Star Diary

A Kind Samaritan

The bus was crowded to its fullest capacity. Thankfully, I obtained a seat at the back of the bus. At one of the several bus stops, an elderly passenger got in the bus. I saw that a teenage girl, who sat in one of seats reserved for women and the elderly, scrambling to vacate her seat. I thought that she might be hurrying because her stop was next. But to my surprise, she offered the elderly man her seat. He was shocked at this gesture but accepted her offer with a smile on his face. The girl didn't seem perturbed about standing for the rest of her journey. People say that there is no good left in this world but my opinion changed after witnessing this scene.
Maeesha Ryaan Shams
Kalabagan, Dhaka

Self-respect

While walking over the Kakoli bridge in Banani for my customary evening walk, I saw a middle aged woman trying to sell newspapers on the pavement but to no avail.  She had barely six or seven newspapers on her left arm. She was shabbily clad and scrawny, but nonchalant. It was most likely to mistake her as a beggar. Feeling pity for her, a generous lady offered her a twenty taka note, but she politely refused to take it. Having no alternative left to help her, the lady bought a newspaper at a fixed price. I was surprised to observe the level of self-respect the poor woman possessed. .On the other hand, I know many selfish people who don't hesitate to take even a packet of cigarette when offered it for free or don't hesitate take back office stationery back home and don't repent after cheating someone else of their fair wages. The incident of that evening has stirred me so much that I have decided to remember that relaxed face to bolster my mental strength whenever I fall prey to human foible and weakness.
Nilmoni Samadder
West Kafrul, Taltola, Dhaka