MY FRIEND

MY FRIEND

 

Man is social animal. Wherever he goes, he makes friends, but few are real friends. Ismail Qureshi is my real friend. He is of my age and studies in my class.

 

Ismail is quite tall, fair and healthy. He is an ideal student. He is hard-working. He hard-working. He listens to the teachers attentively. He is good at basketball and table tennis, the games I like. He is well behaved and liked by all.

 

Ismail is always ready to help me. Whenever I have any difficulty in studies, he tries to solve it. He is good at mathematics whereas I am weak. The problems that I do not understand are explained by hi. He does not lose patience even if I am slow in grasping it.

 

In the evening, we always play together, we visit each other's houses too. May parents like him very much. He has become almost a member of my family. We discuss all problems in his presence and at times consult him too. His parents treat me in the same way

 

When my brother was hospitalized, he stood by me and shared my duties. ' A friend in need, is a friend indeed; I am lucky to have such a nice friend.

STREET FIGHT

STREET FIGHT

 

 

People nowadays have become so volatile. They have such little tolerance that even a trifle is enough to ignite their temper. Street fights are becoming more and more frequent once, I witnessed such a fight from close quarters

 

When I was returning from my school, I saw two boys quarrelling for a ball. But before I reached there, two ladies came out from the adjoining houses to find out why there children were crying, instead of separating the kids, surprisingly they also started quarrelling amongst her selves. A slinging match started. Voices were raised.

 

Soon many ladies came out of their houses and surrounded them. None tried to stop them. Some even added fuel to the fire by their comments. It seemed as if they had used up all their abusive vocabulary and were about to come blows. One had already started pulling the hair of the other. They my grandmother came out. She is somewhat hard of hearing. Even she heard their voices. She, in her forthright manner, scolded both and silence them. They she enquired about their reason. To everyone surprise both blamed the other person's son for starting the fight. I could not help laughing when I saw that both the boys were playing happily with that very ball a few minutes later.

MY FAVOURITE SUBJECT

MY FAVOURITE SUBJECT

 

I am a science student but unlike my classmates have opted for Elective English. my friends and relatives tried to dissuade me, saying I will waste a lot of my precious time on English, which is not a very scoring subject. But English is my favorite subject. I did not wish to study Core English at its is not literary.

 

Reading in itself is a great pleasure. English has a fabulous wealth of literature, unsurpassed by any other language. Studying it enables me to enjoy the language, the description and the complexities of the nuances

 

Studying Shaw and hardy gives us an invaluable insight into human nature. We realize what actions bring what reactions. How a man would react to a given set of circumstances or actions. We learn to look for an understand deeper meanings.

 

My love for my subject has inculcated in me the habit of reading. As a philosopher has rightly pointed out, "Reading ennobles man, makes one more tolerant to the follies of others and bridges the gap between countries and cultures". I hope that it will do so for me to.

WHEN VEHICLE FAILED

WHEN VEHICLE FAILED

 

I pride myself on my punctuality. My most miserable hour was when I found myself helplessly held up because of my car. The fateful day, when keeping my appointment was vital for my carrier, I was late. Reaching in time for an interview is imperative for success. So I took my father's car to go to Federal public Service Commission Office. I had to reach there by 10.30 a.m. sharp

 

I left my house at 9 a.m  and decided to go by the Main Highway, hoping that there would be less traffic and I would be able to move fast, but before I could reach the Main Highway, I was caught in a traffic jam. I could proceed only after the loss of the precious minute.

 

I knew I would have to push the accelerator if were to reach in time. But seemed that all traffic were against me. After every few minute I had to stop. I heaved sigh of relief when I reached a stretch of road where there weren't many traffic signals.

 

But my relief was short-lived. To my utter dismay one of the wheels of my car go puncture. There was not any work-shop or filling station nearby. I had to push the car for nearly ten minute., before I could it safely. It look me another ten minutes to get new conveyance. Even then I could not reach the FPSC office in time. On my explanation and humble request, I was interviews but the outcome was sealed by my reaching late.

 

The car, which I had hoped would take me to the place of interview, well in time, failed me. I was late because of it. If only I had gone by bus then hat had happened God knows better.

