Small Story 403.

Small Story 403 "The Honest Note" Every year during the Deepavali season, Shivanna would expand his cracker business and earn a good income while also serving the needs of his nearby residents. Though the government had imposed restrictions on the bursting of crackers, the residents of his area followed them and still managed to celebrate joyfully. Shivanna’s residence, which also served as his shop, was located in the Gubbalala Gate area. One afternoon, a little boy around ten years old came to his shop and selected crackers worth two hundred rupees. As he reached into his pocket to pay, he suddenly looked shocked. “Sorry sir,” he said with a trembling voice. “I think I lost the money on the way here. I don’t want these anymore. Excuse me, sir.” Shivanna, noticing the boy’s sincerity, said gently, “It’s alright. You can pay later.” The boy shook his head. “Sorry, sir, I can’t. My mother is a housemaid, and she gave me that money after much difficulty.” Shivanna was touched by his honesty. “Take this as a Deepavali gift from me,” he offered kindly. The boy hesitated and was about to leave when Shivanna’s wife came out of the house, having overheard the conversation. She looked at the boy and exclaimed, “You know this boy, Anush? He’s our maid Bhagyam’s son!” Shivanna nodded and explained what had happened. His wife smiled warmly. “Anush, I’ll tell your Amma. Don’t worry. You can take the crackers.” Hearing that his mother worked in Shivanna’s house, Anush finally accepted the crackers with gratitude. Just then, an old man came running toward them. “Hey, boy! You dropped this two hundred-rupee note on the road!” He handed the note back to Anush, who was overjoyed. Without a second thought, Anush gave the note to Shivanna. Shivanna whispered to his wife with a smile, “Not only is Anush a good boy, but Bhagyam is truly ‘Bhagyavathi’—fortunate—to have a son like him.” K.Ragavan 19-10-25