The Priceless Gift

Only a few days left for the festival of lights Diwali and everyone got busy in the arrangement to decorate their houses. Mina and her family also purchased crackers for this Diwali. She helped her family in the decoration of their houses in a dashing manner. So much rush was there almost in everyone's house in that street as if all were eagerly waiting for this Diwali. Mina was planning to do some shopping for her and her family. She wanted to give a surprise to her family this Diwali. So without letting it know about her surprise plans to any of her family members, she got ready to go outside with some of her friends.

While going on the way, suddenly she saw there a shop where an old Woman was selling some earthen diyas. But people were going by that side without having a look on that shop. It seemed to Mina that the old woman was very sad over the sale of her diyas. Mina thought to help that poor old woman so that the latter can enjoy this Diwali happily. Mina prompted her inner voice and moved forward towards the old woman and asked "You know you look like my old grandmother. She also has dimples on both her cheeks when she smiles. Can I call you Dadi ? " Surely dear you can " came an affectionate voice.

Mina was very happy at the old woman's affectionate tone towards her. "Dadi , now I want all those diyas. Can you just pack it". The old woman couldn't believe at Mina's words. So she asked Mina, "Will you need all these Diyas dear. But what will you do with all these Diyas?"Mina smiled and said, "yes, dadi I need all those as I have a big family. And how many are there in your family, Dadi?" Tears dropped from her eyes suddenly and she told in a very sad tone, "Last year in a road accident my family members died leaving me all alone. "Mina got emotional at her sobbing words and tried to console her. "Now you are not alone Dadi. I am with you now and will be there forever with you. Dont worry dadi. Everything will be alright soon. From now onwards I will celebrate every festivals with you Dadi. Now you are also a part of our family memebers".

The old woman was surprised by the sweet and soft words of Mina and blessed her. Mina gave one thousand rupees note to the old woman and told her that she will come back again on the day of Diwali to celebrate with her.

That day the old woman was so much happy that it seemed to her as if it was Diwali today. "Really that sweet girl must be an incarnation of God to help me at my helplessness" she told and felt grateful towards God for this help. Anyway Mina however could bring a priceless Gift to her this Diwali. Here came the very eve of Diwali and Mina along with her friends went to that shop. There the old lady was sitting in her shop. Mina and her friends wished her Happy Diwali and gave some sweets and gifts to her. That day all her joys knew no bounds. Happily she accepted all their gifts and sweets. Mina also gave a new saree to the old woman and told her to wear. She also happily wear that one and thanked Mina and her Friends for all these.

"Can you come to my house with us Dadi now, so that we will celebrate it and make it memorable for ever". The old man said, "But your family members may not like me to interrupt in your celebration". "No, no dadi, nothing will happen like that. Indeed all my family members are very kind and good. I have already shared about you with them. And they also welcomed my idea".

Tears flew from the old lady's eyes on this happy moment. She went to Mina's house that day. All her family members welcomed her. It was the most happiest moment for her family to enjoy and celebrate that Diwali with a new family member. Mina was very much joyful that day. She went to her parents and said, "Can we make this old lady our family member permanently .Now she is also helpless in her hut. Can't we give her shelter in our house ? "Her parents felt proud of their daughter's decision and welcomed her idea. They told, "Really it was the Priceless Gift to her in this Diwali". A strange sparkling shine gleamed in the old woman's eyes when she was accepted happily in Mina's house. Indeed this marvelous effort of Mina is praiseworthy for she gave the Priceless Gift not only to the old lady but also to her family members that day.