August 04, 2007

“Shiza, come here. I have something for you,” said her father. ‘‘What is it?” Shiza asked excitedly.

“Close your eyes until I tell you to open,” said her father. “Now open your eyes,” said her father again.

“Aaaagh! Just a Barbie doll, I told you that I want it with Barbie house and all its accessories!” Exclaimed Shiza.

“I told you that your father will buy them later,” said her Mom.

“Mom! I told you that I want all the things before the 15th of this month, I have invited all my friends for my birthday party and told them that I also have a Barbie and other toys like Alina.”

Shiza was a student of class three. She belonged to a middle class family. Her father was an honest government officer. He always tried hard to fulfil all his duties but Shiza had a habit of complaining. She always compared herself with others and wanted all the things her friend Alina had.

Her father was unable to bring the other toys before her birthday party. As a result Shiza was sulking until her friends started arriving. Then she put a false smile on her face and started greeting them. After having snacks her friends asked her to show the toys. At first Shiza tried to divert them but as they kept on insisting she confessed that she only had a Barbie doll. They called her a liar and made fun of her.

Shiza felt very upset and humiliated. She told her parents that she would not continue her studies in the same school, as she can’t face her friends. Her parents tried to convince her but to no avail. She wasn’t ready to go to school on any condition.

After a week she went to school to take the transfer certificate. Over there she met her friends. “Where is Alina?” Shiza inquired.

“She left the school because her father was arrested; he was a dishonest person who took bribes,” one of her friends informed her.

“Oh really?! I can’t believe it, my father is also a government officer but he never took bribes from anyone,” she said in a proud tone.

“You are lucky but why you are not coming to school nowadays?” inquired another friend.

“I will come from tomorrow,” said Shiza.

Upon returning home Shiza apologised to her parents and promised that she will continue her studies in the same school, will never compare herself with others and will always thank God for whatever she has.