Asif, 12, is a quiet and introvert kid in my class and I always liked him for his kindness towards other children. Last year I and my colleague went to his village for some departmental work. He saw us and came running towards us. He insisted that we should meet his mother, pointing to a nearby house. Looking at the excitement on his face, we could not refuse. 

The one-room abode had bare brick walls, a few utensils and a dilapidated charpai. But we were greeted with big, bright smiles by his mother and sister. While exchanging greetings with the family, I noticed that Asif was trying to take out some coins from his clay piggybank. Before I could understand and stop him, he rushed outside the house, leaving us in the company of his family. He returned a few minutes later with four steaming hot samosas. 

While exchanging greetings with the family, I noticed that Asif was trying to take out some coins from his clay piggybank.

I knew that the samosas were bought with the all the little money he had in his piggy bank but still I couldn’t refuse. The warmth of his hospitality has stayed with me. I wish I could become such a perfect host!

(The writer is Assistant Teacher, Kamaalpur. Views expressed are her personal)
The name of the child has been changed to protect the identity.