Bad habits

The Self-Proclaimed Captain Who Learned a Hard Lesson
The Self-Proclaimed Captain BY:Khan “Listen, friends! I’m the best cricket player among all of you. That’s why I should be the captain of our team!” Amir stood proudly on a raised platform in the middle of the playground, looking down at his group of friends. His tone was firm, his chest puffed out with self-confidence, and his eyes glittered with the satisfaction of his own words. The group of boys sitting in a circle on the grass exchanged doubtful glances. They knew Amir well—his voice was always louder than his performance, his confidence always bigger than his contribution. But Amir didn’t notice their silence. He was too busy repeating the same line over and over again, as if sheer insistence would turn his claim into an undeniable fact. “I play the best cricket,” he declared again, “and because of that, I must be the captain!” The boys hesitated. None of them wanted an argument, and truthfully, they were tired of Amir’s endless speeches. Finally, one of his closest friends shrugged and said, “If Amir insists this much, let’s just make him the captain. Maybe then he’ll prove what he says.” “Fine! Fine! Let’s make Amir the captain,” the others echoed in unison. Some of them smiled secretly at each other, as if waiting to see what would happen next. And just like that, Amir became the captain of his cricket team. --- The First Challenge The very next day, a match was arranged against the team from a neighboring street. For the boys, this wasn’t just a game; it was about pride, respect, and the right to claim themselves as the better players in the neighborhood. Amir, wearing his newly found authority like a crown, walked toward the pitch for the toss. He tried to appear calm, as though leadership came naturally to him, but luck was not on his side. He lost the toss. The rival team chose to bat first, and Amir had to send his bowlers in. “Don’t worry,” Amir said confidently, “I’ll take care of this. I’ll show them how a real captain bowls.” But the ground soon echoed with the sound of boundaries. Ball after ball, Amir’s deliveries were punished by the batsmen. His friends bowled well, keeping the runs under control, but Amir alone gave away 52 runs in six overs without taking a single wicket. Each hit against his bowling felt like a hammer striking his inflated pride. By the time the innings ended, Amir’s team was already under pressure because of his poor bowling performance. --- The Fall of a Captain Now it was Amir’s turn to shine with the bat. He placed himself in the opening position, believing that a captain should lead from the front. He walked toward the pitch with his bat held high, imagining cheers that weren’t really there. The first few balls went by cautiously. Then came a delivery that clipped the stumps perfectly. Amir’s bat missed, and the bails flew into the air. He had scored only two runs before being bowled out. The walk back to the pavilion felt longer than any distance Amir had ever covered. His teammates avoided meeting his eyes. He sat down quietly, watching the rest of the match unfold. Though some of his friends fought hard, the target was too high, and eventually, the team lost. --- Whispers After Defeat The boys were quiet as they walked home together, dragging their bats and balls behind them. Defeat always stung, but this one hurt more because it could have been avoided. As they reached the corner of the street, Amir overheard two of his friends whispering. “Did you hear how Amir kept praising himself before the match?” one said. “Yes,” the other replied with a small laugh. “But when the time came, his performance was zero. He was just making himself a hero in words.” Amir felt his face burn. The pride he had worn like a crown now weighed heavy like a stone. He wanted to shout, to defend himself, to remind them of all the chances he might have if he played again. But deep down, he knew they were right. --- The Lesson That night, Amir couldn’t sleep. He replayed every moment of the match in his mind—the lost toss, the boundaries off his bowling, the stumps flying after his mistake. His friends’ words echoed like a drumbeat: all talk, no proof. For the first time, Amir admitted to himself that confidence without effort meant nothing. If he truly wanted to be the captain, he had to earn it. Not through speeches, not through insistence, but through performance, discipline, and hard work. The next morning, Amir woke up early. Instead of making another speech, he picked up his bat and ball and walked to the empty ground. The sun was just rising, and the field was silent except for the sound of his footsteps. This time, he didn’t tell anyone that he was the best. He just practiced quietly, promising himself that one day, when he spoke about being captain again, his game would speak louder than his words. --- Moral of the Story Leadership is not claimed by words; it is earned by actions. Amir’s experience shows us that overconfidence without preparation leads to disappointment. True respect comes not from demanding authority but from proving oneself through dedication and performance.
