Every afternoon, when Laxmiben went to other people’s houses to clean their floors and wash their dishes, her young daughter Kajri would go along with her. Kajri would quietly sit in a corner of the house and do her school work while her mother worked.
Kajri was the same age as Ruchi, a girl who lived in one of the houses where Laxmiben worked. Sometimes, Ruchi would glance at Kajri and wonder, "I wonder how Kajri feels when she sees all the things I have that she can’t afford. Her school bag is so worn out. Does she wish she had a new one like mine?"
A few days later, Ruchi’s birthday was approaching, and she was planning a party. She asked her mother, “Can I invite Kajri to my birthday party too?”
Her mother hesitated for a moment but then smiled and said, “Yes, I think that’s a wonderful idea.”
On the day of the party, all the girls were dressed in bright, fancy dresses. Kajri came wearing a simple, slightly worn frock that didn’t even fit her properly. Despite feeling a little out of place, she smiled politely and stayed quiet.
After some games and snacks, Ruchi clapped her hands and said, “Okay, everyone! It’s puzzle time!”
She handed out pens and papers and gave everyone a puzzle to solve. Before anyone else could even finish reading it, Kajri had already written down the correct answer and handed it in.
“Great job, Kajri!” Ruchi exclaimed with joy, and all the girls clapped for her.
Then, Ruchi handed Kajri a colorful envelope.
“What is this, Ruchi?” Kajri asked, surprised.
“It’s a gift card—for solving the puzzle faster than anyone else!” Ruchi said with a big smile. “You can go to the mall and buy anything you like.”
Kajri looked at it in disbelief, her eyes wide and sparkling.
What she didn’t know was that this had been Ruchi’s plan all along. Ruchi had seen Kajri’s intelligence and determination and wanted to give her something special. Instead of using her birthday gift card for herself, she decided to gift it to Kajri in a way that respected her dignity—by turning it into a reward.
Kajri hugged the card to her chest, not just for the gift, but for being seen, valued, and appreciated.
Ruchi felt a warmth in her heart she had never experienced before. She had given up something she loved—and it made her feel happier than ever.
Related Links-
Magazines on Happiness
Video on Happiness
