Ana's Diwali of Kindness

Diwali shines brightest when kindness lights the way.

Ana was a teenage girl who lived with her loving parents. She was in high school and was known for being polite, kind, and friendly to everyone around her. It was October, and her family was excitedly preparing for Diwali, the festival of lights. The house was buzzing with activity as they cleaned every corner, decorated the rooms with vibrant colors, and lit beautiful diyas inside and outside their home.

As Ana helped her mother place the diyas around the house, she curiously asked, "Mommy, why do we celebrate Diwali?"

Her mother smiled warmly and replied, "We celebrate Diwali to mark the triumph of light over darkness and the victory of good over evil. It reminds us to always choose kindness and goodness in our lives."

Ana nodded thoughtfully. After a moment, she hesitated but then asked, "Since it’s about light over darkness, can I use some of my piggy bank money to help my friend Nia?"

Her mother looked at her with pride and asked, "Of course, Ana. But why do you want to help Nia?"

Ana explained softly, "Nia lost her dad in a car accident. Her mom works part-time, and I know things have been hard for them. I just want to support my friend and make her happy."

Her mother’s eyes softened. She gently placed a hand on Ana’s shoulder and said, "That is such a thoughtful thing to do, Ana. I’m so proud of you. Let’s do even more, I’d like to give Nia some new clothes and shoes as well."

Ana’s face lit up with joy. "Thank you, Mommy! You’re so kind," she said, hugging her mother tightly.

The next day was Badi Diwali, the main day of the festival. Ana and her mother packed a bag full of Diwali sweets, new clothes, shoes, and even a few board games for Nia. They walked over to Nia’s home together.

When they arrived, Nia greeted them with a surprised smile. "Ana! Aunty! What’s all this?" she asked.

Ana handed her the bag and said cheerfully, "Happy Diwali, Nia! I know you don’t celebrate Diwali because you’re Christian, but I wanted to share the joy of this festival with you."

Nia opened the bag and gasped in delight at the thoughtful gifts, colorful clothes, shiny new shoes, delicious sweets, and toys. She looked at Ana with teary eyes and said, "Thank you so much, Ana. You’re the best friend anyone could ever have. This means so much to me."

Ana smiled shyly. "You’re my friend, Nia. I just wanted to make you happy."

Nia’s mother came out and thanked Ana’s mother warmly for their kindness. "You’ve made this day so special for us. Thank you for thinking of us," she said.

As they walked back home, Ana felt a deep sense of happiness in her heart. She realized that sharing joy with others made the festival Diwali even more meaningful.

That Diwali became one of the most memorable ones for Ana and her family, not because of the lights or decorations but because of the simple act of kindness that lit up someone else’s life.