Small Story 328.

Small Story 328 Brotherly Bond Above Money Ramu hesitated to press the calling bell of his brother Raju’s flat. The reason? A bitter argument they had three years ago regarding their father's property. Ramu believed Raju was hiding something about their father's will, and in anger, had declared he didn’t want any share and walked away. Now, time had passed. Ramu’s daughter Anupa’s marriage was fixed, and he found himself short of fifty thousand rupees. After much thought and inner turmoil, he finally gathered the courage and pressed the bell. Raju opened the door and greeted him as usual, with warmth. His sister-in-law, Nirmala, welcomed him in and asked him to stay for lunch. Ramu gave her a box of sweets, asked about her parents, and their son, Nath. Nirmala smiled and said Nath was working in Mumbai and was doing well. Then came the moment. Raju looked at Ramu and gently asked, “What brings you here after three years?” Ramu, humbly, explained, “Anupa’s marriage has been fixed. I need fifty thousand rupees. If you could give me whatever share I deserve from our father’s property, I would accept it now without questioning anything.” Raju sighed. “Ramu, you always thought I was hiding something and not giving you your share. But let me remind you—we are the sons of retired, honest Headmaster Sundaresh. He taught us to live with values, integrity, and to respect everyone, regardless of religion or status.” He continued, “Our father made a will, dividing the property into three equal parts—one for you, one for me, and one for a charitable trust to support deserving students and help in marriages of poor girls. When you asked about the will three years ago, I had already submitted it to our lawyer, who was abroad at the time. He returned after three months and executed the will. But by then, you had walked away, misunderstanding me.” Raju handed the will to Ramu, who read it silently, eyes welling with tears. He looked at Raju and said, “I’m sorry. I failed to understand you. I forgot we are Headmaster Sundaresh’s sons.” Raju hugged him and replied, “Don’t worry. I’m your brother. The fifty thousand rupees you need for Anupa’s wedding—I’ll give it. And your share of the property is safe and always yours.” With tears in his eyes, Ramu thanked his noble-hearted brother. Nirmala, standing nearby, smiled warmly and whispered, “Finally, the misunderstanding in our family is cleared.” K.Ragavan 5-8-25