Richer Than the Rich: Shehzad’s Lesson in Gratitude
A poor waiter envies the wealthy—until one surprising moment reveals who is truly blessed.
By Khan Published 4 months ago • 3 min read
Richer Than the Rich: Shehzad’s Lesson in Gratitude- BY:Khan
The smoky aroma of kebabs lingered in the air, making Shehzad’s empty stomach ache with hunger. Seated in his usual spot outside the restaurant, he watched with longing as platters of seekh kebabs and shami kebabs were served to wealthy customers. Inside a gleaming car parked near the entrance, Seth Fareed, a prominent businessman, savored a plate full of kebabs with hot bread, while his young son—about Shehzad’s age—enjoyed creamy malai boti.
Shehzad, however, could do nothing but watch.
For the past few months, he had been working at this upscale eatery as an outdoor waiter. His duty was to approach customers in their vehicles, take their orders, and deliver food to them with courtesy. The pay was meager, barely enough for survival. He lived with his poor uncle, who had taken him in after Shehzad lost his parents.
The restaurant was known for its delicious but costly food. Shehzad could never dream of buying it himself. Only on rare occasions, when the owner felt generous, did the workers receive a proper meal. Once, perhaps twice a month, Shehzad would taste the very food he spent his days serving. Each time, his heart would fill with happiness.
Yet, a burning desire lived inside him. He longed not just to eat such meals freely but to be served, to have someone wait on him with respect, the way he served others. But that dream seemed impossible. Every day, watching wealthy patrons dine, his sense of inferiority deepened.
Seth Fareed, in particular, made Shehzad restless. Dressed in fine clothes, driving a grand car, and eating expensive dishes with his son—he appeared to embody everything Shehzad was not. “How fortunate they are, and how unfortunate I am,” Shehzad often thought.
When these thoughts overwhelmed him, his uncle would console him. “Do not be sad, son,” his uncle would say. “Every life is different. Only Allah knows why He gives one person wealth and another poverty. We must be grateful for whatever He grants us.”
“But uncle, why are we poor?” Shehzad would ask, frustration heavy in his voice.
His uncle would patiently explain, “We are not alone. Millions are poor. The rich have their struggles, and the poor have their own. Everyone is tested. The true success is to remain pleased with Allah’s will.”
At times, Shehzad found comfort in these words. But the feeling never lasted long. Soon, his envy would return, pulling him back into sadness.
That day, rain clouds darkened the sky as crowds filled the streets. The air was festive, and business was brisk. Suddenly, a familiar luxury car pulled up—it was Seth Fareed’s. As always, Shehzad’s heart tightened with envy. He forced himself to walk to the car and politely asked, “What would you like to order, sir?”
To his surprise, Fareed’s face looked pale and weary. With a sigh, he said, “Son, just bring me some ice cream.”
Shehzad blinked in astonishment. Every time Fareed came, he ordered lavish meals. This was the first time he had asked for something so simple.
Just then, the restaurant owner, who was also Fareed’s friend, arrived. “Fareed bhai, today only ice cream? Nothing else?” he asked, puzzled.
Fareed lowered his eyes, his sadness deepening. Speaking slowly, as though each word pained him, he said, “I have eaten more than enough in life, Qamar sahib. But now, I can only eat ice cream. The doctors forbid me from eating anything else. You see…I have throat cancer.”
His voice was weak, his throat clearly hurting as he spoke.
Shehzad froze. His eyes widened as the words sank in. Silently, he turned to fetch the ice cream. Behind him, Fareed continued talking in a low voice, describing his illness, his treatment, and the strict restrictions he lived under.
Meanwhile, Shehzad’s thoughts raced. His uncle’s words echoed in his mind: Allah tests everyone in different ways. Until that moment, Shehzad had only seen wealth and luxury in Fareed’s life. He had envied his car, his food, his freedom. But now, he realized that beneath the surface, Fareed carried a burden far heavier than poverty.
For all his riches, he could not enjoy the simplest of meals. Kebabs, bread, malai boti—all the things Shehzad had envied—were forbidden to him.
Suddenly, Shehzad understood something profound: he, too, possessed a treasure. He had health. He could eat anything without fear. He could laugh, run, and live freely, without the shadow of disease. In that moment, Shehzad felt richer than the rich.
As he handed the ice cream to Fareed, a strange peace settled in his heart. The bitterness of envy faded, replaced by gratitude. He realized that wealth does not always mean happiness. True wealth is health, contentment, and the ability to thank God in every circumstance.
That day, Shehzad walked back to his uncle with a lighter heart. For the first time, he understood the wisdom behind his uncle’s words.
And though his pocket remained light, his soul felt immeasurably heavy—with gratitude, with peace, and with a newfound sense of being the richest person alive.
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