Small Story 579
Value Others
Somu was disappointed once again when he was overlooked for the supervisor promotion in his company. Instead, Pramod was promoted. Though hurt, Somu congratulated him warmly.
The company they worked for was a leading distribution firm for pharma and consumer products, with a legacy of fifty years. It was now managed by Radhika, the late Managing Director’s daughter, an MBA graduate from Australia who had introduced many new policies and improvements.
Somu and Pramod had joined on the same day and had both completed six years in the company. Naturally, Pramod’s promotion upset Somu’s wife, Ramya, even more than it did him.
That evening, Somu and Ramya went to a supermarket to buy groceries. There, they met Kala, Pramod’s wife. She greeted them warmly and said, “How are you, Anna? All the best for next time.” Her words were kind and genuine—something Somu did not expect. However, Ramya felt hurt and avoided responding to her.
A few days later, Somu was called to Radhika’s office. After greeting him, she asked him to sit and said, “Mr. Somu, I have been observing your work and systems. I have decided to appoint you as the Manager of our new branch office, which will open next week in Bengaluru, along with all the perks.”
Somu was overjoyed to hear this.
That evening, when he shared the news with Ramya, she was thrilled. After a pause, she said, “The other day, Kala wished you good luck for next time. Now I understand her words better. I won’t repeat them in a negative way anymore, because I am Somu’s wife.”
Somu smiled gently and replied, “True, dear. We should always respect others’ feelings—and today, you’ve shown why you are my better half.”
K.Ragavan
13-4-26