The Eid That Made Everything Different

Ayaan was a boy who lived in a little village on the edge of a dirt road. He was twelve, smart, and always had huge dreams. He couldn’t stop thinking about the new clothing, the tasty silk khurma, and the sparkling red bike his dad had promised him months ago. Eid was only a day away.

But this year was different.

A huge storm had devastated the village a week previously. Ayaan’s family was one of many that were having a hard time. Crops were wrecked, homes were damaged, and many people were having a hard time. His dad, who was a farmer, kindly told him that they couldn’t afford the bike anymore.

Ayaan was heartbroken. He didn’t cry, but his quiet told it all.

Ayaan and his father walked to the mosque on Eid morning. Ayaan was wearing last year’s kurta. Outside, he observed a boy from his school named Rafi sitting by himself. Rafi’s parents had just died, and now he lived with his uncle, who didn’t have much money.

Ayaan thought for a second, then stepped up and gave Rafi the small Eidi that his grandma had given him. It was only 50 rupees. “Here,” he said. “Get yourself a treat today.”

Rafi’s smile was rare and bright.

People in the village quickly spread the word. By the afternoon, several people had followed Ayaan’s lead. People gave food, clothes, and money to those who needed it. The Eid that had begun out quiet changed into a day of warmth, giving, and surprise happiness.

That night, while Ayaan sat outdoors and watched the sun go down, his dad gave him a modest gift. There was a wooden bicycle keychain inside that had been carved by hand.

His father remarked, “It’s not the real thing, but you’ve already gone farther than most people do in a lifetime.”

The point of the story is that giving more, not getting more, is what makes you happy. What you give away can say more about you than what you keep.