father looked up from his paper and replied, “There has been a flood in their area and this woman and many others have lost all their belongings.”

“What is a flood, daddy?” was Sarah’s next question.

“A flood is something which happens when there has been a lot of rain and water does not flow away but enters the area where people live. It can cause great destruction as it has done here,” Daddy replied gesturing towards the picture. “ These people have to live on rooftops as water enters their homes. Some even seek shelters on trees to escape water. They have no food or clean water. Poor people,” Daddy sighed as he flicked open his newspaper again.

Sarah looked at the picture again. How hungry the boy looked and how sick did the baby seem.  “Why don’t they have anything to eat?” asked Sarah, thinking about all the delicious things in their fridge. “Don’t they have a kitchen?”

“Sarah, when floods occur, all things get damaged. There is no gas for stoves, food supplies get wet and spoiled,” Daddy replied a little exasperatedly. “Now go and help your mother in the kitchen.”

Next day, Sarah was very pre-occupied in school. During recess, she quietly sat on a swing and was not her usual cheerful self. She was not even eating the chocolate chip cookies that her mother had baked especially for her. Ms Riffat who was supervising recess, went up to her and asked “What is it Sarah? Aren’t you feeling well?” Sarah looked up at her favorite teacher. It was Ms. Riffat who taught her class the names of the five prayers, the kalmas and told stories about Hazrat Muhammad (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

“Ms Riffat, do you know that there are people who have nothing to eat because water has made everything wet in their homes?”  “Yes, Sarah. I know about the flood but the government is doing everything it can to help these unfortunate people.”

Sarah had heard about the government although she did not know what it meant. She had heard grown ups around her talk about government in a rather exasperated and sometimes in an irritated sort of a way. Her father always said “the government better do something about it” when the trash can at the corner of their street was over filled and whenever their car bumped over potholes in the road and even when Cousin Ayesha told them about her stolen mobile phone.

It seemed to her that the “government” did not always manage to do all that was required of it. What if it did not have enough food for the flood affected people? “I wish I could give my cookies to that hungry little boy,” Sarah said a little wistfully, looking at the uneaten cookies in her lunch box.

Ms. Riffat looked down at her young pupil. On an impulse, she took Sarah’s hand and went to the principal’s office. In there she related her conversation with Sarah to Mrs. Shafqat. “Can we do something?” she asked. Mrs. Shafqat. The principal called an urgent meeting of the staff.

While the students enjoyed an unprecedented two hour long recess, the teachers came up with ideas for collecting food, medicines, money and clothing for the calamity hit people. After the recess, all students were informed of the situation and asked to contribute to this noble cause. The students themselves were very enthusiastic and hence a charity week was launched.

When the boys’ branch got wind of this, they too launched a campaign of their own. Besides being a matter of humanitarian crisis, it was also a matter of their pride. The senior boys divided themselves into groups and each group, accompanied by a teacher, went to the neighboring houses and shops and collected donations. Non perishable food items, milk, clothing, blankets, tents and sheets were on the students demand list.

Parents were exhorted to donate freely while the teachers contributed 15 days worth of salary. Banners were displayed on school perimeters and passersby deposited contributions, alms and zakat. Even the fat old beggar, who usually dozed under a tree and sprang into action when the school broke up, sheepishly gave Rs. 100 to Sir Ansaar. A whirlwind of activities ensued and a hefty sum was soon collected. Medicines needed to treat diarrhea, gastroenteritis, typhoid and other water borne diseases were bought. The teachers and students sorted out all the stuff and made neat packages for easy distribution.

Mrs. Shafqat was able to contact the army commander in charge of relief activities in the flood affected area and apprised him of their school’s efforts. It was decided that the senior staff with a few volunteers would take all the donations to the army camp. An owner of a transportation company was contacted who offered free transportation of the goods.

A few days later, Mrs. Shafqat received a letter of commendation from the army commander and photographs of flood affectees receiving aid from her staff members. One photograph especially caught her eye. Next day, she invited Sarah and her parents to her office.

She praised Sarah’s generous spirit but for Sarah the best award was the picture Mrs. Shafqat handed to her. “Look Sarah,” she said, pointing towards the picture of a boy munching cookies with a carton of milk in his hand. “You were able to share your cookies with that hungry little boy after all.”

