A little boy, a Rs 70 ice cream and a father’s helplessness: Man shares a heartbreaking encounter and a message for everyone

An ordinary visit at an ice-cream shop left a finfluencer named Anirban reflecting on the financial struggles of others which often remains invisible. While returning from his son's tuition, he saw a father walk out of a shop after seeing the price of an ice-cream cone that his excited little boy wanted. However, the son's excitement quickly faded upon seeing his father's reacting, leaving Anirban thinking about the father's dignity and the realities that many other families face. He shared the encounted on social media with a heart-felt message during the festive season.

A Rs 70 ice cream lesson

Anirban began his post by reflecting on how a small everyday incident can offer a deeper lesson about life. He was returning from his son’s tuition when they stopped at an ice cream shop. While his own son was delighted to get the treat he wanted, Anirban noticed another boy of roughly the same age waiting outside with his father.

The father initially appeared reluctant to enter, but the two eventually stepped inside. The little boy picked a cone ice cream priced at Rs 70. According to Anirban, the father seemed startled by the cost before turning around and hurrying out of the shop.


The child’s reaction stayed with him. Anirban described how the boy’s face fell and his excitement disappeared within moments.

He considered buying the child an ice cream himself. After all, he reasoned, the boy was no different from his own son. But he eventually decided against intervening.

Why he did not offer the ice-cream to the child?

Anirban did not offer an ice-creamt to the child despite wanting to. He explained that he was worried his gesture, no matter the intention may leave the father embarassed and hurt his dignity. He empathised with the man and took into account that maybe he might already be dealing with difficulties that is not visible. Reflecting on the incident, the finfluencer described it as a glimpse into the “silent struggle of the lower middle class”.

For him, the heartbreaking part was not just seeing the father unable to afford the sweet treat, but also wondering how he would have to explain to his child the reason why the young boy's simple request could not be fulfilled. He acknowledged that he might have read too much into a brief encounter, but the boy’s disappointed expression remained with him.

The incident also prompted him to reflect on how adults often want to give their children happy experiences, while financial constraints can make even modest purchases difficult. A Rs 70 ice cream, he suggested, can mean very different things to different families.

Anirban’s festive-season appeal: Give domestic workers a bonus

The encounter eventually led Anirban to a broader message about how people spend during the festive season. He pointed out that families often set aside thousands of rupees for shopping, celebrations, gifts and decorations to make their homes look beautiful and keep their children happy. However, he urged people to remember the workers who help run their households throughout the year