Winter in Quetta is harsh, and all the schools in our locality had announced holidays due to the extreme weather conditions. I woke up early as usual, and after offering Fajr prayer, I headed to the living room.

My uncle was arriving from America that day. It had been years since I last saw him, and everyone in the house was excited for his arrival. Amma had taken out her finest crockery to serve the guests because, after all, guests are considered to bring blessings to the home.

Lost in my thoughts, I heard my mother’s voice call out, “Meekal, bring groceries for breakfast.”

I got up, ready to leave, but she called out again, “Meekal beta, don’t forget to wear a coat. It’s pretty cold outside.”

“Of course, mum,” I replied, running to my closet to grab my favourite coat — the blue one with the shiny golden buttons. I had received it for my birthday, but had only worn it once or twice.

After layering up properly, I stepped outside to fetch the groceries as instructed. I bought bread and eggs from Chacha Rasheed’s shop. As I was leaving, I noticed an old man sitting on a bench in the corner of the street, shivering uncontrollably while doing some labour work. He wore only a thin shirt and pajamas, which did little to keep him warm. My heart melted at the sight of him, and I ran towards him, offering my coat.

“Here, you need this more than I do,” I said, taking it off and draping it around his frail shoulders. His eyes filled with tears as he smiled weakly in gratitude.

When I returned home, Amma’s sharp eyes noticed my bare arms immediately. “Where is your coat?” she asked, her tone firm. “I told you to wear a coat before going out. I don’t like your careless behaviour. You could catch the flu!”

Just as I was about to explain, the oven timer went off, and she rushed back into the kitchen.

In the evening, when my uncle finally arrived, the house seemed to come alive. Familiarity and love filled the air, and laughter echoed from every corner, creating a buzz of excitement.

After dinner, my uncle announced that he had brought gifts for all of us. We gathered around him, curious and eager. Seema, my little sister, had asked for a talking doll.

“Here, I brought this for you, Seema,” my uncle said, handing her a pink box containing a beautifully wrapped doll.

Seema twirled around the room in joy. “Thank you, uncle!” she squealed.

“And Meekal,” my uncle said, turning to me with a warm smile, “I got something for you too.”

He handed me a package. As I unwrapped it, my eyes widened in surprise. It was a beautifully crafted blue coat, almost identical to the one I had given away earlier in the day. Its buttons shimmered like gold.

I couldn’t help but smile, realising that the universe had rewarded me for my kindness in the best way possible.

Published in Dawn, Young World, November 30th, 2024