The new generation has advanced far beyond their age. Many have stepped onto the wrong path. The moment children are out of sight, parents often fear that their child is lost or in danger. The idea that a daughter or son can elope with someone, even at a very young age, is still not a reality many parents are prepared to accept. Yet, many boys and girls leave their homes—sometimes driven by the restlessness of youth, sometimes falling into the trap of temptation. In those moments, a mother’s cancer or a father’s honor holds no place in their minds. Whose fault is this? Society’s? Perhaps a little. But the greater share of responsibility lies with the parents.
The fact that the girl is alive and returning home is the greatest relief for her parents. The nation’s rising anxiety has finally eased. Suspicions were cast on so many people; the community was blamed—but now the fog of confusion has lifted. Children will never truly understand the agony their parents feel when they lose them. The parents who were on the verge of death from grief over their lost daughter—did the parents of the boy she eloped with know where their son was during those two days? Did they search for him?
This is an age of making mistakes. The girl made a mistake. She deserves time to correct it. If she is bombarded with questions or pressured excessively, her chance to lead a normal life in this society will be destroyed. The girl acted out of ignorance. Had she fully understood the consequences, had she been mature and aware, she would never have made plans to run away. Never. Those who understand, do not flee. Those who make mistakes need their errors pointed out—they need time to reform.
Asking about the girl’s age is irrelevant. Even if you have a young daughter in your home, if you provide her with a mobile phone or allow unrestricted access to your or others’ devices, then no matter her age, she will understand a great deal—perhaps more than you realize. Children going astray is, in most cases, the parents’ responsibility.
In our pursuit of careers, wealth, and a well-managed household, we often fail to give our children the time they need. Most parents are unaware of whom their children talk to, who their friends are, or where they spend their time socializing. The decision to elope is rarely made after a day or two of acquaintance. The girl has returned home—that is a relief. Now, it is crucial to protect both of them from the cruel and unjust judgments of society.
