Too Small Too Big - A Short Story

 Too Small Too Big

   "What", exclaimed Salamuddin. He could not remain composed after hearing from Jalal the illness of his father, Karim. They lived in the village Lakshmipur. There Karim lived with his family - wife, a son and two daughters, Reja and Jimi. Karim was a carpenter. On the other hand, Salamuddin lived with his parents and grandparents. His father Aminuddin was a farmer. 

   Aminuddin was very labourious. He worked in his land throughout the day. His breakfast, lunch and evening meal were served in the field. He only would eat his dinner at home. Though totally unconcerned of the world affairs, Aminuddin kept his family very happy. While Karim was a lazy person. He did not like to work. Other members of his family lived on his hard-earned money that pained Karim. So selfish he was. He sold all the jewellery that his wife had. Poverty and hunger were always present in Karim's family. 

   Jalal's mother often had a quarrel with his father over the later's laziness. But so cruel and self-centered was Karim that he often used to beat his wife. That was why Jalal and his sisters did not like in their father. His sisters had to work with their mother in others' land to run the family. Karim passed time by playing cards, gossiping, sitting idle etc. Jalal turned his anger to study. He completed his high school education with distinction. 

    While reading in a college, he got a service. Then his father totally gave up work. He stopped his mother and sisters to go working. He looked after all the family expenses. On the other hand, Salahuddin's father who was senior to Karim continued his daily routine. One day Salamuddin went to Jalal's house. During conversation, he came to know that Jalal's father was lying in bed for illness. He asked Jalal about the disease. When Jalal replied that his father was lying in bed for Runny nose, Salamuddin exclaimed, "what?"

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