Hamna* was very excited today. After all the day for which she had been waiting had finally arrived. She was very positive about achieving the gold medal in the final exam.  All the nights which she had diligently worked through were sure to pay off. During the course of preparation, she often thought of the “great happiness” which she would feel on achieving her hard earned medal.

…The hall echoed with  applause amidst which Hamna approached the stage to receive her medal. She felt a sense of achievement and pride. She was pleased, after all it was her hard work that had paid off. She was happy but…she felt something missing.

Her car stopped for a traffic signal. It was a very hot afternoon. She took out her bottle of juice and was about to take a sip when she heard a tap on her window. She saw a little girl begging earnestly. Something in the eyes of the little girl struck Hamna. She quickly opened the window and was just in time to hand the juice to the girl before her car begun to move. The little girl smiled and waved to Hamna. The shine on her face gave Hamna a new sense of happiness. The happiness which was far greater and precious than the gold medal hanging around her neck.

The little experience taught Hamna a big lesson :

“The Secret of Happiness lies in Giving“