Getting his shoes polished by the old man sitting on the pavement near the office was a regular routine for him. However, a strange thing I had been noticing for the past several days was that every time after getting his shoes polished, he would argue with the old man, claiming the polish wasn't done right and demanding he do it again. Surprisingly, he would also pay the fee twice for the double polish, even though that hardworking elder shined the shoes perfectly the very first time. Upon my friend's objection, the old man would just smile faintly, polish the shoes again, and affectionately put them on his feet. Today, when I asked my friend the reason behind this act of his, he replied: "A person who earns through hard work at this age is highly self-respecting. In order to give him double compensation for his hard work, I falsely find fault so that I can help him out." I couldn't help but be deeply impressed by my friend's way of thinking... Today, on my way back from the office, I was alone. As I passed near the pavement, I saw the old man's elderly eyes searching for my friend alongside me. I turned back, went to him, and said: "Please polish my shoes today." While putting on the polished shoes, I extended a two-rupee coin from my pocket toward the old man. Looking at the coin, he said: "Son, I charge five rupees for polishing, not two!" I asked in surprise, "But you take two rupees from my friend every day for a single polish, even though he always objects to your hard work the first time!" The elder looked at me with a smile and replied: "I know your friend objects the first time so that he can get his shoes polished a second time, pay me a double wage, and help me out. That is why I only charge him half the wage the first time!" Hearing the old man's reply, I placed five rupees on his palm and looked into his eyes with a wonder-filled smile. Along with the sparkle of self-respect, the color of empathy was also prominent in them. Indeed, empathy is an unknown bond that is connected solely by the string of mutual feelings. ___________📝📝📝___________ Narrated. Selection: Islamic Tube Pro App