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His little sister
Muqeet was nine and Ayesha was six. They would often play together at home but when they went to the park, Muqeet wanted to play with his friends.
“Mum! I don’t want to take Ayesha,” he told his mother. “She is too little, I can’t look after her.”
“Don’t be unkind, Muqeet” said his mother. “Big brothers should always look after their sisters.
“But Mum I don’t want to,” replied Muqeet sulkily.
“I am playing with Minhaj, Osama and Moiz today, not with Ayesha. I don’t want to take Ayesha with me. And if I do, I shan’t look after her.
“Why are you being like this? Don’t make me angry. Now take Ayesha and go. I don’t want to listen to another word, is that clear?” his Mum said, angrily.
Muqeet went out dragging poor Ayesha’s hand. Ayesha felt bad. “I won’t play with you and your friends Muqeet.” She said. “I’ll keep out of your way.”
“That’s what I want,” said Muqeet roughly. “Now, sit beside the bench and wait till I finish playing.”
As soon as Muqeet saw Minhaj, Osama and Moiz he let go off Ayesha’s hand and ran off with them. Ayesha went and sat on the bench, feeling miserable. There were no girls around for her to play with so she sat on the bench quietly, watching the boys play. Muqeet was playing cricket. He batted, bowled and fielded. He made almost fifty runs and he felt like a real hero.
“You’ll be playing for the national team one day,” said his friends. Time flew by and at last it was time to go home. He looked around for Ayesha. He had seen her on the bench a while ago, but she wasn’t there anymore. Where had she gone, he wondered. She wouldn’t go home because she had promised mum not to do that. She must still be in the park.
Muqeet shouted “Ayesha! Ayesha! Where are you?” There was no answer. Muqeet’s heart sank as the thought of somebody having kidnapped her came into his mind.
“May be she had fallen in the duck pond,” he thought, running towards that area, but she wasn’t there either.
“Then where has she gone,” he cried. He couldn’t go home without his little sister or mum would scold and dad would be furious with him.
It was no use of looking in the park anymore. He went towards his home stopping at each of the crossing to ask the passers-by the same question “There hasn’t been any accidents involving little girls, have they?”
He got all the way home without a word of Ayesha. He was so upset and miserable that he began to cry as soon as he saw his mother.
“Mum! I don’t know where Ayesha is; maybe she’s lost, or hurt or kidnapped! Oh mum, I was so cross with her that I didn’t bother taking care of her. I am so selfish; I came home without her!” said Muqeet.
“Oh poor dear. How dreadful you must be feeling,” his mother said.
“I am so sorry. I am very embarrassed,” cried Muqeet, “I promised to take care of her. I wish I could see her. Please, forgive me.”
Muqeet went in the TV lounge, sobbing. Suddenly he saw Ayesha watching cartoons.
Muqeet went towards her and hugged her. “Ayesha! I’m glad to see you again. I thought something bad had happened to you,” he said.
“Mrs Majid was walking by the park. She saw me sitting alone and you busy playing so she brought me home. But why are you crying?” Ayesha replied.
“I’ll always take care of you Ayesha. I’m really very sorry for my behaviour today. I Hope you will forgive your elder brother,” cried Muqeet. “I’m your big brother and you will always be safe with me.”
“Now that’s the sort of brother I’ve always wanted you to be. Cheer up, and come eat your dinner!” his mother said.
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