𝒲𝒶𝓇𝓂𝓉𝒽

"All the other kids got higher grades. Unlike you, they know how to make their parents proud!" Among the constant rebukes he received, this particular sentence got stuck in Karl’s mind. Karl was an average 16 year old with a charming face and a bubbly personality. He felt as if he was gifted with everything but the ability to learn. His academic life was contrary to his personality- dull. It didn’t affect him until his mom pointed it out. From that moment he was determined to study and make his parents proud.

"Stop trying to seek attention!" Again, where did he go wrong? Three years he tried so hard, studied day and night to score good grades like the other children. Now, his grades are higher than others. His college life was a cut above his school life. 'STUDENT COUNCIL SECRETARY' was etched on the badge he held within his palm. He was entrusted with such a huge responsibility. He mentally gave himself a pat on his back for coming all the way here on his own. 'Now my mom would be proud of me', he thought. He hurried home to show it to her. The glint of excitement shining through his eyes was immediately replaced with gloominess on hearing her response. He did all this for her. He never needed attention. Whatever he does, his mom was quick to find a flaw in it. 'Am I incapable of making others happy? Am I not good enough?' These thoughts made his self awareness escalate. He no longer cared what others think. He became stoic and adapted a clipped way of speaking.

Years went by. Once a bubbly boy now an austere CEO. Charm and wealth can’t conceal his terrible attitude. Karl’s infamous cold demeanor made people assume he’s incapable of love and affection. His employees feared him. He didn’t mind that. At the end of the day it helped him get the work done.

One day, on the way to his office he found a little girl in the facade of the building crying her eyes out. Immediately, he halted his Maserati and approached the crying girl. She seemed to be around 5 years old. "What is your name? Why are you crying?", he enquired cautiously while kneeling down to her level. "Its L-Lia…I’m lost! I can’t find my mom!" wailed the little girl. He felt heartbroken hearing the ceaseless sobs erupting from her lungs. Without further ado he instructed the employees around to find her mother. After 15 minutes of restless searching, Lia was successfully reunited with her mother. It was a sight to see.

Her mother was beyond relieved on finding her daughter. She held Karl's hands and conveyed her heartfelt thanks. The employees witnessing the scene were utterly shocked to see this side of him.

Unconsciously, a smile was formed on Karl’s face when little Lia ran back to him kissing his cheeks as a sign of gratitude. Her contagious smile elevated his mood. Right at that moment, Karl felt one thing he ached for all these years - WARMTH.

At times, all one could ask for is affection and appreciation for little things. Be the one to give them that. Treat people with kindness.