Aarav, a small boy with curious eyes, sits cross-legged by the window of his modest house, watching darkness slowly swallow the village. Inside, the air is filled with the comforting scent of warm spices as his mother moves quietly around their tiny kitchen. A single, slender oil lamp rests on the wooden table—its glass chimney smudged, the wick almost spent.

Aarav[/@ch_1]'s house becomes pitch black, the outlines of houses vanishing into the night.] Aarav’s mother enters the room, her steps light and careful. She glances at the nearly empty oil bottle, then at her son, a question lingering on her lips. "Should we light the lamp, or save the oil for later?"

Aarav[/@ch_1] gazes out the window, his face illuminated by a sliver of moonlight. He notices the empty road, recalling stories of travelers passing by their home at night.] "Let’s light it. Even a small light can help someone," he says gently, his voice steady in the stillness. Aarav’s mother nods, a soft smile on her face, and together they strike a match, touching it to the lamp’s wick. The tiny flame sputters before blooming into a steady, golden glow.

Time passes in silence, the comforting presence of light wrapping around Aarav and his mother. Outside, the world is still, the lamp’s flame flickering bravely against the night.

He knocks softly, and Aarav’s mother opens it with a gentle welcome. The old man’s voice trembles as he explains how the darkness had confused him, and it was the small lamp in their window that guided him safely. Old Man: weary traveler, kind eyes, grateful demeanor.

Aarav’s mother[/@ch_2] offers him water and a place to rest, while Aarav listens quietly, his heart swelling with pride. The old man’s wrinkled hands tremble as he accepts their kindness.] "Never underestimate small goodness. A small lamp can defeat great darkness," he says with a warm smile. His words linger in the air, bright as the flame itself.

Aarav[/@ch_1] sits by the window, thoughtful, as his mother gently ruffles his hair.] "You don’t need to be powerful to make a difference—just willing," he whispers, watching the little lamp’s glow reach into the night. In that quiet moment, Aarav understands that even the smallest kindness can light the way for others.