The full moon hung high in the inky black sky, casting a silvery glow on the village of Kishkinda. Little Maya, nestled in her warm bed, sighed contentedly. Tonight, the moon was especially full, almost as if it were a giant, shimmering pearl in the velvet night.
Maya loved the full moon. She'd sit by the window, watching the moonbeams dance on the fields below. Every night, she imagined the moon was a giant, friendly owl watching over her village. Tonight, she wanted to see more than just the moon.
She peeked out the window. The soft moonlight highlighted the little, intricate carvings on the door of the local bakery. Maya's stomach rumbled. It was her favourite bakery. She wanted a delicious, sweet treat, a *kheer-malaai* (a milky sweet).
But it was very late. The bakery was closed. Maya felt a little sad. Sometimes, wanting something made her heart heavy. A tiny bird chirped outside her window. Maya smiled. The bird was also waiting for the morning. Her parents were always very patient.
Maya remembered her mother telling her stories of the moon and stars. Stories of patience and kindness. Stories about appreciating the smallest things.
The thought of the delicious kheer-malaai made her mind wander. She remembered how hard her parents worked to provide for the family, especially when the village had very little harvest. She realised that everything good needed time.
Maya snuggled deeper into her bed, listening to the soft sounds of the night. The chirping crickets, the rustling leaves, the gentle breeze. Each little sound was a gift. She realised that the bakery would be open soon. She could have the special treat tomorrow.
She closed her eyes, a warm feeling filling her heart. The full moon, the quiet night, the stories, and most of all, the patience to wait - all brought a feeling of gratitude. Maya understood that waiting, like the full moon, was beautiful. Appreciating the small things, like a treat, was wonderful. And kindness was the best gift of all.
She drifted off to sleep, feeling grateful and happy. The full moon, a silent guardian, watched over her, ensuring she would sleep well. And Maya knew, with a happy heart, that patience, like the moon, was always worth the wait.
The next morning, Maya woke up eager to go to the bakery. She knew she would get the delicious kheer-malaai she craved. But she would always remember that waiting for good things was wonderful, and an important part of being kind and patient.