Inspire

the gift

It was Christmas night. The jingling sound of bells in the sweet lingering haze along with shimmering snow on pathways reminded me of the cup of coffee with my girlfriend that I never had. I was wandering on the decorated streets in New York city , thinking what should I buy for myself on this special occasion. Stalls were embellished with lightings, Christmas caps, wreaths and bells. Artistic fireworks in the sky, aroma of casserole being cooked by the chef, chubby pink cheeks plus red noses, and hailstones jeweled on the pine needles was a perfect epitome of romance.

Dazzling lights and captivating Christmas bakeries always compel me to hit the dance floor. But, that day I had planned to first visit the church then to the gift store and then to the bakery.

As I walked through, my eyes went wide open filled in amazement because their were some enchanting reindeers sitting in their marvelous posture decorated with ribbons, wreath and sparkles under the adorned Christmas tree outside the church.

Unfortunately, the charm that was all around the reindeers some seconds ago, faded when some stupid homosapiens (scientific term for humans) came ahead clicking photos.

The intimate sight of reindeers became a fashion show within seconds and so, I decided to get into the church. As per my expectations, the church was also transformed into a fashion show where the idol of Jesus was performing a ramp walk. I stood at one end of the church, remembered Jesus, lit the candle and exited.

I made my way towards the gift store still thinking about which gift should I buy. The moment I stepped in the store, I saw a child next to the door staring at me with his wide eyes. The child's compelling sight urged me to have a word with him.

Me: "Hello! Is there any problem?"

Listening this, the child ran away.

Obviously, it was weird. I entered the store and saw some of the captivating gift items hung on the walls and placed in the shelves. I noticed that I am the only single in this store because rest all the people were either parents or couples. I laughed at myself.

After a few minutes of glancing, I concluded that I almost have everything at my home which was in the gift store and buying anything out of there would be just a waste of money. So, I exited.

The child's sight was encircling in my mind as I moved along the street. I decided that I am going to buy red velvet cake, cheese patties and chocolate panda ice cream. As I passed watching the street-by-shows, I saw the same child again staring at a small girl who was with her parents.

I approached to him and said;

"Hey! What happen? Do you need any help?"

He looked at me with his wide eyes and replied;

"No thankyou." And went away.

I grinned and ran towards the child.

"Hey! What's your name?" I asked.

He said;

"Why do you want to know my name?"

That was really harsh. He walked really fast.

I said;

"Then why are you staring at the people at this beautiful Christmas eve?"

He looked at me. I realized I have too turned harsh. He took a deep breath, sighed and said;

"I too want gifts and flowers and cakes and....." He stopped.

I understood. I said;

"Where are your parents? I am sure they'll get you everything you need. "

He once more looked at me and said;

"I dont have parents."

As soon as he said this, I turned speechless and he ran away.

I stood on the street for a minute, stared at the running child and turned back.

I smiled. A huge smile flashed on my face because I got the idea of the 'real Christmas gift.' I ran back to the gift store, purchased some of the books, teddy bears, pens, bags, chocolate, Santa stickers, etc.

I then proceeded to the bakery and bought some pastries, cakes, marshmallows, donuts, patties, cupcakes and some ice creams.

I had two huge polythene bags in my hands and a huge burning smile on my face. I made my way towards the Angel Guardian orphanage which was situated at the end of the street. It was a modern white duplex outside of which was a huge Christmas tree decorated not with ribbons or wreaths but with photos. I assumed those photos would have been probably of children living in the orphanage. I entered into the house of angels (as the orphanage was described) and saw one beautiful lady sitting at the table.

Ah! she was the receptionist. With god's grace, she permitted me to celebrate my Christmas with the children inside the orphanage. I went inside the room no. 25 where there were so many children sitting in a group listening to the story of Jesus Christ. I saw the child which met me on the street and promptly responded;

"Hey!"

Unknowingly, I disturbed the whole class. The teacher who was residing the story looked at me behind her spectacles, and said

"Excuse me. Do you want anything?"

"Apologies for the disturbance ma'am, but I have something for the kids. Can I share these gifts with them?" I said.

She smirked and said "sure."

I entered in the room and walked ahead cutting the compelling looks of the kids at me. I went close to the child and said;

"Hey champ! Want to celebrate Christmas?"

He didn't reply.

I said;

"I have something for all of you. Who wants to celebrate Christmas with me?" I showed them the gifts that I had bought for them.

All the kids jumped out of joy and surrounded me. Their exciting faces gave me the real bliss I had been searching for. I can not do all the good that the world needs but the world needs all the good that I can do.

I gave them pastries, cakes, ice creams, teddy bears, Christmas caps, books, toys etc. that I purchased for them. I couldn't hide my inner joy and so, I laughed heartily with my mouth wide open. World's best gift one could think is welfare of others. While I was engrossed among the kids, I realized that Mrs. receptionist had been staring me. As soon as I glanced at her, she turned sideways. I grinned. That was obviously, mischievous.

I looked down because somebody had been constantly pulling my shirt. It was the child. He said;

"Vivan and you?"

I smiled, knelt down and said;

"I can understand the pain of not having parents but Vivan life is ten percent of what happens to you and ninety percent of how you respond to it. Celebrate it."

His overwhelming smile made me conclude that it was the best Christmas gift I had ever got. For no one has ever become poor by sharing.

:) Thankyou.