MY LAST SUNDAY

MY LAST SUNDAY

 

Sundays generally have a fixed routine for the T.V, programmes, but last Sunday was different. On Monday I had two exam papers-English and Mathematics. Due to unavoidable circumstances, I had not been able to do any revision. So I had planned in detail how I would revise both subject that day.

 

I made up my mind to get up early and had set the alarm clock to wake me up, but I got up very late. I had to skip  through my lessons in English to make up for the lost time. I was not really worried, as I felt I know it.

 

After breakfast I started revising Math. When I got stuck in the third problem. I was still trying to solve it when all of a sudden my uncle came with his family. I had to go to the market. When I return home I learnt that the main had not come. My sister was busy helping my mother in the kitchen. So I had to help in laying the table, doing odd jobs and entertaining my uncle and cousins for a long time and I was free only when they left at 5 p.m.

 

I went to my room and bolted the door from inside so that I could study undisturbed. By the time I really settled down there was a breakdown of electricity for short intervals and I was very upset. Mother advised me to go to sleep and promised to wake me up as soon as the electricity supply is restored. As there was no current supply restoration till late in the night, we all went to sleep.

 

All of a sudden, when I got up, it was almost 5 o'clock the lights were on in all the rooms. I because worried and went round to see what the matter was. I found every one in sound asleep. I tried to sit and study but I was so angry and anxious that I could not fully concentrate. Any it was time to get up and be ready

 

Thus the whole my last Sunday was wasted and could neither watch TV and enjoy, nor study.

AN EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE

AN EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE

 

Unemployment is a great curse. It brings to the surface the evil side of human nature. The government has to keep an eye on the unemployed, and to keep their upto-date numbers in records. It has opened employment exchanges in all the big cities. The unemployed are required to registry themselves with them. Whenever there fall any vacancy suitable to their qualifications, they are considered for it.

 

The number of unemployed persons is rising day by day. The employment exchanges are besieged by people who want to register themselves or want to find out whether their names are sent up for certain posts. The harried clerks, faced with so many anxious persons trying to get priority for themselves, become callous and consider everyone as a nuisance.

 

There is always a great rush at the windows. The clerks on duty take their own time in verifiying and registering the jobless persons. Restless people sometimes can be seen standing helplessly in scorching heat and rains ro chilly cold queues for long hours. Some can be seen moving from one window to another as they are told by the concerned clerk that they have to join the other queue and are again at the fag end. Quite often by the time their turn comes the office time comes to closing. They have to go back to come on another day.

 

Thought there are so many people, yet no cheerful voices are heard. One can hear people grumbling or cursing their fate, and Despair is writ large on their faces. Have they not visited the employment exchange for months after months or even years! The only people who make hay there are the hawkers. For them the long queues, the waiting people are source of income. They can be seen selling their eatables and drinks subject to occasions tempting the hungry, disgruntled people. 

SCENE AT A BUS STOP

SCENE AT A BUS STOP

 

A bus stop hums with life and activity. At peak hours there is a mad rush. The school and college students as well as the office – goers vie with each other to get into the already crowded buses.

 

All sorts of people can be seen at a bust stop. Some are impatient and look at their watches every few seconds, others are worried and fret. But there are some who wait patiently. They even smile at others. Students stand in groups and talk. It presents a good opportunity to study human nature.

 

At most of the stops people try to stand in queues but as soon as bust is visible, the queue is broken. Everyone just pushes and jostles. There is lot of confusion then.

 

At peak hours, people try to board a bus whether there is any space in it or not. Traveling on footboards is common. It is very dangerous, but it does not deter any one. Pick-picketers have their day at such hours.

SCENE AT A RAILWAY STATION

SCENE AT A RAILWAY STATION

 

There can be surely no place more crowded and noisy than a railway station in a large city. No sooner one enters it than one has to jostle his way through to reach the platform. If one has to catch the train or to meet someone on another platform, one has to climb the crowded stairs

 

            Hardly anyone is at case. Either one has arrived far too early or the train is late. Others have perhaps reached too late and are rushing about terrified that they would not be able to find the seats or even miss the train

 

            The hawkers add to the confusion, shouting to sell their different things. Many of them go from one compartment to other compartment shouting "Tea". They bring relief to the tired passengers in the train but are nuisance for those who wish to board or alight the train. Porters also go about carrying heavy loads.

