Aaryan was very excited because it was his eighth birthday today, and his parents had planned a party at their home in Pune. The living room sparkled with colorful balloons swaying gently in the breeze from the fan. Twisting streamers hung from the ceiling like rainbows, and a big “Happy Birthday” banner stretched across the wall. The air was filled with the sweet aroma of chocolate cake and the cheerful hum of birthday music playing in the background.
Earlier that day, Aaryan had helped his mom arrange the chairs for musical chairs and set out bowls of chips and juice boxes. He even made little name tags for each guest so they’d feel special.
He had invited all his school friends and kids from his apartment building. His best friend, Nihal, was the first to arrive, carrying a neatly wrapped gift with shiny red paper and a ribbon. One by one, the children streamed in, each bringing something unique for Aaryan. His eyes sparkled with joy—he couldn’t wait to open all the presents.
The party burst to life with laughter and cheerful squeals. They played musical chairs, raced to pop balloons in a relay game, and even held a wild little dance competition. Aaryan was having the best time ever!
After the games, Aaryan’s mom brought out the birthday cake—a delicious-looking double-layered chocolate cake with blue icing and tiny edible stars. Everyone gathered around, singing the birthday song at the top of their lungs. Aaryan closed his eyes, made a silent wish— “Let this be my best birthday ever” — and blew out the candles in one big puff.
Once the cake and snacks were served, Aaryan’s mother came out holding a big, colorful box. She smiled and said, “Aaryan has a surprise for all of you!”
The children looked at each other in confusion. “A surprise for us?” asked a girl named Saumya.
“Yes!” Aaryan said, beaming. “These are return gifts for each one of you. It’s my way of saying thank you for coming and making today so much fun!”
Aaryan and his mom began handing out the small gift bags. Each one was decorated with bright patterns and filled with cute goodies—a tiny keychain shaped like a cartoon animal, a pocket-sized storybook, a sheet of glittery stickers, and a bar of chocolate wrapped in golden foil.
The room buzzed with excitement as the kids explored their little treasures.
Nihal turned to Aaryan, wide-eyed. “Wow! This is so cool! But… why are you giving us gifts? It’s your birthday!”
Aaryan grinned. “Because you all brought me gifts and made my day awesome! My mom says giving is just as nice as receiving.”
Nihal nodded thoughtfully. “You know, I’ve never thought a birthday could be about others too. I want to do this at my party!”
As the giggles and chatter continued, Aaryan noticed his classmate Avinash standing quietly in a corner, clutching his return gift but looking down at the floor. He hadn’t played much during the party, and now he looked almost… sad.
Aaryan hesitated for a moment. Should he say something? Then he walked over, his heart beating a little faster.
“Did you like your gift?” Aaryan asked gently.
Avinash nodded slowly. “Yes. Thank you.”
Aaryan could tell something was bothering him. “Is everything okay?”
Avinash took a deep breath and whispered, “I… I didn’t bring you a gift. I really wanted to, but my parents couldn’t afford one. I feel bad taking this when I didn’t give you anything.”
Aaryan smiled warmly and patted his shoulder. “Hey, that doesn’t matter at all. You being here means so much to me. Friends don’t have to bring gifts to be special. I’m just happy you came.”
Avinash’s eyes lit up, and his lips curled into a shy smile. “Really?”
“Of course!” Aaryan said. “You made my birthday better just by being here.”
For the first time that evening, Avinash joined the other kids, laughing and playing like everyone else.
As the party wrapped up and the children waved goodbye with their return gifts in hand, Aaryan sat down beside the now-empty cake table. He looked around the messy, colorful room with a heart full of joy.
He reached into the return gift box and pulled out one last bag—the extra one his mom had packed—decorated in blue and yellow stars. He placed it in his drawer, not to open, but to remember how happy it had felt to make others smile.
Aaryan discovered something beautiful on his birthday: the joy of giving can be just as powerful as the joy of receiving.
He learned that true friendship isn’t about how big a gift is or whether there’s a gift at all. It’s about showing up, being kind, and making each other feel seen and appreciated. Sometimes, the smallest acts of kindness—like sharing, smiling, or simply including someone—can become the most unforgettable gifts of all.
Q. What surprise did Aaryan have for his guests
A. Aaryan gave each guest a return gift to thank them for coming to his party.
Q. What kind of games did the kids play at the party?
A. Kids played musical chairs, balloon relay, and had a dance competition.
Q. How did Aaryan respond when Avinash said he didn’t bring a gift?
A. Aaryan told Avinash that it did not matter and that just being there was enough.
Q. Who was the first guest to arrive, and what did he bring?
A. Nihal, Aaryan’s best friend, came first with a shiny red-wrapped gift.
Q. Why did Aaryan keep one return gift in his drawer?
A. Aaryan wanted to remember how nice it felt to make others happy.
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