By Khan about a year ago in Confessions
Five Uncomfortable Truths About Power and Human Nature They Never Taught You
For most of us, the lessons passed down by fathers, teachers, or society are incomplete. We’re taught to “be nice,” to “stay loyal,” and to “avoid conflict.” But the reality of human behavior doesn’t operate on those rules. Over 500 years ago, Niccolò Machiavelli exposed raw truths about human nature so dangerous that his writings were banned by the Catholic Church. Today, those same principles are quietly studied by world leaders and influential men—while the rest remain blind to them.
By 10X race | Strictly for Sigmasabout a year ago in Confessions
Timeless Stories of Allama Iqbal: The Poet Who Inspired Nations
The Timeless Stories of Allama Iqbal BY: Ubaid Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the national poet of Pakistan, was more than just a poet. He was a philosopher, thinker, visionary, and above all, a man of deep humility and spiritual strength. His life was filled with remarkable incidents that continue to inspire generations. Here are some timeless stories from his life that reflect his wisdom, simplicity, and greatness. --- The Deer Skins at Raja Narendra Nath’s House Once, Raja Narendra Nath invited Allama Iqbal to a gathering at his residence. When Iqbal entered the room, he noticed that deer skins were spread across the floor. Instead of walking over them, he carefully stepped aside and avoided touching them. Puzzled, the Raja asked why. Iqbal smiled and replied, "Sitting or walking upon deer skins unknowingly instills arrogance in man." The Raja was astonished by the depth of this remark and stood silently, deeply moved by Iqbal’s insight. --- The Famous “Complaint” Poem In 1911, during the annual session of the Anjuman-e-Himayat-e-Islam in Lahore, Iqbal recited his famous poem “Shikwa” (The Complaint). His father, Sheikh Noor Muhammad, was also present, silently watching his son’s brilliance and rising fame. The hall echoed with applause. Overcome with admiration, a devoted admirer, Khawaja Safdar, placed his expensive shawl over Iqbal’s shoulders. Yet Iqbal, in his humility, immediately handed the shawl to the organizers of the Anjuman, requesting them to auction it for charity. The shawl was sold to the highest bidder, and the proceeds were donated to the Anjuman. --- The Nobel Prize Question One day, a group of students came to meet Iqbal and curiously asked, "Why were you never awarded the Nobel Prize?" Their reasoning was simple—if Rabindranath Tagore, the great Bengali poet, could receive the Nobel, why not Iqbal? Iqbal listened patiently and then replied with a smile, "If I had received the Nobel Prize, people would have questioned what I had done to deserve it. But since I did not receive it, that question does not even arise." His answer left no room for further debate, reflecting his wisdom and detachment from worldly honors. --- The Cigarette as a Relic Once, while traveling by train to Lahore, Iqbal met an elder from the Kakayzai family. Overjoyed at meeting the Poet of the East, the elder accepted a cigarette from Iqbal but instead of smoking it, he carefully put it in his pocket. Surprised, Iqbal asked why. The elder replied, "This cigarette is a sacred relic. I will preserve it for my family." Iqbal smiled warmly and offered another one, but the elder placed that too in his pocket instead of smoking it. Iqbal chuckled and let the moment pass. --- A Meal with a Mughal Prince During his visit to Hyderabad Deccan, Iqbal stayed as a guest of Maharaja Sir Kishen Pershad. While there, a Mughal descendant, dressed in old-fashioned attire, came to meet him. He humbly invited Iqbal to his modest home for a meal. Despite the simplicity of the invitation, Iqbal graciously accepted. When he arrived, the prince welcomed him at the door and, overwhelmed with emotion, recited a poignant verse of Mirza Zauq: "At the moment of death, to see one’s beloved is like Eid." Hearing this, Iqbal’s eyes welled with tears as he reflected on the fallen grandeur of the Mughal dynasty. --- A Poet in Simplicity One day, Iqbal sat in his verandah dressed in a simple vest and dhoti, smoking his huqqa while chatting with friends. Two tall soldiers, likely from northern Punjab, entered quietly and sat down. After some time, one of them whispered to a guest, asking, "Where can we find the great poet and philosopher, Sir Dr. Allama Iqbal?" At this, the entire gathering burst into laughter, including Iqbal himself. The soldiers were astonished to realize that the great philosopher they sought was the very man sitting humbly before them in such simplicity. --- Standing Before the Viceroy Before the creation of Pakistan, the rulers of princely states were under the authority of the British Viceroy. Once, the Nawab of Bahawalpur sought Iqbal’s legal help against