A Midnight Adventure

Khurram closed his book with a satisfied sigh and put it down softly on the bedside table. His twin brother Talha was sleeping soundly and snoring a little. It was well after midnight. Khurram got up from the bed and stretched his arms above his head. He went to the table for a drink of water and looked out of his bedroom window. It was full moon and the whole neighborhood was bathed in a silvery light. It was very quiet and not a soul stirred anywhere.

Khurram was about to close the curtains but a furtive movement caught his eye. A shadow crept stealthily across the garden of Mr. Shahid's house. Mr. Shahid was an eccentric, wealthy middle aged bachelor who lived alone in a big house across the street. He had traveled all over the world and collected relics of ancient civilizations. It was rumored that he had a wonderful collection of souvenirs, coins, urns, statues and tools from exotic places like Egypt, South America and China.

Khurram and Talha had always been interested in archaeology and were very curious about his collection. Unfortunately, Mr. Shahid was not too fond of children and never let anyone put a foot in his house.

Khurram rubbed his eyes and stared. Yes. There was somebody there.

"Oy, Talha. Get up." Khurram shook his brother awake.

"What? What's happened? What's wrong?" Talha asked groggily.

"Ssh! Lower your voice. I think a burglar is trying to enter Mr. Shahid's house. Come and look."

"So? Who cares about that mean old man?" Talha tried to burrow deeper in the bed. "Let me sleep," he mumbled.

"Get up," Khurram shook his brother violently and getting no response poured the jug of water over him.

Spluttering and wide awake, Talha emerged from his blanket, glaring at his twin.

"Just think, Talha. If we catch the thief, maybe we'll get a reward. Our photos will be in the newspapers. Maybe Mr. Shahid will show us his antiques collection." Khurram said dreamily.

Talha's interest was also piqued. He quickly scrambled to the window as Khurram switched off the bedside lamp. They both peered out and saw the solitary shadow dragging a big ladder across the garden. It seemed as if he was trying to climb up to reach the roof.

"Shall we call the police? Talha whispered.
,
"Don't be an idiot. It's our chance to be heroes. He is alone and there are two of us.. Come on. Let's gather our supplies."

The two brothers had played enough mock gun battles to know what ‘supplies' meant. Khurram ripped the pillow case off his bed and quickly stuffed a torch, adhesive tape, and two water guns into it. Talha got hold of his scout knife. They quickly donned their black trousers and jackets and silently moved downstairs. They were outside their house and near Mr. Shahid's home in a flash.

The long ladder rested against the wall and the thief was perched on the railing of Mr. Shahid's rooftop. He seemed to be pondering his next move.

"He doesn't look like a pro," Talha whispered disdainfully. "What is taking him so long?"

"Ssh! He is coming down. Get ready." Khurram whispered excitedly.

With thumping hearts, the two teenagers took positions in a nearby bush. As soon as the thief came down, they both pounced on him. He was taken completely by surprise. Khurram threw the pillow case over his head and Talha wound the adhesive tape around his legs. The thief flailed his arms and tried to kick the two boys but they were very determined. He then tried to run away, but Talha had done a good job and the thief fell flat on his face. The two brothers then took hold of his arms and wound some more tape around him.

The thief's muffled shouts attracted the attention of the next door neighbor. Mrs. Nighat peered out of the window and screamed loudly enough to rouse half the neighborhood. Doors opened and people tumbled out with sticks and brooms. They quickly found the cause of commotion and came over to the place where the two boys stood triumphantly over their catch.

The local policeman was called and the people waited for his arrival. They all marveled at the boys' courage and nerve. Talha's father was extremely proud and thumped his boys on the back. In the excited babble, nobody paid any attention to the thief's muffled moans and groans. Resigned to his fate, he uttered one more groan then laid there silent and still. As soon as the policeman came, he hauled the burglar up on his feet and removed the pillow case from his face.

To everyone's shock and horror, it was Mr. Shahid!

Purple with rage and clutching his broken pair of glasses, he glared at the two brothers.

"You mischievous boys. How dare you? I'll have you arrested for this."

"But Sir, we thought you were a thief." stammered Khurram.

"Thief? Thief? Do I look like a thief? I came home from an exhibition and found that I had locked myself out of my house. I was trying to find a way in till you goons jumped on me. I'll ask this officer to... "

"But Sir, just consider how it must have seemed to these young men? They thought they were protecting your property," the policeman interceded.

