Small Story 132.

Small Story 132. The Lesson in Kindness and Integrity** Ramaseshan, a retired postmaster known for his honesty and helpful nature, was highly respected by everyone around him. He lived a comfortable life in a posh apartment, with two accomplished daughters in the software industry and two son-in-laws who were doctors. After his retirement, his daughters insisted that he and his wife, Pankajam, stay with them—one month with Vasanthi in Jay Nagar and the next with Sowmya in Malleswaram. One day, after attending a Grahapravesam (housewarming) ceremony of a friend's daughter in the distant Anjanapura area, Ramaseshan had a unique encounter. After a sumptuous lunch and some sweet hospitality, he was dropped at a nearby metro station. He took the train to Bhanashankari and then hailed an auto-rickshaw to return home. The driver quoted a fare of 50 rupees, which was typically only 30 rupees according to the meter, but Ramaseshan agreed. As they traveled, the driver spoke warmly of his respect for senior citizens, mentioning that he also cared for his elderly father. Ramaseshan was touched by this sentiment. However, upon reaching his apartment, the driver made an astonishing demand: 250 rupees. Ramaseshan, calmly pointing out that they had initially agreed on 50 rupees, was faced with the driver's insistence. Although Ramaseshan felt the driver's greed was evident, he didn’t argue and gave him an additional 150 rupees. The next evening, the security guard informed him that the auto driver wanted to meet him. When the driver came in, his eyes filled with tears as he apologized profusely, explaining that after his father fell ill, he had been consumed with guilt over his dishonest behavior. He had realized how wrong he had been and had come to return the extra money. Ramaseshan, moved by the driver's remorse, encouraged him to keep the money for his father's medicine. He advised the driver to always treat elders with respect and to consider them as his own family. The driver, deeply grateful, promised to follow this advice in the future and left with a sense of peace, believing that God had intervened in this incident to guide him toward becoming a better person. In the end, Ramaseshan's kindness and integrity not only taught a valuable lesson to the driver but also demonstrated how small acts of honesty can lead to profound moments of self-realization. K.Ragavan 21-1-25