a Prime Minister imposed on his state by the British. Iqbal agreed to represent him and traveled to Delhi. When he reached the Viceroy’s office, the secretary asked him to register his name in the visitor’s book. Iqbal refused, saying, "If the Viceroy wishes to meet me, he will do so after seeing my card. If not, I will return." The secretary had no choice but to present the card. The Viceroy agreed to meet Iqbal. With great logic and courage, Iqbal persuaded him to remove the Prime Minister and appoint someone acceptable to the Nawab. So impressed was the Viceroy that he invited Iqbal to dinner. But Iqbal politely declined, saying he must return to Lahore that very day. Such was his confidence and independence, even before the British rulers. --- The Mysterious Midnight Guest Iqbal’s loyal servant, Ali Bakhsh, once shared a strange incident. Late one night, he noticed Iqbal restless in bed. Suddenly, Iqbal got up and opened the door facing McLeod Road. To Ali Bakhsh’s astonishment, a noble-looking man in shining clothes entered. Iqbal respectfully seated him on his bed and began pressing his feet. When asked what he would like, the guest requested a glass of buttermilk. Ali Bakhsh was confused—where could he find buttermilk at midnight? Yet as he stepped outside, he saw a market he had never seen before. A milkman handed him fresh buttermilk, saying, “Our accounts with Allama Sahib are settled.” Ali Bakhsh returned, and the guest drank two glasses before asking Ali Bakhsh to drink the third himself. Soon after, the mysterious guest left. When Ali Bakhsh followed, both the guest and the entire market had vanished. Later, Iqbal revealed to him that the noble guest was none other than Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (R.A.), and the milkman was Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh Ali Hujwiri (R.A.). --- A Legacy Beyond Words Allama Iqbal’s life was not just about poetry or philosophy. It was a reflection of humility, spirituality, and courage in the face of power. His simplicity inspired those around him, while his wisdom left even rulers speechless. These stories are more than historical anecdotes—they are reminders of a man who lived with dignity, loved his nation, and continues to inspire generations across the world.
By Ubaid about a year ago in Confessions
The Day I Finally Faced My Fear of the Dentist’s Chair. AI-Generated.
The first time I walked through the dentist’s door, I didn’t even make it to the chair. The smell of antiseptic, the distant hum of tools, and the memory of every horror story I’d ever heard hit me all at once. My chest tightened, my hands started to sweat, and before anyone even called my name, I turned around and walked right back out.
By Alexandra Willis about a year ago in Confessions
Once Upon a Time in Dubai A Journey Down Memory
There was a time when bread was sold unsliced, and crossing the creek from Bur Dubai to Deira meant sitting in a rowing boat, long before engine Abras became common. On Thursday nights, the Indian Association would bring families together with free Hindi movies shown in the open-air theatre opposite the Dubai Museum. The community was small, but it felt like one big family.
By Izhar Ullahabout a year ago in Confessions
The Cost of Ignoring a Mother’s Advice
The Cost of Ignoring a Mother’s Advice BY:Khan “Osman, my dear son, don’t play with Nasser,” Mama said firmly one afternoon. “He is not a good boy. I’ve heard he steals, skips school, and spends his time wandering with bad company.” “But Mama,” Osman protested, “he is my classmate and, more than that, he’s my cousin. I meet him every day.” Mama’s face grew serious. “My son, never underestimate the influence of bad company. A person is shaped by the people he spends time with.” Osman tried to reassure her. “Don’t worry, Mama. Your son will never do wrong. I’ll even try to guide him and make him understand.” She shook her head in doubt. “Stealing and roaming the streets have become his habit. Do you really think you can change him?” “Mama, don’t stress yourself. I’ll handle it.” Osman kissed her hand and left the house. Both boys were in seventh grade. During school recess, when students went out to eat snacks, Nasser was always the most active among his group of friends. Four or five boys followed him like shadows. They would devour spicy chickpeas, crispy gol gappas, or cold ice cream—and Nasser was the one who always paid. Osman was puzzled. Sometimes he joined in, sometimes he used his own allowance, but he kept wondering: Where does Nasser get all this money from? Osman only received ten rupees a day, barely enough for a small snack. He knew Nasser’s parents weren’t wealthy enough to give him fifty or sixty rupees every day. Finally, his curiosity overcame him. “Nasser,” he asked one afternoon, “tell me honestly, where do you get all