Negar was an exuberant young girl with a heart as bright as her smile. She lived happily with her loving parents in a quaint little home where the air always seemed to hum with warmth and affection. A year ago, her father, Baba, had gifted her a clay piggy bank, sparking a journey of patience and perseverance. "I wish I had a bicycle like my friend's," she had mused, her eyes alight with longing. But understanding the family's financial constraints, Baba had gently taught her the art of saving.
After a year of diligently saving, the piggy bank was finally full, and Negar was buzzing with excitement. The day had come to break it open. "Dad, my piggy bank is full. Can you keep your promise and buy me that bicycle?" she had asked, eyes wide with hope. Baba had nodded with a smile, "Yes, my dear, I will buy it for you tomorrow." That night, she went to bed earlier than usual, her dreams filled with the image of the pink bicycle.
The next morning, Negar and her mother set off to meet Baba, ready to purchase the long-desired bicycle. As they walked, they encountered the festival of affections, with streets lined with white shawls and donation boxes brimming with gifts. "Mom, what's going on there?" Negar asked, her curiosity piqued. Her mother explained the purpose of the festival, highlighting the joy of giving to those less fortunate. Negar pondered this newfound perspective, her heart swaying between her wish and the happiness of others.
The decision weighed heavily on Negar's young shoulders. She stood in silent contemplation, the bright morning sun casting long shadows on the ground. "A beautiful bicycle or a smile of God?" she whispered to herself. Her mind made up, she turned to her mother with determination in her eyes. "Mommy, would you let me buy a smile of God instead of a bicycle?" Her mother's eyes welled up with tears of pride, and she nodded, giving Negar the freedom to make her choice.
With a resolute heart, Negar placed her savings into the donation box, a sense of fulfillment washing over her. Her mother watched, her heart swelling with pride at her daughter's selflessness. On their way back, Negar clutched her mother's hand, the weight of her choice feeling lighter with each step. Baba was waiting for them, eager to hear about their day. Negar's mother shared the story of her daughter's generosity, and Baba listened, his heart full of admiration.
That evening, the doorbell rang, and Negar raced to open it. There stood Baba, a warm smile on his face, and beside him, the very bicycle she had dreamed of. "Oh, my bike, my beautiful pink bike, thank you, Dad," she exclaimed, her voice a blend of surprise and gratitude. Baba knelt before her, "Because of your kindness, my dear, you've shown us the true meaning of happiness." As the family embraced under the gentle glow of the evening sky, Negar realized that joy was not just in receiving, but in giving.
