It was the 15th of Ramadan. Maaz came into the kitchen and asked, “Mom, what do we have for Iftar today?”  His mother replied, “Yogurt, fruits, juice, chicken and rice” 
    “What about pakoras? You know I love pakoras and iftar is incomplete without them.” “Son, I had asked you to go to Uncle Ashraf’s shop and get some gram flour. You forgot to bring it so I wasn’t able to make pakoras. Don’t worry, we’ll make some tomorrow.” she said. 

    But Maaz got really sad that he won’t be having his favourite food for iftar. He felt grumpy and went to the park. When it was time for iftar, Maaz didn't return home and his parents got worried. He came back by the time everyone had finished iftar.  “Where have you been? We’ve been so worried about you.” his Mom asked. 
“I’m so sorry Mom, I’ve learnt my lesson” said Maaz with his head down.
When he left his house, Maaz met his friend Arham and they started to play. After playing, Arham invited him to have iftar at his place. Arham’s mother brought iftar for them. To Maaz’s surprise, pakoras were missing there too! His plate was almost empty. Only a date, a loaf of bread and a small bowl of daal. He thought about the variety of iftar food that he enjoyed at his home every day. Maaz sulked. "Just because there weren't any pakoras, I got so mad. Why can't I be happy like Arham?" he thought. The simple meal made him realize that he was being ungrateful. He wasn't just forgetting to appreciate the blessings of Allah, but he was also not sharing what he had with those in need, like his poor neighbours and friends. Even though Arham’s family had less, they seemed to have bigger hearts.
    Maaz remembered Arham's dad, who worked extra hard to put food on the table, especially during Ramadan when prices went up. As Maaz sat with Arham, his father spoke. "Maaz, I know this isn't a fancy meal, but that's part of Ramadan's beauty. It teaches us patience, kindness, and strength." "No, uncle, it's okay," Maaz mumbled, realizing his mistake.
    After breaking his fast with Arham and offering thanks to Allah, Maaz politely asked permission to leave. Arham and his father walked him out. As Maaz entered his own house, he was filled with a mix of regret and a newfound understanding. He told his parents the entire story. "I'm so sorry, Dad. I realized I've taken everything for granted while Arham doesn't have as much. But I'm also happy. My craving for pakoras led me to a valuable life lesson." The next day, Maaz and his parents visited the market, buying not just food for their own iftar, but groceries as well. In the afternoon, Maaz and his mother delivered the provisions to Arham's home. Maaz even extended an invitation, asking the family to join them for their evening iftar meal. This act of kindness became a daily ritual for the rest of Ramadan. Maaz, no longer focused on his desires and ensured Arham and his sisters received a delicious iftar tray every day.