Asha was born in a poor rural area along the Ganga River. Her father died early, and her mother worked hard to raise her two sisters. A difficult life taught Asha how to live frugally, be independent, and appreciate the little things. When she went to university in New Delhi, Asha worked many jobs: waitressing at a coffee shop, tutoring, selling online… Thanks to that, she not only covered her living expenses but also sent some money back to her mother. It was during a part-time job at the library that Asha met Arjun – a tall, gentle senior student from a well-off family in South Delhi.

After dating for more than a year, Arjun offered to take Asha home to meet his parents. Asha was both happy and worried. She knew that their circumstances were far apart, but she believed in Arjun’s sincere feelings.

That morning, Asha woke up early to go to the market, choosing the freshest fruits: red apples, purple grapes, yellow oranges, and a few pomegranates. She carefully arranged them in a pretty wicker basket, tied with a ribbon. Although the gift was simple, it was the best she could buy with her own money.

Arjun’s house, Asha greeted him politely. Arjun’s father, Rajesh Mehta, happily responded, while his mother, Sunita, only glanced at the fruit basket, her eyes slightly indifferent.

“What did she bring, Arjun?” she asked.

“Yes, fruit for dessert.” Arjun smiled.

Sunita nodded slightly, then turned to the kitchen and whispered something to the maid. Asha didn’t pay attention, still thinking everything was normal.

A moment later, the dining table was laid out. In front of Asha was a plate of lightly boiled vegetables, a bowl of thin dal, a plate of cold fried paneer, and a few cold rotis. Everything was simple, while the aroma from the kitchen still wafted out. Through the crack in the door, Asha caught a glimpse of a sumptuous meal being carried away: steaming biryani, butter chicken, fish tikka, prawn masala, mutton rogan josh…

Arjun frowned: “Mom, I thought you cooked a lot of dishes this morning?”

Mrs. Sunita smiled awkwardly: “Ah, those dishes are saved for the guests this afternoon. It’s better to eat frugally, my dear.”

Asha smiled slightly, picked up her chopsticks (and spoon) and ate a few bites, but she understood. The atmosphere at the table was heavy.

After eating for a while, Asha put down her chopsticks and stood up gently. The whole table turned their eyes to her. Asha’s voice was calm but clear:
“Ma’am, I know your family is much better off than mine. I was born in the countryside, eating boiled vegetables and light soup is normal, some days I don’t even have it. But today I came here not to test your endurance, but to meet and chat with your family. A meal is not just food – it is also a warm welcome. I brought this fruit basket not because I don’t know what to buy, but because it is the best thing I can choose for myself. I believe that love and sincerity are more precious than any gift.”

The atmosphere fell silent. Mr. Rajesh coughed softly, his eyes looking at Mrs. Sunita meaningfully. Arjun lowered his head, clearly embarrassed.

Asha continued:
“I love Arjun, and I think that if I am lucky, I will have another family to love. But I also understand that a family can only exist when there is mutual respect. If I am looked down upon just because I am poor, I think we should stop here.”

After saying that, Asha bowed and was about to leave. Arjun stood up:
“Asha, wait for me!” Then he turned to his mother, his voice rarely harsh:
“Mom! I love Asha not because she is rich or poor. If you continue to be so critical, I will leave the house with Asha.”

Mrs. Sunita was confused. The gazes of everyone in the house made her face burn. Mr. Rajesh slowly said:
“You did wrong. What we need to keep are kind people, not lavish feasts.”

Mrs. Sunita was silent for a few seconds and then sighed:
“I… I’m sorry. I was too critical. Those dishes… I will ask them to bring them out, everyone can eat.”

Asha smiled:

“Thank you, but I think we should go home today. If fate allows, I will come again – and hopefully, we will be more sincere then.”

She walked out the gate, Arjun running after her. Mrs. Sunita stood looking at the little girl’s back, suddenly feeling disappointed. She realized that with just a few words, Asha had made the whole family reconsider their behavior.

And from that day on, the sumptuous meal was still served, but Mrs. Sunita no longer found it as delicious as before.