 

            When the train is about to leave, relatives and friends who have come to see off are in hurry to get down. If any passenger has to get into a compartment without reservation, he has to face angry glares from all and sundry

 

            The departure of the train brings a slight clam. The platform becomes somewhat deserted. But it is short-lived and soon another train steams in. if one has patience and time to idle, one could quietly enjoy the scene.

AN UNWELCOME GUEST

AN UNWELCOME GUEST

 

A guest is a person to be honored and respected. But there are certain types of guests who are unwelcome.

            

My father has such an unwelcome guest in Mr. Riaz. He visits us frequently and always without prior intimation. He known that my mother is working and we all have to go by 9.30 a.m. Father and mother have to go their office, white we have to go to our school. He always comes when were locking up the house or have just finished.

 

Whenever he comes, one of us has to stay back and serve him. If mother can take causal leave, then she waits. But mostly I have to stay back as I am the eldest. He is a very easy going person. He takes his own time in taking bath and getting ready.

            

Mr. Riaz is very fussy about his food. I can never make anything to this satisfaction. He does not like food cooked in our style, and goes on giving a running commentary on how badly I have cooked and how I should have cooked, but he eats every thing served.  

 

He wants my father take him around in the car and when he goes, he expects to be dropped at the station.

 

As long as he is there, the whole routine of the household is upset. We thank God when he leaves.

 

A MORNING WALK

A MORNING WALK

 

Of all the recreations that every human being indulge in, a morning walk is the most rewarding. The air is fresh and free of dust and smoke. In cities like Islamabad it is only at this time that the roads are not crowded. There is hardly any traffic. One can enjoy the work. As one walks, the worries and anxieties vanish away. The feet stride out in joyful rhythm. The sheer delight of movement is enough to make the day.

 

In the morning, nature is at her best. The dew drops on lush green grass and leaves of plants look like pearls. The colourful flowers laden with dew merrily wave their heads and spread their fragrance. So much colour is splashed on all sides.

 

The birds sing cheerfully. An early walker feasts his eyes and ears on such marvelous sights and sounds.

 

A walk in a big park or on the bank of stream is even more refreshing. The harm is enhanced manifold.

 

A morning walk invigorates and tones up the whole body system. It truly prepares a man for the days hard work.

LUNCH BREAK

 

LUNCH BREAK

 

Our school is a day school. Its working hours are form 10.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.. We have four periods in the morning and four in the afternoon. There is a 30 minute break at 1.10 p.m. this is lunch time for teachers and students. It is also play and gossip time.

 

Towards the end of the fourth period itself, students become restive. Their attention is more on the watch man than what the teacher is trying to reach. They eagerly wait for the bell.

 

As soon as the recess bell rings, the calm of the school is broken. There is noise everywhere. Some students rush down the stairs pushing each other to reach the canteen first. Others can be seen sitting in the classroom and gobbling up their food. The younger ones can be seen roaming about eating their lunch. Soon there is big crowd at the water coolers.

 

Many students go straight to the playground. Others join them after finishing their lunch. The playground gets crowded and hardly any game is possible. Yet students manage to play.

 

The library is also filled to capacity during lunch hour. Many students can be seen browsing through the papers, the internet and magazines.

 

Soon the lunch time is over. The bell goes. Children quickly get back to their classes and then the school becomes quiet again. Recess is the best part of the school day. Students and teachers all enjoy it.

STREET BEGGARS

STREET BEGGARS

 

Street beggars are common sight in big cities. Clad in rags, shivering with cold, they can be seen everywhere begging in the name of God.

 

Obvious reasons for the evil are illiteracy, poverty and unemployment. There are quite a few how take to begging because of it. But another reason is that begging has become quite a playing profession. Many evil practices have come into existence because of it. Kids are kidnapped and sold to be trained and used for begging. At times they are brutally crippled, made lame, blind etc. these get more alms as their miserable plight arouses sympathy. They suffer while their oppressors reap the benefits.

