Ahmed was sleeping soundly until his father removed his blanket and said, “Come on Ahmed, get up! We need to leave for the passport office as soon as possible.”

Ahmed protested against getting up at 8am on a Saturday and cuddled in the blanket again. However, he was forced to get up when his mother opened all the curtains and windows allowing the sunlight to shine on his face. Ahmed finally dragged himself towards the washroom to get dressed.

Ahmed and his family had to get their passports renewed. After having breakfast, they all sat in the car and were ready to leave when Ahmed exclaimed, “Please wait, I forgot my precious water bottle! I cannot leave without it or else I will feel thirsty.”

He ran to get his bottle, filled it with ice cold water and returned to the car.

It was now 12pm and Ahmed and his family were still in the passport office, standing in line, and waiting for their names to be called out. Ahmed was feeling annoyed and bored at the same time. He wanted to get done with all the work, return home, and sleep peacefully once again. He was just praying for his name to be called out when he heard a loud thud. At first, Ahmed became confused, then when he turned around, he saw that a little girl had fainted on the floor and her mother was crying for help. She was unable to find water for her daughter.

Ahmed became concerned and without a second thought, he offered his bottle. The mother splashed water on her daughter’s face and the father quickly held her and took her towards their car. In this state of chaos, they forgot to return Ahmed’s bottle and accidentally left with it.

Although Ahmed was happy that the girl was feeling better, being a little boy who loved his bottle dearly, Ahmed became sad that he lost his favourite Spiderman bottle. His mother and father tried consoling him by saying that his gesture was very sweet and kind and that he could buy another similar bottle, but Ahmed still felt heartbroken.

A few days later, as Ahmed was preparing for his sports day, his mother gave him a disposable plastic bottle. Although Ahmed did not express any sadness, he did miss his old bottle.

In school, the ground was all set for the races to begin. Ahmed had participated in one of the obstacle races. Before the beginning of the event, the commentators announced that the first, second and third position holders would be presented with gifts which will be a surprise. Excitement ran through all the participants when they heard this.

Ahmed was determined to secure the first position so he could receive the best gift. He was standing on the starting line, ready to run as fast as the lightning bolt. However, when the race began, Ahmed stumbled upon one of the hurdles, but still managed to secure the third position.

After the completion of the race, Ahmed stood on the victory stand looking dejected. The first position holder was awarded a bag pack and the second position holder was given markers and notebooks.

Ahmed whispered to himself, “Ugh! I wish I had bagged the first or second position. The school bag and markers look so cool.”

While Ahmed was adoring the bag and markers, his teacher placed a gift in his hands. The gift was packed and he was very excited to open it. So when they came down from the stand, he quickly opened the box and couldn’t believe his eyes! His eyes and mouth were left wide open. He was astonished to see that he was gifted a water bottle with pictures of Spiderman and other marvel heroes. Ahmed couldn’t contain his emotions and started jumping in excitement.

Ahmed was elated that he bagged the third position and realised that everything happens for a good reason. As soon as Ahmed reached home, he showed the gift to his mother who said, “Remember my child, kindness always comes back in ways a person cannot even imagine. If you help people whole-heartedly, God will definitely listen to your wishes and prayers.”

Ahmed hugged his mother and placed the bottle on his side table just like a trophy.

Published in Dawn, Young World, April 22nd, 2023