Sattar was very excited because the New Year Eve’s party was approaching and as usual it was going to be held in his uncle Bashir’s home. Suddenly, he saw his grandfather who was looking very upset and sitting alone.

Sattar went to him and asked, “Dada, why are you sitting alone and very sad as well, is there anything wrong with you?”

His grandfather replied, “No I am fine. I just feel like sitting alone.”

“Dada, you know New Year party is near, so are you preparing for it?” asked Sattar excitedly.

“No dear, I am not. With the passage of time and years, the world has completely changed and I don’t see any point in celebrating the world I see today,” answered his grandpa disappointingly.

“I know something is wrong with you and you are not telling me. Please Dada, tell me what is the problem?” Sattar insisted.

“Today, I am sad because I feel like a stranger in the world I am living in. It is not the same as I have known. Now everyone is busy with their own work, your father is busy with business and spends all his time looking after his companies. Your brother is busy on the computer, your sisters are busy watching dramas and your mum is busy in household work and no one is helping her. I don’t know how to pass my days,” said his grandpa sadly.

“Dada, aren’t I here to talk with you?” said Sattar.

His grandpa smiled and said “Yeah, you are here but what about others? In our days, we had a fix time each day when the whole family sat together and talked, shared problems and laughed together. Our relations were very strong, but the world today is taking us further away from our relatives.”

That night Sattar thought about what his grandfather said and an idea flashed in his mind. He decided to have a surprise New Year party at his own home and make everyone come together that day. As New Year eve was near and so Sattar got busy in preparing for the party. He had kept it a secret from his grandfather and asked everyone not to let him know about it in order to surprise him.

It was December 31, everyone was busy with their own work. His grandfather was sitting in his room, reading a book. When the clock struck 8pm, everyone started gathering in the living room and Sattar went to call his grandfather. When he arrived in the living room, he was surprised to see the arrangements for the party and everyone gathered there.

“Today we are not going anywhere, rather we will be together and celebrate it this evening at home. There are four hours remaining in the new year, so let us have some fun. And grandpa will join us today as he does not get to spend as much time as he would like with us. Today’s party is especially for you grandpa!”

The whole family felt ashamed and apologised to grandpa for being busy in their own lives and ignoring him. Then they had a wonderful dinner, talked together, telling stories and jokes as they waited for midnight. After the clock struck 12, they wished each other a very happy New Year and promised grandpa that they would spend some time with him each day and not ignore him.

Sattar saw his grandfather looking very happy while talking with the family members. He came to Sattar and said, “My dear child, I am really thankful to you. Due to you I feel excited and alive again today. I thought that with each passing day and year, things will only get worst but I know that this new year is going to be a good one. Now I wish to live longer to enjoy with everyone.”

Sattar was excited too at seeing his grandpa happy and because his grandpa’s prayers were with him.

So what do you think guys? Like them, we should celebrate the New Year together as well.

Published in Dawn, Young World, December 28th, 2019