“Ahmed, if you are done with your hair, put on some perfume from the second drawer. We are running out of time.”

A tidy Ahmed obliged as he applied the perfume onto his brand new kurta.

Ahmed loved this time of the year. The vibrant atmosphere throughout the day, delicacies, and obviously the Eidi. Besides, this Eid was far more special than the previous ones. Ahmed had just fulfilled his promise of fasting throughout the entire month of Ramadan and was bursting with pride and happiness.

“I am finally a big boy now,” thought Ahmed. “Soon, I will also drive a car like Abbuji one day, work in an office wearing a suit daily, and…”

Ahmed’s thought process was cut short as he was ushered into the car that eventually made its way to the Eidgah amidst the heavy traffic. After the completion of the customary handshakes and never-ending tight hugs, Ahmed was finally back home.

“Ammi ji, may I get my bowl of sheer-khurma? I am starving,” cried out Ahmed.

“Sorry, beta. The milkboy hasn’t delivered milk today. InShaAllah, we will have it tomorrow.”

A dejected Ahmed trotted his way back to the room. He was eagerly waiting to devour the delicacy and had never expected such a setback.
Ahmed’s father saw the disappointment on his son’s face and called out:

“Ahmed! You need not make such a long face. Come and get your Eidi now.”

Ahmed’s face brightened up a little. His father held out a Rs. 100 note with a huge beaming face.

Ahmed just couldn’t take it anymore.

“What? Firstly, Ammi ji doesn’t make the sheer-khurma and now, you are trying to win over me with just Rs.100! Why! Even Abdul next door receives Rs. 1000 as Eidi. You guys don’t even love me,” yelled Ahmed.

“It’s okay beta. You know that the lockdown has already affected our business. Now, take this Rs. 20 note and buy your favorite sweet from Hakeem Sweet store round the next lane,” replied his father.

Fuming with rage, Ahmed reluctantly agreed and walked off his home.

“Grown-ups! Think they can appease me with a meagre sum of Rs. 100,” thought Ahmed.

Kicking the tiny pebbles alongside the pavement, Ahmed walked into the sweetshop.

“Eid Mubarak Hakeem Chacha! One Gulab Jamun please,” asked Ahmed.

“Eid Mubarak to you too beta! Convey my salam to Abbu ji,” said the sweetshop owner as he carefully placed the Gulab Jamun in a bowl before giving it to Ahmed.

On his way back home, Ahmed was taken by surprise when a kid of about eight years presented a bar of chocolate to him.

“Bhayya, have a chocolate. Eid Mubarak!”
“No Thanks! May I know you?” asked Ahmed suspiciously.

“Eid Mubarak bhayya! I live down the lane across the pavements of Abdulnagar. Malik Saab presented me with a wholesome amount of Rs. 30 for cleaning his car. I bought a huge can of chocolates and decided to share it with every passerby today.”

The innocence and sheer sincerity of the kid shone through his eyes. His padded kurta bore testimony of the meagre income of his household.

“Where are your parents?” asked Ahmed.

Abbu is still working as a mason at the canal bridge. He told me that he would come early today, but I know that Malik Saab won’t let him. Ammi passed away two years ago. It was Ammi who taught me to share all that I get. She used to tell me that these gifts are not mine, but a favor from Allah. Hence, I should not be greedy and share my gifts with everyone.”

Ahmed stood there dumbstruck. On one side, he was complaining about his life just because he couldn’t get what he desired, and on the other side was this kid who was more than just happy with his fate. While he was angry with his mother for not cooking his favorite delicacy, there was this kid who didn’t even have a mother to complain to. The young kid had just taught him the essence of life, sincerity of action, purity of intentions, and what not!
Ahmed then realized his mistake. How spiteful had he been to discard the various favors in his life! Aand then there was this young kid who taught him the actual essence of Eid.

With a new lesson and a bright smile, Ahmed turned back to buy sweets for his entire family with his eidi but not before gifting his teacher with a large tin of sweets!