What I have learnt

I had everything anyone could possibly dream of. My hair, gorgeously curled with primly smoothness, coloured with roasted chestnuts. I am beautifully tanned from my Mexican-Indian background. My face is angelical. My figure is slender and complexion is perfect. Both my parents are multi-millionaires. Nevertheless, with unimaginable beauty and the world’s wealth, I was arrogant, self-centered and idle.

I’ve always lived comfortably, never had a thing to worry about- carefree as anything! One of my parent’s most loyal servants and adviser, Paris, feared for my behaviour; to which she decided to teach me a valuable lesson. I deeply trusted her and she knew it...

A forever dream of mine is to visit the populous, modern and incredible city of Dubai. However, because my mother hadn’t been on good terms with the prime minister, I was forbidden to go; which crushed any elements of hope from me. Paris knew about this, to which she used to her greatest advantage.

On one icy October morning, Paris arrived in my chamber, asking if I could go to the Trinity Rose Garden- just one of five parks father owned- for a small talk. With no second thought, I accepted. Popped on my puffer jacket and dashed out. Paris awaited me with a bright, cheery smile. “I am aware of your desires to visit Dubai, Ivy”, she uttered, “and your parents will not approve of you travelling, however what if I told you I could send you there for seven days...and no one shall know”, I was beyond bewildered, ‘H-h-how? I don’t believe you!’, I muttered, shivering in the cold breath of the wind. Paris pulled out a tattered roll of paper with a large overview of the city of Dubai; she explained that when I hop into the paper it shall take me to the city. Needless to say, being the avaricious child I was, I ignored any further explanation from her and dashed in- excited as a lamb in spring. As I was falling at rocket speed, a little black notebook hit me on the head. I bellowed, “OUCH, how dare you!” When I finally realised it was a notebook, I picked it up - still annoyed- to find a note. It read, ‘Hello Ivy, whenever you shall be in dismay or trouble, write me a message; I shall pass this on straight to Paris! Enjoy but remmeber to be kind :)’

I found the book pathetic and immediately tossed it away. I began roaming around, like a lost cub. The city was astronomical to say the least. Being the ripe age of ten, I began to feel intimidated and regretful- I should have listened to Paris. Nevertheless, I did not want to appear afraid or timid thus I darted into the nearby forest and awaited for the next chapter of my life. The forest was moist, damp and unpleasant, the constant fear of wolves and other live animals terrified me to the core. It must be luck or a coincidence as a middle-aged couple (Aisha and Mohammed) felt pity for me and decided to take me back to their house. I accepted.

We travelled for what seemed like eternity before arriving at their miniature flat. The building was much smaller compared to the rest, it was barely upright and nevermind habitable. The once bold and bright painting had worn off, leaving this ashy, dull and depressing flat. Even the flat itself seemed to have lost any sense of satisfaction. At the time, I was horrified. Never in my life had I seen something so poverty-striking- I was sick. How can anyone live in this dump? One thing I did not seem to realise was how merry and joyful the couple looked, despite their disadvantaged backgrounds they lived to the very best, something I had never brought into account.

They guided me into their room. “Here we are Room 7, The Khan Family. Oh darling, you must be awfully hungry! Come in, come in.”, Aisha welcomed. I was sceptical, the feeling of having to be inside anything but a mansion bothered me. Nonetheless, I, indeed, was restless.

The tender couple sat me down, served me some freshly baked pieces of bread coated with sweet strawberry jam and black coffee. I was surprised, “How dare you offer me ordinary food?”, I demanded. I could see the confusion on their faces after my declaration. Mohammond rushed downstairs, in search of “better” food. They both left after a portion of goat cheese and Luqaimat was served to me. Again, I loathed the idea of cheap, simple food but as my stomach growled with hunger, I gobbled it down. I had no intentions of being grateful towards the couple. After all, isn’t this what they were meant to do? My father is the richest man back in my country.

I finished the meal and tiptoed downstairs. To my greatest horror I heard, “But those were our last source of food!”, Aisha weeped. “It’s fine honey, we have to be kind to that girl, she is in more need than us”, replied Mohammed, comforting his wife. At that exact moment, shame and embarrassment flooded me. I cannot believe the amount of love and kindness the couple gave a stranger like me. I realised then that kindness costs nothing.

From that day forward, I began helping around the house- anything I could. This was the only time- ever! I had been lazy and arrogant my entire life. I cleared the dishes, water the roses, swept the floor and so on. They were pleased and taught me more skills. I baked a cake, learned to knit and dance. To this day, I still cannot thank the amount of compassion and lessons the couple have given me, truly amazing people. They showed me that all the riches of the world cannot beat or compare to pure warmth of a human heart.

On my final day, I searched for the little black notebook I had once tossed away. I knew my parent would happily give me $20,000. I wanted to give Aisha and Mohammed the cash, their living conditions were unbareable to continue to live in.

'Hello Paris, I understand now. Thank you for my lesson, they've taught me well. Please give me $20,000, they deserve it.'

The time arrived. I handed over the cash, like they handed me the plate of food. "I am incredibly thankful for you two, I will never forgot the vaulable lessons you've taught me! This is just a small thank you, I hope this will be useful, take care", I said. There were a few drops of tears, but all in all just pure cheerfullness. I left them happier than ever. They left me better than ever. Thank you Paris.