In the middle of the village stood a large house, with a mango tree growing in its courtyard. Every evening, under the tree’s cool shade, Ram Swaroop ji would sit on his old wooden chair reading the newspaper.
He lived there with his three sons – Mohan, Sohan and Gopal. The house was full of activity, yet slowly, cracks began to appear in people’s hearts.
Sometimes there were arguments over kitchen expenses, sometimes disputes about the farm’s yield. Daughters-in-law exchanged harsh words over small issues, and the sons no longer valued their father’s advice as before.
Each day, Ram Swaroop ji watched how a home once filled with laughter had become echoing with complaints and anger.
One morning, Mohan said, “Baba, living together like this is no longer possible. It’s better that I take my share than endure daily quarrels.”
Sohan nodded, “Yes, Baba. Who enjoys this constant fighting?”
Gopal added, “I stayed silent for your respect till now, but I can’t anymore.”
Ram Swaroop ji listened quietly. Silence filled the room. Then he gently said, “Alright, my sons. If this is what you all want, I won’t stop you… But will you agree to one last request of mine?”
All three nodded.
Their father stood up and brought three old brass plates from the kitchen. “Here, my sons,” he said, “break these.”
Sons looked surprised, then laughed, “That’s easy, Baba.”
Within moments, the plates lay shattered into pieces.
Calmly, Ram Swaroop ji said, “Now join them back together, make them exactly as they were before.”
They tried hard. One used thread, another melted wax to fix them but the plates remained crooked. Their shine was gone, and the marks of repair were clearly visible.
Taking a deep breath, father said, “Look, my sons. A family is like this plate. As long as it remains whole, it has value, every meal served in it tastes good. But once it breaks, no matter how much you try, it never becomes the same again.”
Tears filled the sons’ eyes.
They said softly, “Baba, please forgive us. In anger we thought separation would bring peace, but now we understand that there is no happiness in breaking apart.”
From that day on, arguments still happened but hearts did not break.
Differences arose at times, but everyone remembered: May our love never become like a broken plate.
Learning:
Argue if needed, but never break the bond because unity brings lasting happiness, while separation leaves only scars.
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