Home BusinessSuccess Stories ⁠⁠From Struggles to Strength: How a Father and Son Cooked Up Their Survival

⁠⁠From Struggles to Strength: How a Father and Son Cooked Up Their Survival

by Anum Mushtaque
⁠⁠From Struggles to Strength: How a Father and Son Cooked Up Their Survival

When most boys his age were worried about video games and exams, Ahmed was thinking about how to keep his family afloat. Only 15 years old and a student in 8th standard, he had to grow up faster than most. Every morning, as the sun rises over Karachi’s chaotic streets, Ahmed steps out with a fire in his heart and dreams far bigger than his age.

A Father’s Downfall, a Family’s Test

Ahmed’s father once enjoyed a steady life as a respected FMCG manager. The family had big plans and a bright future ahead. But fate had something else in store. A devastating bike accident left his father unable to work, which cost him his job and turned their lives upside down. Trying to survive, he worked for Bykea and Uber, but the income was so little that it hardly helped, and most of it went into car repairs. Every day felt like a fight they were slowly losing.

Ahmed’s Bright Idea

Amid this darkness, Ahmed lit a spark. Watching his mother make delicious food, he imagined a new path. “Ammi, let’s sell your pasta!” he said with determination. Though hesitant at first, his mother agreed. They transformed their car into a humble food stall and created a simple poster, stepping into the unknown with courage as their only capital.

Father and Son homemade pasta

The Daily Struggle

Every morning at 10 am, Ahmed and his father go to Water Pump market to pick the freshest vegetables and chicken. They can’t afford to buy in bulk yet; each day’s sales decide the next day’s stock. Back home, the kitchen turns into a small factory of love and hard work. The smell of spices fills the house as they prepare the pasta. By 4 pm, they pack everything and head to their usual spot near the Disco Bakery signal.

Standing proudly next to their car, Ahmed greets every customer with a hopeful smile. His father, watches with pride and quiet relief. Even though their bodies are tired, their spirits refuse to bend.

The Flavours of Survival

Their pasta comes in three flavours: Tikka, Fajita, and Achari Chatpata. Each 300-gram box sells for Rs. 250 but it carries the price of endless sacrifices. In the beginning, sales were painfully slow. Ahmed would return home disappointed, but his parents always motivated him. 

Then, destiny smiled on them. A photo of Ahmed selling pasta went viral, and suddenly, the same streets that had ignored them became crowded with customers eager to support their dream. Online orders started pouring in, and their stall transformed into a symbol of resilience.

homemade pasta

The Silent Warrior

While Ahmed and his father work on the streets, the real hero stays behind the scenes: Ahmed’s mother. She has been a pillar of strength through every setback when her husband couldn’t walk, when he was lying in the hospital, and when they felt like giving up. Ahmed dreams of one day taking her to Hajj and Umrah, a dream that keeps his heart beating with purpose.

Beyond the Pasta

Ahmed’s father says, “Har mushkil ke sath asani hai. Bura waqt ata hai aur guzar bhi jata hai. Allah tala nikaldenge is mushkil se.” These words light Ahmed’s path like a lantern in the dark.

Ahmed doesn’t just want to stop at pasta. He dreams of expanding the business, turning it into something big and lasting. But his dreams don’t end there he wants to become a model, step into the world of fashion, and see his face on billboards. He even dreams that one day, Fahad Mustafa will come to try their pasta and share a moment of joy with them.

More Than Just a Business

From a stable office job to a street corner pasta stall, this family’s journey is filled with heartbreak, courage, and love. Ahmed knows that sitting and waiting won’t change anything: “Bethe rehne se kuch nahi hota, kuch karna parta hai jabhi future banta hai.”

Today, their car is more than just a car. It’s a kitchen on wheels, a symbol of endless struggle and unbreakable bonds. Their story isn’t just about selling pasta. It’s about fighting for each other, believing in miracles, and turning pain into power.

In a city full of noise and hurry, Ahmed’s journey reminds us that the strongest stories often come from the quietest corners and sometimes, from a single, brave idea whispered in a kitchen.

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