A few years ago, I visited Sialkot, a small city in Pakistan renowned as a major hub for sports goods manufacturing, including FIFA footballs. I stayed at a relative's house for eight days and took my usual morning walks to gather content for my readers.
Meeting Mr. Sheikh and Feeka
Each day, I walked to a nearby shop to buy something like biscuits or chocolate. The shopkeeper, Mr. Sheikh Tanvir, known locally as Mr. Sheikh, had an assistant named Taufeeq, or Feeka Sialkoti. Mr. Sheikh often scolded Feeka with harsh words. Despite this, Feeka endured it because he earned only Rs. 10,000 ($35) per month.
The Soap Campaign
During my stay, a major soap brand launched a marketing campaign, claiming that a lucky person might find a key to a brand-new Honda City Car inside their soap. The advertisement was everywhere—on TV, social media, and banners across the country.
I developed a friendly relationship with Mr. Sheikh. On my sixth day, I noticed Feeka was absent for two days. Mr. Sheikh, frustrated, said, "I've tried calling him, but he's not at home either. I'm fed up with this guy now."
A Surprise Discovery
That evening, around 4 pm, I saw a crowd gathering around Mr. Sheikh's shop. Worried, I rushed over and found Mr. Sheikh and Feeka in a heated argument. When I asked what happened, Feeka showed me a soap with a key engraved in it. My eyes widened in disbelief as Feeka declared, "I won a car worth Rs. 2.5 million! God answered my prayers."
I congratulated him and asked why they were quarreling over such good news. Mr. Sheikh retorted,
"I give him soap every month because he's poor. If you look at it this way, the car belongs to me. What will he do with a car?"
I firmly responded,
"Absolutely not! This car belongs to Feeka. It's his fate. You should clear his dues and let him go."
The Negotiation
The issue remained unresolved for over an hour. Finally, Mr. Sheikh offered,
"Take Rs. 100,000 and give me the soap."
Feeka smiled and replied,
"Mr. Sheikh, you want something from me for the first time. How can I trade Rs. 2.5 million for just Rs. 100,000?"
In the end, Feeka proposed,
"I'm a poor guy. You're right, what will I do with the car? Give me Rs. 0.5 million, and you can have the soap."
With the crowd's encouragement, Mr. Sheikh agreed and paid Feeka the next day.
The Unfortunate Twist
Mr. Sheikh asked me what to do next. I told him to contact the number on the wrapper and visit the soap company's headquarters in Lahore. Excited, he took the next bus to Lahore.
In Lahore, Mr. Sheikh arrived at the grand headquarters of the soap company, his heart pounding with anticipation. He was ushered into the manager's office, clutching the soap tightly in his hand. The manager, a well-dressed man with a friendly smile, welcomed him and listened to his story.
"Let's see this winning key," the manager said, examining the soap.
As soon as he saw the key, his smile turned into a chuckle.
"I'm sorry, but this isn't a winning key," he said, barely containing his laughter.
"It looks like someone played a prank on you."
Confused and frustrated, Mr. Sheikh insisted,
"But this key was in the soap! There must be some mistake."
The manager shook his head, still amused.
"I suggest you go to the police if you think there's been foul play."
Disheartened but determined, Mr. Sheikh made his way to the police station. The Station House Officer (SHO) greeted him and listened to his unusual story with growing amusement. When Mr. Sheikh showed him the soap, the SHO burst into laughter.
"Whoever did this has a great sense of humor," the SHO said, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes. "This is one of the best pranks I've ever seen. Unfortunately, there's nothing we can do. It seems like a harmless joke, and no crime has been committed."
Feeling utterly dejected, Mr. Sheikh returned to Sialkot. His dreams of driving a brand-new car were shattered, and he couldn't shake off the feeling of being a fool.
Feeka's Transformation
A month later, Feeka reappeared, giving Mr. Sheikh Rs. 50,000. He explained that he had started a milk shop, bought cows, and was doing well. Feeka had even hired an assistant, whom he motivated instead of scolding. "Your money is a loan. I'll repay it every month," he promised.
Key Take Away
This experience taught me a valuable lesson: never produce slaves, always strive to create leaders. When you nurture leaders, you gain respect and grow your business.
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