Merciless

 In the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur, a group of university students embarked on a journey back to their university from a delightful getaway in Penang Island. Excited to share stories of their adventures and make lasting memories, they boarded their bus with laughter and cheerful chatter filling the air.

As the bus cruised along the highway, the students' stomachs began to grumble, signaling the need for a much-needed dinner break. The driver pulled over at a rest area, where the students disembarked and headed towards the food stalls. Famished, they ordered their meals and settled down at a nearby table, eagerly digging into their dishes.

Amidst the aroma of freshly cooked food and the clinking of cutlery, a young Malay girl, around the age of ten, approached the group. Her eyes were filled with innocence, yet a hint of desperation lingered within her gaze. She held a small pamphlet in her hand, containing the Surah Yasin, a revered chapter from the Quran.

The girl timidly approached the students, her voice barely audible as she beseeched them for some money in exchange for the pamphlet. Ignoring her plea, the students continued with their dinner, unaware of the profound impact this encounter would soon have on their lives.

Amongst the students, there was one named Maruf. He had a kind heart, shaped by the trials and tribulations he had faced throughout his life. Having experienced neglect and hardships firsthand, he understood the pain that accompanied being marginalized and ignored.

As the others brushed off the girl's request, Maruf's empathetic spirit stirred within him. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a 50 RM note, the most he had at the moment. He handed it to the girl with a warm smile and kindly asked her to keep the pamphlet and enjoy her time.

Tears welled up in the young girl's eyes, reflecting a mixture of astonishment, gratitude, and happiness. She thanked Maruf sincerely and departed from the scene, clutching the pamphlet tightly and cradling the newfound hope that the world could indeed be a compassionate place.

Unbeknownst to the rest of the group, Maruf's act of kindness was not merely a fleeting moment of generosity. It was rooted in the depths of his own painful past, where he had often felt neglected, unloved, and invisible. Maruf knew the power of a helping hand and the immense significance it held in the life of someone who felt unseen.

As the bus continued its journey, Maruf's thoughts drifted back to his own hardships. He recalled the moments when he yearned for a caring gesture, a kind word, or a glimpse of hope. Despite the hardships he endured, Maruf's heart remained resilient and compassionate.

In that fleeting encounter with the young girl, Maruf had not only given her financial assistance but had also bestowed upon her a glimpse of humanity's kindness. He had instilled in her the belief that even in a world that could be indifferent and harsh, there were still individuals who cared.

Although Maruf's story was one of heartbreaking struggles, it was also a tale of unwavering resilience and boundless compassion. With every act of kindness he extended, he brought light to the darkest corners of the world, proving that a single person's actions could spark a chain reaction of love and understanding.

As the bus approached their university in Kuala Lumpur, the students disembarked, their minds filled with unforgettable encounters. They carried with them a profound realization, inspired by Maruf's compassionate gesture, that true strength lies not in personal triumphs but in the ability to uplift others and bring solace to their souls. And so, their journey continued, forever changed by the heartbreaking yet transformative story of Maruf.