Grandma, where are mom and dad? I have been waiting for them for last three days and missing them a lot!” pleaded five-year-old Asma who had just had a baby sister but was unaware of this. Her father was with Asma’s mother in the hospital.
Grandma tried to console little Asma and said, “My child, your parents will be here soon. Don’t worry, I am with you.”
Grandma’s kind words calmed Asma and soon the doorbell rang. Grandma opened the door and Asma’s parents were there.
Asma’s mother was holding a little baby in her hands. Asma was happy to see her parents but as soon as she saw another childwith them, she felt jealous!
“Who is this?” she asked.
“She is your sister, my child,” Asma’s mother replied in a soft tone.
Asma didn’t feel happy with the new development as now she felt that her place was snatched by her sister. Seeing her parentswith the baby she realised that she would have to share with her sister everything that she used to enjoy alone — be it her parent’s love, her toys or anything! Asma was sad but no one noticed this as everyone was busy with the baby.
“What are we going to call the baby?” grandma asked Asma’s mother.
Asma’s mother smiled and said, “Almaas. Asma’s father suggested this name.”
“Awww how cute! Almaas baby come here. Granny wants to kiss you,” grandma was clearly excited to have another child at home but Asma became more jealous seeing grandma behaving like this. Soon grandma sensed Asma’s jealousy and said, “Come Asma, won’t you hold your little sis in your hands?”
“Sorry grandma, but no, I won’t!” Asma replied rudely.
At this Asma’s father began to scold her when grandma signalled to him to stop and asked Asma to come close to her. Then grandma held Asma’s hands and began, “My child, I can understand your feelings but my dear you don’t realise that how lucky you are! You are blessed with a sibling with whom you can play and when you will grow up, you can share your feelings with her. This sister of yours will be a friend when you will be alone and sad!”
“But grandma, she will snatch my parent’s love from me!” Asma shared her insecurity.
“No my child, this is not true! Look at the innocent eyes of your sister; she wants your love and care. She is not going to snatch from you anything but will give you lots of love. Hold her in your hands and you will forget all the insecurities as your love for your sister will outshine your resentment towards her.”
Saying this Grandma asked Asma to sit beside her on the sofa and carefully put Almaas in Asma’s lap. The little child began to cackle and looked right at Asma.
Asma was touched, her jealousy vanished with the soft touch of her sister. She could not resist hugging her and saying, “I love you my baby sister.…”