For A Good Cause

One day, a little girl named Pia is getting ready to buy a new cycle. 

She had insisted on her parents to buy her a new cycle which has been put on display in the nearby shop. Her parents were so particular that she learned about savings from a very young age. So, they gave her a pink piggy bank and said they would give Rs.10 every week if she helped in household chores as pocket money and for every extra helping, she gets Rs.5.

Today, Pia is feeling more excited as she can't believe she is going to buy whatever she wanted with her own money. After about 4 years of helping her parents with chores, she has earned enough to buy her cycle.

Pia took her savings from her piggy bank, kept the money safely in her handbag, and decided to go on her own to the nearby shop.

On her way, she saw a girl, about the same age as hers selling newspapers in the hot summer sun. It's her maid’s daughter. The maid and her family stayed in a small hut in Pia’s house compound. Pia looked at her and thought how much struggle the girl has to go through to make her living whereas she is so fortunate. 

Pia looked at the money in her handbag. She did want a cycle and she made her decision.

When she came across the shop, she reached up for the shopkeeper table and asked, ”Uncle, I am Pia. I think my parents must have already informed you that I am coming to get my new cycle.”

The Shopkeeper said, ”Yes, It’s parked right near the entrance. Did you bring money for the cycle?”

Pia handed over the exact amount to the shopkeeper.

Shopkeeper: ”Pia, Do you know how to ride the cycle?”

Pia answered yes and then the shopkeeper told her to take the cycle.

She can't believe she is actually holding the cycle which she longed for. She is having a thrill ride on her way back home.

As soon as Pia reached home, she quickly put the cycle in front of the girl’s hut and went inside her home. She went to her room and checked her piggy bank. Her piggy bank is empty. Now, she has to wait for another four years to buy a new cycle. 

After a while, the girl returned to her hut from selling newspapers and was surprised to see a cycle. She called her mother, ”Mom, Whose cycle is this?”

Her Mom: “Maybe Pia’s friends must have left there accidentally. Let us go and ask.”

The girl and her mom went to Pia’s house and rang the doorbell. 

Pia’s mother opened the door.

Girl: “Aunty, I found a cycle. I think Pia didi’s friends unknowingly parked it there.”

Pia’s mother could recognize her daughter's new cycle but she has no clue why she has kept it in their place. She called Pia and asked her to come quickly. 

When Pia came, her mother asked why didn't she park the brand new cycle in the car shed. 

Pia replied that she has gifted her cycle to the girl as she needs it more than her and it would be easy for her to sell the newspapers. As for her, she will save enough money and buy the cycle later.

The girl and her mother thanked Pia and were smiling with tears.

Pia’s parents were speechless and very proud of her.

Pia didn't have to wait for too long for her new cycle. The very next day, her parents gifted her the cycle.