There once lived a girl named Saba who spent her early childhood in a peaceful village. Life there was simple, and happiness was found in small things. When Saba turned ten, her family shifted to the city for better opportunities. She was the only daughter of her middle-class parents, and they loved her deeply. They gave her everything they could — a good school, a safe environment, and all the facilities within their limited means.Saba was not very intelligent in studies. She tried hard but could never achieve high grades. Her report cards always showed average marks. Teachers often told her parents, “She is hardworking, but she struggles to understand quickly.” Despite this, Saba never stopped trying. She would sit for hours with her books, hoping her efforts would one day show results.In family gatherings, Saba often felt left out. All her cousins were brilliant students. They studied in expensive schools, won awards, and spoke confidently about their future plans. Their families were wealthier, and they carried a sense of pride about their status. Because of her middle-class background and low grades, Saba was rarely appreciated. Some cousins even ignored her, while others made fun of her simple personality.Slowly, relatives began advising Saba’s parents to stop focusing on her studies and arrange her marriage instead. “She is not meant for higher education,” they would say. “It is better to settle her early.” These words hurt Saba deeply, but she never complained. Her parents, however, still tried their best to support her education, hoping she would improve. But no matter how hard she worked, success in academics stayed distant.Eventually, when Saba turned twenty-two, her parents agreed to her marriage. She was married to Mehroz, a kind and hardworking young man from a middle-class family who were close family friends. Mehroz had recently started a small business. He was ambitious and believed in growing step by step.After marriage, Saba expected to live a quiet life at home. But Mehroz surprised her. He encouraged her to join him in his work. He valued her opinions and asked for her advice in small decisions. At first, Saba hesitated, doubting her abilities. But Mehroz’s trust gave her confidence.Days turned into months, and months into years. Saba worked beside Mehroz with full dedication. She managed records, dealt with customers, and helped plan new ideas. Her hardworking nature slowly became her strength. The business began to grow. Their financial condition improved, and they started achieving dreams they once thought were impossible.At family gatherings, the same cousins who once ignored Saba now praised her success. They admired her lifestyle and respected her opinions. Some even asked her for business advice. Saba would smile politely, remembering the days when she felt invisible among them.One evening, as she sat with Mehroz after a long day of work, Saba reflected on her journey. She realized that money alone was not success. True success was about finding people who believed in you, working with honesty, and growing together. At the same time, she understood that money does matter because it provides comfort, stability, and dignity — but it should never define a person’s worth.Looking at Mehroz, she felt grateful. He had seen potential in her when others only saw limitations. Saba finally felt at peace, knowing that life does not always reward intelligence with happiness, but it always honors sincerity and hard work.Her life became a quiet reminder that success is not measured by grades, wealth, or status, but by the strength to keep going when no one believes in you — and by the wisdom to value money without letting it define your heart.
