Role Model

            By now the summer was coming to a close, but the boys had hardly noticed as it was flying by. One day, when the three of them went to a store in town together, Jason noticed a small event take place out the store window. Two boys were arguing about who was the faster runner. They finally agreed to a short race on the street, and after it was over the winner gloated about his victory. The loser became very angry, and attacked the other boy. As they wrestled around, another boy much smaller than the two fighting shouted out, “It’s alright, brother, I’m coming!” The small boy jumped in to defend the honor of his older brother who had lost the race. In the midst of the chaos, however, the small boy took an elbow in the eye. As it began to turn black and blue and swell, the boy started crying. When the mother came up and found what had happened she scolded the older brother severely, and they left.

            Jason was curious about the event all day. Later back at Budhil’s home, when the three of them were enjoying an afternoon tea, Jason told his grandfather what had happened. “Why did he get in trouble?” Jason asked. “It wasn’t his fault that his brother got hurt.”

            Budhil paused for a moment as he took another sip of his tea. “I think it is time I told you boys another story,” Budhil said in deep thought.

            “Alright!” Andrew exclaimed as he pulled up his chair, spilling most of his tea on the wooden porch. Jason leaned forward with interest.

            “This story is about Duryodhana, and his 99 brothers,” Budhil began.

            “Ninety-nine brothers!” Andrew shouted. “How did that happen?”

            Budhil smiled, “Legend says it was indeed a miracle.” He continued, “Anyways, Duryodhana was the oldest of the brothers, and they all looked up to him.”

            “Just because he was the oldest?” Jason asked.

            “Also because he was the most skilled with a mace.” Budhil responded. Andrew looked puzzled. “Oh, I’m sorry Andrew,” Budhil said. “A mace is just a large club.” Andrew’s confused look quickly turned into a smile. Budhil continued again, “Rumor had it though, that another man named Bhima was better with a club than Duryodhana. Duryodhana was extremely jealous, because he wanted to be the best.”

            “So what did he do?” Jason asked.

            “He plotted with Dushasana, the second oldest brother who looked up to him the more than the rest of the 98 brothers, to kill Bhima.”

            “How awful!” Andrew yelled out.

            “Well they did not succeed,” Budhil went on. “Instead, the event began a war that led to the deaths of all 100 brothers, including Duryodhana. Now, you tell me, was that Duryodhana’s fault?” Budhil looked at Jason questioningly.

            “Well yes, but that’s not fair,” Jason responded. “I’m sure he didn’t mean for that to happen.”

            “Of course not,” Budhil responded. “But as the oldest brother he was the leader with younger brothers looking up to his example. This gives him greater responsibility than the others.”

            “Wow, Grandpa” Andrew said as Jason nodded in understanding. The fact was that although Andrew had heard just another good story of Budhil’s, Jason took away the intended meaning. From then on, he held himself responsible for his direct influence on his little brother, Andrew.

            Years have passed since that summer, but now as the two grown boys stand together over their grandfather’s grave in the mountains, one thing remains—their brotherhood. Although it has developed and grown over the seasons of life, the foundations of their bond truly were forged in the fires of their grandfather’s wisdom during that unforgettable summer. Jason wondered if Andrew would ever realize it, but Budhil had left an impression on the boys that would be handed down to their children and for generations to come.

    Cover Page
    Introduction
1. Forging the Brotherhood
2. The Right Path
3. Self Sacrifice
4. Role Model

Author’s note :

        This story served as a conclusion to the summer the boys had with their grandfather. I wanted to specifically leave an impact on Jason so that he could be an effective leader to Andrew for the years to come. I think that too many people are in positions of leadership without realizing it. If they do not understand that others are following, they may unintentionally lead them down a path that they would not have if they had known. I wanted to point this out to the readers indirectly through the character of Jason. If they come to understand this truth, they may consider their choices more. This would definitely serve to make our world just a little better. Through this realization many would come to see their actions much more significant than they may have previously considered. The fact is that no matter who the person, big or small, quiet or outspoken, young or old, everyone is making some kind of influence on this world. Although Jason took responsibility for his influence, I know that many who live today do not. I would hope that people would accept their responsibility to the people they influence, whether they realize it or not.

Bibliography:

Buck, William (1973). Mahabharata.

Narayan, R. K. (1978). The Mahabharata: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic.

Image Information : Mountains ; Websource : Bergiota