Small Story 376.

Small Story 376 Hesitation Answered Newspaper agent Ramarao came to visit his old friend, Satyanarayan. "Hey Rama, how are you? Why did you suddenly call and ask me to come here?" asked Satyanarayan with a curious smile. "I need a small help," Ramarao said hesitantly. "My grandson sent me a parcel through a friend from Holland. Due to the ongoing air strike, his friend will only reach tomorrow. He’s sent me a draft too, but I haven’t received it yet. I need to pay ₹50,000 as a deposit to a newspaper today — and today is the last day. If you can lend me the amount, I’ll return it as soon as I receive my parcel." Satyanarayan was taken aback. He hadn’t expected such a request from his close buddy. He had just spent ₹1,00,000 on minor house repairs and didn’t have that much cash on hand. As he hesitated, unsure of how to respond, his wife Savitri entered the room carrying tea and biscuits. Hearing Ramarao's voice, she greeted him cheerfully. "Anna, how are you? And how is Manni?" "All are fine," replied Ramarao with a faint smile. Without missing a beat, Savitri said, "Anna, I have ₹50,000 saved from my music tuition earnings. Please take it." Satyanarayan was stunned and silently applauded the presence of mind and kindness of his wife. He had been struggling to find a way to help his friend, and she solved it in an instant. Savitri smiled at her husband, who now understood — this wasn't the first time she had quietly stepped in during difficult times. Her habit of saving from their modest income had often helped them and others during emergencies. As Ramarao left with a grateful heart and without Satyanarayan having to say a word, he sat beside his wife and whispered, “Helping others truly brings great joy.” Savitri simply nodded, her calm smile saying everything. K.Ragavan 22-9-25