Reading Test: The Price of Two Hours.

🌿 The Price of Two Hours

Arjun was a hardworking 20-year-old boy who lived in a small town. He was talented, full of dreams, and determined to build a successful future. Every day after college, he worked part-time at a café to earn money for his expenses. He wanted to reduce the financial burden on his parents.

One evening, after finishing his shift, Arjun noticed an elderly man sitting alone at a table. His clothes were old, and his hands trembled slightly. Arjun walked up to him and asked, “Sir, would you like some water?”

The old man smiled and said, “I’m fine, son. I’m just waiting for someone.”

Hours passed, customers left, and the café was about to close. But the old man still sat there—alone, silent, patient.

Arjun approached him again. “Sir, it’s getting late. Would you like to call someone?”

The old man nodded slowly. “Actually, I’m waiting for my son. He told me he would meet me today. I came two hours early because I didn’t want to keep him waiting.”

Arjun felt a sudden heaviness in his heart. He brought the old man a cup of tea from his own pocket. As they talked, the old man shared how he had spent his entire life working for his family, but now his son barely had time to visit him.

“People run so fast in life,” the old man said softly, “that they forget the ones who taught them how to walk.”

Just then, a message popped up on the old man’s phone.

“Sorry, Dad. I can’t come today. Maybe next week.”

The old man’s smile faded for a moment, but he quickly hid his sadness and whispered, “He must be busy.”

Arjun felt a deep ache witnessing this. He accompanied the old man to the bus stop and waited with him until the bus came.

Before leaving, the old man held Arjun’s hand and said,

“Son, remember this: Success is important, but never become too busy to give time to the people who gave time to you.”

Those words stayed with Arjun forever.

⭐ Moral:

Give time to your loved ones. Money returns, time never does.

📝 Questions for Reflection:

Comprehension Questions.

1. Why did Arjun work part-time at a café?

2. Why was the old man sitting alone in the café?

3. What message did the old man receive?

4. How did the old man react to his son’s cancellation?

5. What did the old man teach Arjun before leaving?

Deep Reflective Questions

6. Why do young adults often become too busy for family?

7. Do you think success is more important than relationships? Why or why not?

8. Have you ever ignored someone who cared for you because you were busy?

9. What is one small way you can give more time to your family starting today?

10. What lesson from the story do you personally connect with the most?