Small Story 769.

 Small Story 769

 A Heart of Gold

Suganthi packed her luggage and waited for her longtime domestic help, Ramayee, to arrive. She was preparing to move to Shimoga to settle down with her only daughter and her family.

Suganthi had lived in Bengaluru for twenty years and had served in a bank with dedication. Following her husband's sudden accidental death the previous year, she had decided to take voluntary retirement and spend the rest of her life with her daughter.

Her daughter’s husband was a leading doctor in Shimoga, and they had a son studying in the twelfth grade.

Ramayee had worked for Suganthi for twenty years. She was a loyal, honest, and hardworking woman who had become much more than a domestic helper to the family.

Just then, Ramayee entered the house and greeted her employer.

“Sorry, Madam, I am a little late because of the traffic,” she said.

“No problem, Ramayee. My cab will arrive in ten minutes. I am leaving for Shimoga today to settle down with my daughter. You must take care of yourself and your daughter. Please call me whenever you need anything or feel like talking to me,” Suganthi said affectionately.

She then handed Ramayee a large envelope and a box full of sweets.

“Madam, what is this?” Ramayee asked, looking surprised.

“Open the envelope, count the money, and keep it safely. Use it wisely,” Suganthi replied with a warm smile.

Ramayee opened the envelope and began counting the money. To her astonishment, she discovered that it contained one lakh rupees.

Her eyes filled with tears.

“Madam, this is one lakh rupees! You already lent me fifty thousand rupees some time ago, and that amount is still outstanding. I never expected you to leave Bengaluru so soon. Otherwise, I would have repaid the remaining amount in ten months, as promised. How can I accept so much money from you?” she asked emotionally.

Suganthi gently held Ramayee's hands and said, “Ramayee, I know you are an honest and loyal person. You have served me faithfully for twenty years, and I have always trusted you. The fifty thousand rupees you borrowed from me need not be repaid. I am giving you this money as a bonus and a token of my appreciation for your sincere service.”

Ramayee could hardly believe what she was hearing.

“Madam, I don't know how to thank you. You have always treated me with kindness and respect. I will never forget your generosity,” she said, wiping away her tears.

Suganthi smiled and continued, “Please use this money carefully. Give your daughter a good education and help her build a better future. Education is the greatest gift you can give a child. And remember, whenever you need help, don't hesitate to call me. Even though I am moving to Shimoga, our relationship will always remain the same.”

Just then, the cab arrived at the entrance.

“My cab is here, Ramayee. I must leave now. Take care of yourself and your daughter. Goodbye, and keep in touch,” Suganthi said as she picked up her handbag.

Ramayee stood at the doorway, holding the envelope close to her heart. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she watched her employer leave.

In a trembling voice, she whispered to herself, “Suganthi Madam is truly a great woman. Not everyone remembers the loyalty and service of a person who has worked for them. She has given me not just money, but also dignity, affection, and hope for my daughter's future.”

As the cab disappeared from sight, Ramayee silently prayed for Suganthi's happiness and well-being.

K.Ragavan

20-10-26