Small Story 397.

Small Story 397. A Debt of Kindness : The Repaying Dilemma Ramesha sat quietly, waiting for his token number to be called at the famous eye hospital. After retiring from a private firm, he and his wife Padma were managing their lives with a modest interest income from his savings. Their only daughter was married and settled in Hunsur with her husband, a school teacher. Their grandson was in the final year of his engineering course. After a long wait, the doctor examined Ramesha’s eyes and informed him that he needed cataract surgery in his right eye. It wasn’t unexpected—he had been putting it off for months due to financial constraints. The surgery, even after a discount, would cost ₹45,000—an amount he simply couldn't afford on his limited income. Ramesha nodded quietly, saying he’d take a decision in a few days, and left the hospital. At home, Padma was equally worried. Their income barely covered their day-to-day expenses. Though their daughter was financially stable, they had never once asked her for help. Ramesha silently prayed to their family deity, seeking a way out of this dilemma. Suddenly, there was a call from outside. A young man stood at the gate, smiling warmly. Ramesha couldn’t recognize him at first. The young man approached and said, “Uncle, I’m Vivek—your friend’s son. Thank you for signing as a guarantor for my visa documents last year. I got a job in Singapore and am leaving tomorrow. I came to seek your blessings.” Looking at Ramesha’s face, Vivek paused. “Uncle, you look worried. Please tell me what’s wrong. You’re like family.” Padma hesitated but explained the situation. Without a second thought, Vivek said, “Don’t worry, Uncle. I’ll pay for your surgery with my credit card. I’ll get my first salary in Singapore in 40 days. Forget about repayment. It’s nothing compared to what you've done for me.” Ramesha was taken aback. He had only signed a form a year ago as a gesture of goodwill—and now this young man was returning the favor in such a meaningful way. The very next morning, Vivek paid the hospital directly and left for Singapore. A week after the surgery, and ten days of rest, Ramesha was back on his feet, grateful and relieved. Yet he kept thinking about how to repay Vivek. Padma suggested, “Let’s save ₹3,000 every month. In one and a half years, we can return the amount.” Meanwhile, in Singapore, Vivek felt nothing but joy. To him, it wasn’t a debt—it was a blessing to be able to help his father’s friend in a time of need. Two hearts, pure in their intent. One gave without asking, the other couldn’t rest without repaying. That’s the beauty of human kindness. K.Ragavan 13-10-25