Thursday, July 3, 2025

106. Help From A Neighbour

The rain that started in the morning, became heavy in the afternoon and developed into a pouring rain in the evening. 

Water began to flow on the streets. The level of water rose at a fast pace and played a game of hide and seek, rising above the steps of the houses, receding for a while and rising again. Electricity was cut at 5 p.m.

'Power will be restored only after the rain stops' reflected Chandru.

Since the area was known to be prone to floods, most of the people residing in the street had left for the houses of their relatives and friends, seeking safety during the floods. 

But Chandru could not leave his house. His mother was bed-ridden. She couldn't even get up from the bed and stand on the ground. It was impossible for Chandru to taker her to any other place. The nurse, who was looking after his mother, didn't come that day, because of the rains.

The people living in the house next door to Chandru's also began to leave, for taking refuge in a relative's house. But, Badri, the head of the family stayed behind.

People leaving from that street had to walk some distance, reach the railway station nearby and catch a suburban train. It was not known whether buses were being operated that day.

While leaving the house, Badri's wife was gesticulating and speaking to Badri angrily. While stepping out of the house, she said, "You shouldn't be so adamant."

After a while, Badri came out of his house. He looked at Chandru and smiled.

"You didn't go with your family?" asked Chandru.

"If every one leaves, then who will take care of the people residing here?" replied Badri.

"Is there anyone in your house?"

"Not in my house. But there is someone in your house!"

"Are you referring to my mother? I am here to take care of her."

"How can you look after your mother single-handedly, during a situation like this? The entire street has been evacuated. Only you and me are left. If I also leave, then you will have to manage all alone."

"Did you stay back for my sake?" asked Chandru, in amazement. "I will manage, sir. Please join your family" he added, overwhelmed by the concern shown by Badri.

"The family is always there. My family will join me in two days, once the rains abate. Where is your mother, now?"

"She is in the room, lying on the cot."

"What will you do, if the rain water enters your house?"

"I will have to take my mother upstairs."

"How will you carry her upstairs?"

"It will be difficult, of course. But I have to manage somehow."

"Don't worry. I will help you."

After half an hour, Badri knocked at the door of Chandru's house. Badri opened the door.

"The water level has been rising. Water may enter our houses soon. So, it will be better, if we carry your mother upstairs" said Badri.

Together, both of them carried Chandru's mother to a room upstairs. Even when the two of them together were carrying her, they found the task cumbersome.

"Thank you, sir. But for your help, I would have found it difficult to take my mother upstairs. I might not have been able to dot it at all, single-handedly" said Chandru.

"It is difficult for one person to carry another, even if the other person is light-weighted. We also have to exercise care while carrying aged people and people suffering from some ailment" said Badri.

"You are right, sir. It may not be too late for you to leave this place and join your family. With my mother having been taken to the first floor, even if the water enters my house, I won't have any problem."

"No, Mr. Chandru. Even now, I don't want to leave you alone. During times like this, we can't say when one will need help. By the way, my wife has made a lot of dishes like chapathi, idli*, snacks etc. for me. I will bring a few chapathis and idlis for you and your mother."

"No, sir. I have purchased and stocked enough quantity of bread, biscuit etc. to last for three or four days. The food I have cooked for me in the morning will be sufficient for my dinner too. I have made rice gruel for my mother. So, please don't bother. Thank you" said Chandru.

But, after a few minutes, Badri brought a packet containing four idlis and two chapathis and handed them to Chandru, ignoring his protest.

As a consequence of the rain that lasted the entire night, the ground floor of Chandru's house was flooded. The water level inside the house was about two feet high.

Badri came to Chandru's house four or five times during the next day, wading through the water, and checked with him that everything was fine.

The rain began to abate during the day and water began to recede. Electricity was restored late that night.

Normalcy returned on the third day. Badri's family members returned home that evening.

Chandru went to Badri's house and told his wife, "Madam! the extent of help rendered to me and my mother by your husband during the last two days is extraordinary. I don't even know how to thank him for that."

He then looked at Badri.

'Sir! If I were to live for fifty more years and even if I were to lose my consciousness and memory during my last days, I will never forget you.' 

The above message Chandru tried to convey to Badri, through his gaze, might not have reached Badri!

*idly and chapathi are popular dishes in India.

Thirukkural
Section 1
The Path of Virtue
Chapter 11
Gratitude
Verse 106 (In Tamil)
maRavaRka mAsaRRAr kENmai thuRavaRka
thunbaththuL thuppAyAr natpu.