this money?” Nasser lifted a finger to the sky and said, “From the One above.” “That’s true,” Osman replied, “but He gives to everyone. I mean, really, where from?” With a sly smile, Nasser snapped his fingers. “Eat the mangoes, don’t count the trees, brother.” But Osman pressed him. “No, tell me. I want to know.” Nasser narrowed his eyes. “You’re too soft-hearted. You won’t have the courage to do what I do.” “Why not? I also want to spend freely like you.” “It costs nothing to wish,” Nasser laughed. “Look, Nasser, please. I want to be your partner. I want to make money too.” After a pause, Nasser leaned closer. “Are you sure? Think carefully. Once you’re in, you can’t back out.” “I’m sure,” Osman said eagerly. The next day, Osman met Nasser at the appointed place. Together they headed toward a poultry farm at the edge of the village. Nasser carried a sack. He crawled through a broken section of wire fencing and disappeared inside. Moments later, he emerged with the sack full of eggs. Handing it to Osman, he said, “Take this to Sheru’s grocery store. He’ll give you cash. Then go home. Don’t worry, he already knows.” Osman’s heart pounded as he sneaked through the fields, clutching the sack. At the store, Sheru handed him the money. As Osman felt the crisp notes in his hand, his fear faded into excitement. Within half an hour, the boys had earned two hundred rupees. Osman’s hesitation melted quickly. After several trips, he was the one climbing through the fence, filling the sack, and running off boldly. The thrill of easy money drowned his mother’s voice in his memory. But as the saying goes, “The goat’s mother cannot celebrate forever.” One day, the poultry farm’s owner came to inspect. He noticed the egg count was lower than usual. Suspicious, he decided to watch the next day. The following afternoon, just as the boys slipped inside with their sacks, the owner hid nearby. Osman filled his sack and left while Nasser stayed to grab more. Suddenly, the owner appeared. He caught Nasser red-handed. Meanwhile, Osman was on his way back from Sheru’s store with the money when he saw a motorcycle approaching. On it sat the furious owner, gripping Nasser tightly. Osman froze. The owner pounced on him too. Both cousins were beaten severely before being dragged to the police station. A theft report was filed. News spread quickly. At school and in the neighborhood, children mocked them, crowing like roosters whenever they passed: “Cock-a-doodle-doo!” Both boys burned with shame. Osman’s parents rushed to the station, pleaded with the farm owner, and paid compensation to secure their son’s release. Nasser’s family did the same. But for Osman, the humiliation cut deep. He remembered his mother’s warning: “Don’t play with Nasser. Bad company corrupts.” If only he had listened. That day, Osman learned the hardest truth: ignoring wise advice—especially from parents—can lead to disgrace and regret.
By Khan about a year ago in Confessions
Shattered Alibi
I learned early on that the truth has a way of finding you, no matter how carefully you try to hide from it. But I didn’t expect it to hit me on a Thursday night, in the middle of a casual dinner with friends, over something I swore was a “harmless” little lie. It all began with a party. Not the kind of party with neon lights and bass-heavy music, but the kind where everyone brought wine, snacks, and stories to make themselves sound cooler than they were. I had told my friends I couldn’t attend because of “family obligations.” In reality, I had gone to see someone I shouldn’t have—someone whose name alone could get me in trouble. The First Cracks At first, the lie felt safe. My friends didn’t ask questions; I didn’t volunteer details. But then came the group chat, innocent enough at first, full of memes and weekend plans. And then a photo appeared—a snapshot of me laughing, holding a drink, completely at the place I claimed to have missed. I froze. My phone buzzed, and my pulse raced. A simple screenshot could unravel everything. Panic Sets In I tried to laugh it off. “Haha, wrong group chat,” I typed, hoping no one noticed. But the damage was done. Texts started pouring in: “Wait, weren’t you with your family?” “This looks like fun… why didn’t you invite us?” Every notification felt like a hammer striking my chest. My carefully constructed alibi, built on half-truths and omissions, was crumbling. And the worst part? I realized that once you lie, every little detail becomes a potential trap. The Confrontation A few days later, my friend confronted me in person. Her expression was calm, but I knew the calm was worse than anger. “Why didn’t you just tell me the truth?” she asked. I wanted to give some clever excuse, some twisted logic about why I had to go, why it was harmless. But in that moment, I couldn’t. The lie had grown into a wall, and every