Don't mess with me! I know your 'switch'!

Scene 1

Ariq (provoking Aza about toys): Mine is better, yours is not as good as mine!

Aza (half-crying, pointing his finger at Ariq): If you keep hassling me, I will go to Cipete right now! And you can miss me all you can!

-Cipete is where my parents live. Aza sometimes stays there for a few days when he is bored at home.-

Ariq (stopped giggling): No! You're not going anywhere! Let's watch DVD.. your pick!

Then, they sat down on the couch watching DVD.. Gladly, one boy on one couch (otherwise, peace would only be a 5-minute thing!)


Scene 2

Aza (running to me in the study, after slamming the study door behind him): Mum, lock the door please.. Don't let Ariq in! Let's play on the computer and leave Ariq out!

Ariq (outside the study, crying and shouting): Mum! Open the door! I don't want to be here alone!

I (in an attempt for negotiation): Ariq, please have a moment! Watch a DVD or play with your Play Station! Let's have a quiet hour for a change..

Ariq (banging the door): Mum! Let me in!

I (looking at Aza): Can I let him in?

Aza (taking a deep breath then looking back to the computer screen): OK..

I (unlocking the door for Ariq): Can't you just give in for once, Ariq? You're lucky your brother decides to let you in!

Ariq (coming into the study and sitting on the floor, whining).

Aza (looking at Ariq, pointing a finger): You can come in with one condition! YOU HAVE TO PLAY WITH ME!

Ariq (nodding and walking towards Aza).

They finally sat down and played together for about an hour.. :-)


Scene 3

I was praying and Aza was following me, on a separate prayer mat next to me. Ariq, who was supposed to be having a shower came and had the 'tickle' to hassle Aza.

Ariq: Move over! I want to use the mat!

Aza: I've had it first! I was the one who put it on the floor!

Ariq (tapping Aza's head to get him to bow down and leave): Come on! Quickly finish your prayer! I want to use the mat too..

Aza (getting annoyed): Don't touch my head! Go on! Why don't you try hitting your own head to the floor while praying.. You'll know how hurtful it can be?!

Ariq (provoking Aza): My fists are just as strong as the floor!

I finally broke my prayer, at the same time Mother arrived at my side!

I: Ariq! You are supposed to be having a shower, and you're not supposed to be rough with your brother! If he is hurt, I feel hurt too!

Mother: If you are hurt, your mum and I are sad.. If your brother is hurt, your mum and I are sad too! A big brother is supposed to watch out for his little brother! Your brother loves you a lot! Go on now, into the bathroom! Quit hassling your brother and have a shower!

Aza: Ariq! Shower! Now! Here is your towel.. and your clean clothing (the nanny actually prepared the clothing near the bathroom, but Ariq wouldn't have noticed it if Aza hadn't pointed it out to him)! If you are naughty, I will stay in Cipete!

Mother: See, Ariq! Your brother even prepared your towel and clothing for you.. He loves you a lot!

-After a few minutes-

Ariq (drying himself with the towel Aza gave him): I like Aza.. and I love him a lot.. because he is very nice, Grandma.. I love everybody in the world.. I only don't love one person (his finger pointing at me)..

Mother (hiding giggles): Your mother should be first on your love list.. but for now, you should always keep in mind to take care of your little brother.. Big brothers are meant to love and protect their little brothers, not to hurt them!

Aza (climbing the window iron bars): Ariq, let's go.. but if you hassle me again, I'll go to Cipete!



Hmm.. Aza might be little.. but he got the right idea! The last time he stayed in Cipete for one week, Ariq was practically begging him to come home.. :-P

Now, with a little 'leverage' from me or Mother, he knows how to 'corner' Ariq!

It might be a couple of more years until they can fully understand their brotherly bond and restrain their thoughts about hassling each other all the time.. ;-)