Summer vacation is the time for kids to enjoy and have fun as they are free from studies. Many kids make plans to start a course, join summer camps, or start any hobby.

However, my brother, Umar, showed no interest in any of the above things. Instead, he became lazy and spent most of his day playing games on the mobile phone and binge-eating mangoes.

Mum was worried about his health. Eating mangoes was not a problem, but the problem was his excessive use of the mobile phone and lack of physical activity.

Soon, we realised that he was gaining weight at a rapid speed. After much thought, Mum decided to take away the mobile phone and encourage him to do something physical and creative. It was a shock for Umar; he couldn’t understand and became very dejected. Mum also restricted Umar’s mango intake, allowing him to have them only once a day. We all felt pity for our brother.

One day, Umar whispered to me to bring him a mango. As mum had already asked us not to give him mangoes, I replied: “There are no mangoes at home, and mum has stopped getting them for some time.”

Umar said in disappointment, “What? Are you kidding? Leave it, I am calling Dad. He will bring mangoes for me when he comes home from the office.”

Mum intervened, “You can’t eat mangoes anymore and your father will not bring any either.”

With tears in his eyes, Umar went to grandpa’s room and told him the whole story.

Grandfather replied: “Oh! So, this is the problem! Why don’t you grow your very own mango tree?”

Umar thoughtfully replied, “Hmmm! Your idea is good, but it will take a long time for the mango tree to bear fruit.”

Grandpa said: “Yes! But that’s how you can become the owner of a mango tree and have as many mangoes as you want.”

Umar thought about it and then agreed: “Yes, that’s a good idea; let’s work on it.”

Grandfather replied: “Well, now listen to me. Tomorrow morning, you and I will plant mango saplings in the garden. You will water them daily and go for a walk. Then we will come home, have breakfast, rest and then you will go again to the garden to look after it and then maybe I ask your mum to give you 30 minutes to spend on a mobile phone. What do you say?”

Grandpa continued: “Settle your routine by eating, playing with your siblings, going to the garden; who knows, your mum’s heart might start melting for you, and your mango supply starts again! Now go apologise to your mother.”

His grandfather tactfully persuaded Umar to indulge in physical as well as creative activities.

Umar went to the kitchen and apologised. Mum accepted his apology and made him promise to stick to his routine.

Mum said: “Now stop being a couch potato and make it a habit not to be lazy, or I won’t forgive you next time.”

Published in Dawn, Young World, March 9th, 2024