attempt to explain only made it shakier. So I did something I rarely do: I admitted it. Every detail, every misstep, every attempt to cover my tracks. And as I spoke, something shifted. Her eyes softened, not with anger, but with the kind of understanding I didn’t expect. “Everyone screws up sometimes,” she said. “But the real issue is that you tried to hide it from me.” That one sentence hit harder than any punishment could. My alibi wasn’t just shattered—it had exposed a deeper fear I carried: the fear that being honest would make me look weak or disappointing. Lessons from a Broken Alibi The aftermath wasn’t dramatic. I didn’t get yelled at, grounded, or shunned. Instead, I got something much more valuable: clarity. I realized how exhausting it is to maintain a façade. Lies are like juggling knives; every small movement requires precision, and one slip can send everything flying. My shattered alibi taught me that honesty, no matter how uncomfortable, saves you from the stress of covering your tracks and the risk of losing trust. Since that night, I’ve tried to approach situations differently. If I can’t be completely honest, I pause and think: is this lie worth it? Most of the time, the answer is no. And even when honesty is scary, it’s infinitely easier than patching together a web of deceit that will eventually collapse. The Unexpected Freedom Interestingly, owning up to my mistake didn’t just repair friendships; it gave me a sense of freedom I hadn’t felt in years. There’s a strange relief in being seen as imperfect, in admitting you’re human, in realizing that mistakes aren’t the end—they’re part of the story. Since then, I’ve stopped constructing elaborate alibis, whether with friends, family, or even strangers. Life feels lighter, conversations feel easier, and trust feels more genuine. That Thursday night, when my little white lie exploded, I discovered a truth I’ll carry forever: honesty isn’t just a moral choice—it’s a survival skill for relationships. Final Thought A shattered alibi isn’t just a story about a lie; it’s a story about courage, vulnerability, and growth. Everyone makes mistakes, everyone tells fibs, and everyone has moments they’d like to hide. But it’s how we respond when the walls come down that defines us. The next time you’re tempted to cover a misstep with a clever excuse, remember: a small truth now can prevent a shattered alibi later. And sometimes, the truth doesn’t just protect you—it frees you.
By LUNA EDITHabout a year ago in Confessions
Secret Letter. Content Warning.
It started innocently enough. A simple scroll through TikTok at 2 AM, insomnia keeping me awake in my cramped studio apartment where I'd been freelancing for months without human contact. The algorithm, that omniscient digital deity, must have sensed something in my desperate thumb movements because suddenly my feed bloomed with candles and crystals, with young women whispering incantations into their phone cameras.
By Parsley Rose about a year ago in Confessions
Something I need to tell you
Dear Aunt, I am sending this as an email because I need a clear place to say what I have been carrying for a long time. I will use “Aunt” here because that is what you are, even though, for many months, you have not acted like someone who cares gently for us. I will still show you respect in this message, because respect is all I can offer if nothing else remains. I know you may not answer. I know it may be ignored. Still, I need to be honest.
By Zidaneabout a year ago in Confessions
The Art of Saying “No” at Work
The first time I said “no” at work, my voice was barely more than a whisper. My palms were sweaty, my heart pounded in my chest, and I braced for the silence that followed. For years, I had trained myself to be the “yes” person, so speaking that one word felt like betrayal.
By BehindTheDeskabout a year ago in Confessions
Just Wanted Bacon on My Burger
I went to Burger King with my wife. We ordered separately on the app so we could each earn our own points. I wanted to enjoy a nice cheeseburger, which was on sale through the Burger King app. It was a free cheeseburger if you bought something for a dollar. I added bacon to it and also ordered a side item.
By Joey Rainesabout a year ago in Confessions
Internet Fiber Blockade Disrupts Life in Afghanistan
Internet Fiber Blockade Disrupts Life in Afghanistan In recent months, Afghans have faced yet another crisis, one that is less visible than violence in the streets but just as damaging to daily life. The disruption and partial blockade of Afghanistan’s internet fiber network has cut off millions of people from reliable access to the digital world. This breakdown has affected businesses, education, healthcare, and communication, leaving many to feel isolated in an already fragile environment.
By Roman raufiabout a year ago in Confessions