 

Broadly speaking, beggars are of two types—able-bodied and disabled. The able-bodied can work and earn their livelihood, but if they did not get work initially, now they do not want to work. They find begging easier and more profitable. The disabled, some due to natural causes and others due to their mentors, have no option.

 

Beggars are a great nuisance. They are a blot on humanity. They even indulge in many criminal activities. They must be apprehended, taught come craft and made to work. The kidnappers, they sellers and the owners who make the kids beg, should be given exemplary punishments. 

 

It is our moral duty to help the weak, the hungry and the suffering people. But the dispensing alms as charity, we do not help them. We should help to educate and rehabilitate them.

JOURNEY BY BOAT

JOURNEY BY BOAT

 

A journey by boat is always very pleasant. It has a charm of its won. Rowing a boat provides a lot of fun.

 

Last summer I had the opportunity to go to Mauritius for a week. We stayed in a hotel, which was within walking distance from the sea. On the full moon day, my father hired a boat for two hours. The boat was quite spacious thought not very big. All of us – my father, mother, sister, younger brother and myself, got into the boat.

 

It was dusk. The sun had just set. The scenery was very beautiful. There were not many boats in the sea. I wanted to row but my father was afraid to let me do that. The boatman came to my help. He said that he would take care that I did not cause any harm to the boat or to myself. In the end, my father agreed. I sat in the place of the boatman and had the joy of rowing for almost ten minutes. Imagine my thrill and pride when I was able to row the boat and keep it on course. Of course, its speed was reduced. My brother envied me.

 

Soon the moon was shining brightly. The tall coconut trees silhouetted against the sky made a beautiful scene. The lights of the nearby houses and of the bridge threw beams of sliver in the sea. The sky was studded with stars. The view was breathtakingly beautiful.

 

Time flew any very soon the two hours were over. The boatman brought us back to shore. We enjoyed every single minute of the boat ride. It was really wonderful. The memory still mesmerizes me.

NEWS PAPERS

NEWS PAPERS

 

Life without newspapers is difficult to imagine. It is the first thing that we look for every morning. It brings us news and views from all corners of the world. Any event of occurrence of importance that takes place is reported by the newspapers

 

Newspapers carry information for everyone – businessman, politicians, unemployed people, sportspersons and children. It widens knowledge, keeps one abreast of all advances made in the fields of science, education, sports, medicine and technology.

 

Newspapers are important pillars of democracy. A free press not only makes people aware of the views and polices of the government, but also of their rights. It keeps the government informed of people's wishes, desires and aspirations. It is direct channel through which public opinion can be expressed.

 

Newspapers keep us in constant touch with new, development, changes advances and occurrence in every nook and corner of the world and at a very little price to the reader. Their popularity gives them immense power in moulding public opinion

 

Unfortunately, most newspapers have vested interests. They are owned by capitalists and have to toe their line. Some newspapers are organs of political parties. Their loyalty to the party is greater than their sense of fairplay.

 

It is essential to cultivate faculty in the readers, so that they do not believe every word of the news report. The newspaper should also have a very stick code of ethics, which it should conscientiously adhere to.

MY NEIGHBOUR

MY NEIGHBOUR

 

Blessed are those who have good neighbours. I am lucky to have Mr. Rashid as my next door neighbour. He is every inch a gentleman. He is very helpful to everyone.

 

Mr. Rashid is a wealthy businessman. He is very intelligent. He has two pet dogs. In spite of being rich he is not arrogant. He speaks to everyone and is generous and kin.

 

Mr. Rashid has four children, two sons and two daughters. The eldest son helps him with the family business, the second son is of my age and studies in English medium school. His daughters are the students of class seven and nine. His father also live with him. 

 

All the members of this family are good. His father is very kin and religious. His children are good natured and well-mannered. They are good at studies too. Whenever I have any problem. I go to Aslam the second son, and he always helps me to solve my problems. 

 

One festivals like Eidul Fitr Mr. Rashid arranges for a get-together for all the relatives and locality neighbours in the common park. At times it is contributory and some times the entire expenditure is bone by Mr. Rashid which is great fun.

 

Mr. Rashid and his family member are very cooperative and nice. They have forged a kind of close member family feeling among the neighbours