A children's short story:

The joy of giving

by Husna Inayathullah

"As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others." - Audrey Hepburn

It was new year at school. Sara was excited and happy to go to school. She was promoted to grade seven this year. She was in her new school uniform and a pair of new shoes which she got as a present for Christmas from her mother.

Sara was happy with her new school text and exercise books which were very colourful with different sizes and shapes of flowers and princesses on their covers. She always loved to use new books. Sara arranged her new books and stationery with the help of her elder brother and placed them into her new pink coloured school bag.

"Sara, it's already time up for school. Come quickly," said her dad. Sara was looking into the mirror for several times adjusting her new hairstyle. She thought of having a new hairstyle to school this year and had her haircut like the Hollywood Selena Gomez who is one of her favourites.

Sara waved goodbye to her mum and brother. She left for school with her dad by car. While she was on her way to school, she saw many other school children like her going at school. Sara was imagining how things would be in school. She was wondering about her new classroom, new class teacher and her new friends. All of a sudden Sara saw a girl of her age walking to school but not in a new uniform and a new pair of shoes like hers. She was so disappointed and worried when she saw the plight of the girl. "Dad, dad! Can you please stop the car?" said Sara. "Why my dear? Can't you understand that it's already late to school and that it's late for me to office too?" her dad said.

"Dad, look at the girl on your right. She seems to be in a very pathetic situation. Can we help her dad?" asked Sara.

"Yes, of course my dear. We can help her," said dad. The girl outside seemed to be from a very poor family. Her uniform was pale yellow. She was wearing a torn pair of dirty shoes. Her hair was not neatly combed and plaited. She was carrying her books in a shopping bag. Sara was upset at once when she saw the poor girl. She felt like she wanted to help her. She got off the car and went towards the poor girl. "What is your name, dear?" asked Sara.

"I'm Maya," said the poor girl.

Sara asked for some money from her father and gave it to Maya. Sara said, "Maya, you can take this money and use it to buy a new uniform and a pair of new shoes." Maya was thinking for a moment without taking the money. She was wondering because it was given to her all of a sudden by a stranger. "But why should you give me money? If my parents knew they will blame me," said Maya.

"I am giving this as a present for you. You can make use of it. You can stitch a new uniform, buy a new pair of shoes and school bag. Take it. Please Maya," said Sara.

"Thank you so much for the help you did for me. God bless you," said Maya. Sara was so happy to help a girl of her own age like Maya. She was so happy and satisfied. Sara was happy to have helped someone in need.