At these words, Mr. Shahid calmed down a bit. "Hmmm. But they'll still have to pay for assaulting me like this." He said ominously.

The two boys exchanged apprehensive glances while their father looked on worriedly.

"Every weekend, you'll have to help me polish my collection and catalog them. If you agree, I won't press charges. Now will you please get this tape off me?" Mr. Shahid smiled and suddenly looked much nicer.

The two boys whooped with delight. It seemed they were going to be rewarded for their midnight adventure after all.

Image credit: Pixabay.com

Maria and the Baby

Maria was seven years old when her baby brother came into her life. She had been her parents’ only daughter and she had been the center of their lives. Her Mummy read to her, baked delicious cookies and combed her silky, brown hair. Daddy bought her gifts and Granny told her stories and took her to the nearby park to play. 

Life as Maria knew it, was perfect, till HE arrived. 

It all started one day when Maria came home from school, Mummy was not at the door to welcome her. In fact, she was nowhere in the house. This had never happened before and Maria was sad and a little scared. Then Granny explained that Mummy had to go to the hospital for a few days and she would be back with a little baby. 

That evening, Daddy came home looking extremely happy. He hugged Maria and told her that she had a little brother. He told her to wear her best frock as they were all going to meet Mummy and the baby in the hospital. 

Maria was scared in the hospital. Her mother lay in a bed. A small, red-faced baby cried at the top of his lungs in a small crib as nurses and doctors came in and went out of the room. Her father and granny looked happy and gushed over the ugly, noisy baby. Maria HATED him there and then. However, her mother hugged her and asked about school. 

After awhile, it was time to go. Maria did not want to leave Mummy behind and kicked and screamed as her father tried to take her home. He assured her that Mummy would be home the next day. Only then Maria allowed him to take her to the car.

True to his promise, Daddy brought Mummy home the next day. But he also brought HIM. Maria suddenly found that she was no longer the center of attention. Mummy was always busy with the baby. 

He would just lie in his cot and cry at the top of his voice and Mummy would drop whatever she was doing to take care of him. When Daddy came home, he would rush over to lift the baby and kiss him. They both tried to include her but Maria wanted nothing to do with him. She would go to her room and slam her door shut. 

Weeks passed and as the baby grew older, Maria’s behavior worsened. She would throw tantrums, disobey her parents and was rude to Granny. Her parents tried to make her understand but Maria would not listen. She spent hours in her room playing with her toys or just lying on her bed.

One hot summer day, Mummy wanted to lie down in the afternoon. She picked up the baby and asked Maria if she wanted to rest for a while. Maria did not answer but turned her back on her mother. Sighing wearily, Mummy headed to her room. After putting the baby in the cot, she fell asleep.

It was very quiet in the house. Suddenly, Maria heard a sound. Very quietly she entered her mother’s room. She saw that her brother was wide awake and making baby sounds. Slowly she came near the crib and looked down at him. 

It seemed to Maria that she was looking at her brother for the first time. He was no longer red-faced but pink and fair. His brown eyes were bright and he waved his chubby fists in the air as if asking Maria to pick him up. He had a smile on his face as a trickle of milk dribbled down his chin. 

“Goo- boo,” said the baby. “Goo boo,” said Maria, hesitantly trying to imitate the baby sounds. 

Her brother gurgled with joy. He waved his arms and feet furiously in the air Maria slowly extended her hand towards him and he grasped her finger tightly.. 

“Would you like to hold him, dear?” Her mother asked, who had been watching them. Maria nodded silently. Her mother carefully put the baby in her lap and Maria crooned and rocked him slowly. 

Her brother yawned broadly and went to sleep. Maria kissed the top of his bald head and cuddled him close to her. “He is the best brother in the world, Mummy,” she said. 

Her mother smiled and hugged both of them. 

Building Peace in Troubled Communities with Sports..A Poem

Battered, bullied and abused, I existed in shadows

Until the sensation called hope was no more

I grew up among the worst of neighborhoods.

Living dangerously on the wrong side of the law

Drugs were my only haven; my gang, my oasis and my sanctuary

I knew not right from wrong, nor good from bad, nor friend from foe

No light shone at the end of my dark tunnel, as misery abounded

Guns, gangs and petty crimes filled my days, tormented my nights.