Meaning:
Never forget (cut) your ties with a flawless person; never forego the friendship of those who stood by you during a time of distress.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'veLlamum uLLamum' by the same author)
Verse 107 (Soon)
Verse 105

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

459. Father's Advice

Before leaving home for work, Mukundan, in keeping with his habit, went to the room, where his bed-ridden father was lying, and asked him, "Did you sleep well during he night, daddy?"

Not wanting to perturb his son by telling him about sleep defying him every night, Ratnasabhapathy murmured "mmm."

Mukundan took leave of his father, saying, "Ok. I will see you in the evening, after returning home from work"

After Mukundan had departed, Ratnasabhapathy reflected, 'What a noble son have I got! He has been born to me, like a pearl coming out of an oyster.

Ranasabhaathy was born in a wealthy family. That made him take life easy and take many a harmful path.

The nonchalant attitude, which, in his childhood, started with roaming the streets with his friends, led to his getting addicted to vices like drinking and gambling, as he grew up. 

Ratnasabhapathy didn't care to have a good education. With no education, he couldn't get a good job, when he grew up.

On the one hand, he was not earning any money, and on the other, he was squandering his family's wealth, by his spendthrift ways and gambling.

By the time Ratnasabhapathy realized that he had been pursuing a path that would only lead to his destruction, his parents had passed away and a major portion of his family properties had been lost, in meeting the liabilities on account of his extravagant spending and gambling debts.

He could not provide for his only son Mukunda, adequately. 

Even as a boy, Mukundan had realized his father's profligacy and the state of his family. As a result of this realization, he began to act responsibly, even from his childhood days.  

Mukundan's habits and activities seemed to have been carefully structured to ensure that he would never commit the mistakes committed by his father. He was constantly vigilant about not giving room for any bad habit or extravagant spending.

Since he had no means to pursue his education beyond the school level, Mukundan took up a job befitting his educational qualification. He came up in life through his integrity and hard work.

Mukundan never questioned his father about his past activities that had ruined the family. He didn't complain about anything, He never used a hard word against his father, even under the most trying circumstances.

When Ratnasabhapathy fell ill, soon after the demise of Mukundan's mother, Mukundan looked after him with care and affection. 

Ratnasabhapathy had been fearing that some day Mukundan would vent his anger on him for squandering the family's wealth and pushing Mukundan and his mother into the quagmire of poverty. But that day never came.

It was Sunday. Mukundan was home. Ratnasabhapathy called him and asked him to sit by his side.

"Mukundan! I don't know how long I will live. I have been thinking of talking to you about something. In character and habits, you are the opposite of me. You have been perfect in almost all aspects. But I believe that there is one matter you have to pay attention to."

Ratnasabhapathy paused.

"Please tell me dad!" prompted Mukundan.

"There are beliefs people going to either heaven or hell, after they die. For the things I have done, I wonder where I will go, after my death. But I have no doubt that you will have a place in heaven. Don't be perturbed about my talking about death. I should tell you what I want to, during the time I still have the ability to communicate. You don't have the company of bad people, like I had. That is very good. But I find that you have been keeping aloof, without mixing with others. Am I right?"

"Yes, dad. I don't have any friends. I confine myself to my place of work and home. But, I like this life."

"It is ok. But, a good person should have the company of at least a few good people. Only then, he will be able to sustain the goodness in him. You may wonder whether I have the wisdom to offer this advice to you. I am telling you what I have learnt from wise people. It is another matter that I have not followed such advice."

"I don't think of you that way, dad. Please continue" said Mukundan.

"I suggest that you should develop an association with good people like philanthropists, people engaged in uplifting the society etc. It will do you lot of good" said Ratnasabhapathy, hoping that his son would follow his advice.

Thirukkural
Section 2
Materialism
Chapter 46
Shunning the Company of Mean People

Verse 459 (in Tamil):
mana nalaththin Agum maRumai maRRu ahdhum
ina nalaththin EmAppu udaiththu.

Meaning:
Future bliss is the result of goodness of mind; and even this acquires strength from the society of the good.


(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'thandhaiyin aRivurai' by the same author.)
Verse 460 (Soon)
Verse 458

458. Trinity Music Club

Soon after the demise of Masilamani, the founder-president of 'Trinity Music Club,' the process to elect the next president began.

Rajamani, who had been playing an active role in organizing the events and contributing to the growth of the club, by donating liberally for conducting the programmes of the club, taking the initiative to bring leading musicians for performing in the club and mobilizing funds from various sources, was widely expected to be elected the next president.

Initially, Rajamani did not evince much interest in becoming the president of the club. He said that he would continue to serve the club by being an ordinary member. But his friends persuaded him to contest the election. 

