The love is not defined by the easy moments—it is tested in trials. Love does not prove itself in laughter but in distance, exhaustion, and imperfection
Nisar Banbhan
There are lessons the world can teach—skills, knowledge, even wisdom—but some virtues are beyond instruction. Loyalty, empathy, principles, and integrity cannot be imposed upon a soul; they must already reside within it. I understood the meaning of these words at seventeen, yet their depth remained elusive until life confronted me with people who lacked them. Only then did their true weight become clear—this was the moment of my complete maturity.
It is true that such qualities are intrinsic, woven into the very fabric of one’s being. You cannot teach someone to be loyal or to feel deeply. There are moments in life when complaints become meaningless, and silence is the only response. We leave—not in anger, not in protest, but in quiet acceptance. No accusations, no farewells, just the realization that words are futile.
I have always believed that love should be neither lukewarm nor hesitant. You deserve a love that, despite the chaos of life, makes you a priority. A love that reassures you of your worth, that never hesitates in its expression. A love that sends messages like, “I want to see you,” that finds time even in exhaustion, that embraces you with warmth after a long, weary day. A love that not only apologizes for its mistakes but ensures they are never repeated. A love that, after arguments, pulls you close instead of pushing you away. Love is not meant to exist in mere words—it must be lived, proven in actions, anchored in presence.
Once, during my university days, I believed that every person, at some point, realizes the weight of their mistakes. I thought time would bring clarity, that wounds inflicted in pride would one day demand remorse. But I was wrong—so very wrong. My eyes, veiled by trust, failed to see the truth. As I observed, as I understood, I realized there are those so indifferent, so entitled, that no sacrifice is ever enough for them. No matter how much you give, they will return with yet another demand, as if your devotion were their birthright.
These people, any rational soul would call them wrong. And yet, their egos stand taller than reason. Either they refuse to understand, or perhaps understanding is simply beyond them. Their arrogance is relentless, their pride an unyielding fortress. They cling to their mistakes like a man teetering on a crumbling rooftop, convinced he touches the sky. I have seen the mightiest of men fall, their arrogance unshaken even in ruin. I have offered kindness to the cold-hearted, only to have them devour my outstretched hand. I have witnessed those who lose yet still sing of victory. Until the very end, they remain blind to the mirror of their own faults.
There is a mercy in realizing one’s mistakes, a divine grace in asking for forgiveness. Yet, some souls reject even this, fearing that a single admission of fault will shatter their illusion of greatness. “Yes, I was wrong.” How simple, yet how impossible for them to say.
And then there are those who swear by loyalty, who weave vows of unwavering trust—only for their words to unravel like the frailest of threads. Why? Is it a lack of fear for the Divine? A cowardice before truth? Or do they see emotions as mere games, honesty as nothing more than a show? I have met those who destroy others and still stand with unwavering pride, gazing into their own reflection with the certainty of innocence. Their delusions protect them from reality, ensuring they never confront their own cruelty.
In this journey, I have come to understand: it is not betrayal that wounds the most, but the audacity of those who commit it without remorse. The ones who promise to stand by you but vanish in the first storm. The ones who claim they will never leave, only to abandon you without hesitation. I have ceased believing in words. I have detached myself from the illusion of promises, for it takes only a few to teach you that even the most sacred of oaths can be empty.
I tell those around me—never test me to the point where I become indifferent. That is your greatest loss. I am loyal, but even I have limits. If you continually test my patience, my kindness, my sincerity, there will come a day when I will be just as unbothered as you once were. This is not a warning—it is a truth.
I have stood beside people time and again, supported them, given love even when it was undeserved. I never sought reward, never demanded recognition. That is what loyalty does—it stays, it nurtures, it commits. But loyalty is not blind, nor is it infinite. It has boundaries, expectations, and when those are repeatedly broken, it does not shatter—it fades. And one day, it vanishes entirely.
On that day, do not be surprised. Do not grieve, do not seek answers. The warnings were there, the chances were given, but if they were squandered, then the loss is yours alone.
I have learned that love is not defined by the easy moments—it is tested in trials. Love does not prove itself in laughter but in distance, exhaustion, and imperfection. It is easy to stand beside someone when they are successful, attractive, and thriving. But not everyone will embrace you when you are weak, lost, or weary. Not everyone will rush to mend a rift after a quarrel. Not everyone will hold onto you despite your flaws, unless they truly love you.
True love is steadfast, woven into the ordinary, shining without spectacle. Its true test is in the moments of breaking—when the world crumbles, yet the hands remain clasped. When everything urges separation, yet two hearts choose to stay.
That is love. And anything less is not worthy of your name.
Read: The Choice between Fear and Courage: Rising Above Life’s Challenges
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Hailing from Village Mir Muhammad Banbhan, Taluka Mirwah, District Khapurpur and based in Karachi, the capital of Sindh, Nisar Banbhan is a seasoned professional with nearly 25 years of multifaceted experience, encompassing 3 years in journalism and over two decades of service in a public sector organization. His extensive expertise spans content creation, scriptwriting, screenwriting, lyrics, poetry, and storytelling across multiple languages, including Sindhi, Urdu, and English. Nisar has honed his skills in writing articles, columns, and short stories, contributing to various national and regional media outlets. Additionally, he brings a deep understanding of program development, educational advocacy, and strategic planning, having led initiatives that promote quality education and foster community empowerment. His passion for literature and education merges seamlessly, enabling him to craft impactful narratives that resonate with diverse audiences while driving meaningful change in society.