Police chased us across filthy streets with their guns, cars, and batons

Escape attempts were futile, often we were caught like rats in a maze

And gunshots put an end to many a life; cheap, wretched, unworthy lives

Crime does not pay, unless it is payment in blood, our young blood

Ending many dreams, before they had a chance to be fulfilled

In such a hell, we lived, nay barely existed. 

No end in sight, with our fates twisted. 

Then one day a miracle happened

Right here, in the center of our community

Outside an old dilapidated building 

Under the tree that had witnessed many a stabbings

Beckoned a man, dressed in white.

Listen to me, my friends, he said. Come together and play some sports

Everyone has some talent, I know, come show yours to the world.

Drop your knives, your guns, your masks.

Come together and reclaim your innocence 

Out of trouble, I offer you a way, if only you heed my words

Make most of it, you have a chance, prove yourselves to the world

Many a days have been wasted, now it’s time to reclaim your soul

Unbelievable though it sounded, my heart yearned to hope 

New opportunities awaited me, when guns, knives, masks were gone.  

I have not stolen anything in a while

To keep my slate clean, my soul cleaner

I have imbibed nothing harmful, nor smoked poison

Eyes now shine with hope and wonder, 

See, there’s light at the end of my dark tunnel

With sports please build peace in troubled communities

Inspire us to become better human beings, not fiends

Teach us to value ethics, discipline and hard work

Help others, just as I have been helped.

So that we can set goals, aim, achieve and aspire

Prepare a plan to succeed and reach higher

Or find a way to escape these hellish flames of fire

Re-write our fate equipped with motivation and desire

Train us to defeat violence, our anger and senseless hatred

Search for new horizons and consider our lives sacred.

Peace can be built in troubled communities through sports.

"Build sports facilities, not juvenile detention centers, to keep young people from committing crimes."

Mom’s Little Helpers

“Mom! Mom!” shouted Zain at top of his voice.

“What is it, Zain. What has happened?” His mother rushed out of the kitchen in alarm.

“Mom, I don’t want to play with Zoya all the time. Will you play with me?” Zain asked pointing towards the Ludo board under his arm.

“I am sorry Zain, I don’t have time to sit and play Ludo. I have a lot of kitchen work to do.” His mother replied regretfully.

“Mom, you never have time for us,” Zain said crossly. “Is your kitchen more important than us?"

“Of course, it isn't but I have to wash the dinner dishes and put everything away.”

“Then will you play with us?” Zain asked hopefully.

“I can’t, Zain. I still have to iron your school uniform for tomorrow and polish your shoes. And the living room is a mess. Your grandfather also needs his medicine. Some other time, huh?”

“You always say that and that time never comes,” Zain retorted in a huff.

His mother just laughed softly and shook her head. Zain went back to the living room in a bad mood.

He opened the Ludo board and glared at his younger sister who had taken a place opposite him. He thought about his mother and felt even angrier.

“She never plays with us. She never has time for us,” he thought angrily.

Zain looked idly around the room and saw that it was indeed a mess. His books and cricket stuff was scattered all over the place and so were Zoya’s toys. The newspaper his grandfather had been reading was spread under the chair and the cushions which Zain and Zoya had thrown at each other were still on the floor.

Zain suddenly felt very ashamed of himself. He grabbed Zoya by the arm.

“Hey! Let me go. It is my turn,” complained Zoya.

“Listen. Let us clean this room before mother comes in here. It will only take us a few minutes if we work together. Let’s give her a surprise.”

Zoya loved surprises so she abandoned the game. The brother and sister quickly put away all their things, straightened the cushions and cleared the floor. The room was spic and span in a few minutes.

“Take this medicine pouch to grandpa with a glass of water. Be careful,” he ordered.

“And what are you going to do?” asked Zoya.

“I’ll go and polish our shoes and set the uniform for tomorrow. We are old enough to do such things around the house, Zoya.”

Once again, the two children completed their tasks quickly. When their mother came out of the kitchen tired and weary, she got a lovely surprise. The messy living room was clean. The school shoes were polished and everything was laid out for next day.

“We are sorry, mother. I never realized how much work you have to do around the house by yourself. Now Zoya and I will help you every evening. Then you will have time to sit down with us and maybe play games.”

His mother laughed and hugged them both. From then on wards, every evening Zain and Zoya would help their mother in housework and then watch television or play games together and that was the best part of the day!!