"Even when Masilamani was the president of the club, you were the one who played a more active role than the president. Driven by your interest in music, you have done so much for this club, with no expectation of any recognition or reward. What will be more appropriate than you becoming the president? We can't even imagine another person at the helm!" they said.

Rajamani filed his nomination for the post of the president.

Kanniah, a senior member, who along with Masilamani, founded the club, also filed his nomination for the post.

"Why do we need a contest? I will withdraw my nomination. Let Kanniah become the president" said Rajamani.

"Sir, it is true that Kannial is one of the founders of the club. But he has not contributed anything to the club. He has jumped into the fray, as if he had been waiting for Masilamani to die and the post to become vacant. But you have the magnanimity to withdraw in his favour! Considering your dedication and magnanimity, you deserve to be the president. Most of the members will vote for you, because you are way above Kanniah in all aspects" Rajamani's supporters said.

The election was held and the votes were counted. Kanniah was declared the winner!

Murthy, a supporter of Rajamani, lamented to his friends, "I don't understand how this has happened. Why did the members chose Kanniah, who had done nothing to the club over Rajamani, a dedicated soul, who had done so much for the club."

"Rajamani is a noble person, no doubt. But he has been a member of that political party, which has a bad reputation among people at large. That could be the reason why many members didn't vote for him" said Saravanan, a friend of Rajamani.

"Rajamani didn't want to contest the election at all. We persuaded him to contest. He will be upset by the result. Where is he? Does he still not know the result?" asked another supporter.

"Rajamani is attending the meeting of the executive committee of his party. He told me that he would call me after the meeting is over. He will definitely feel disappointed on hearing the result. I have told him many times that his association with that party has marred his reputation and requested him to come out of that party. He didn't listen to me. For some reason, he has an attachment towards that party. He has now paid the price for his association with that political party" said Saravanan.

Thirukkural
Section 2
Materialism
Chapter 46
Shunning the Company of Mean People

Verse 458 (in Tamil):
mana nalam nangu udaiyar Ayinum sAnROrkku
ina nalam EmAppu udaiththu.

Meaning:
Although one may have goodness of mind, one's strength will be determined by the company one keeps.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'thalaivar thErdhal' by the same author.)

1116. The Confused Stars

"The joy of sitting on the terrace and chatting has no parallel."

"It's true. But there is the moon today. If it were dark, with the moon not being present, it would be still better."

"Why do you say so? Is it not natural for lovers to love the moonlight?"

"Moonlight is cool and pleasant, no doubt. But sometimes, it can be a hindrance. For example, if I want to touch you, I should be wary of someone from the terrace of a nearby house witnessing it. If it is dark, I can touch you without that fear."

"What a man you are! When you are sitting on the terrace, you should admire the beauty of the sky, the moon, the stars, the space etc. But you are always thinking of..."

"Ok, my dear. Let us study the stars. After all, we have come to the terrace to learn Astronomy, haven't we!"

"I will not be put down by your sarcasm. Even from my childhood days, I have been interested in watching the sky."

"Me too! When I was a boy, I would be looking at the sky, even when I was walking on the road. My friends would tease me, saying 'Hey! Look at the ground, while walking. Otherwise, you may fall into a pit!'"

"You are the one teasing me now. If you keep talking like this, I will leave this place and go down!"

"Sorry, dear. Don't get upset. Hereafter, I will be serious."

"Do you see a group of stars there?"

"Yes. There are seven stars. They call it 'Sapta Rishi Mandala (a gathering of seven sages)', in Indian tradition."

"Oh, you have knowledge about these things!"

"Did I not tell you that even when I was a boy, I would always be looking at the sky?'

"Back to frivolity! Listen to me. Do you see a tail-like structure in that group of stars?"

"Yes, I do."

"If we see the stars after some time, the tail would have turned in a different direction."

"Oh! "

"Yes. I have seen this amazing sight several times."

"But, I have not seen it. Maybe, it won't happen, when I look at the stars!"

"How can it be? You would not have observed it. Maybe, you don't look at the stars long enough."

"No. However long I look at the stars, it won't happen. It will happen only when you look at them."

"How can it be so?"

"Look at the stars. The tail is now on the other side of the moon, isn't it?"

"Yes."

"That means, the stars are facing the moon. The stars are going towards the moon. That is how it appears, doesn't it? Why?"

"It is a naturally occurring phenomenon."

"There is a reason for everything, darling. The stars are attracted by the moon. So, they move towards the moon."

"Good imagination. Go ahead."

"Now, what will happen, if the stars look at another moon?"

"There is only one moon on the sky."

"Yes. There is only one moon on the sky. But, the stars see another moon on the earth. That moon is the beautiful face of you, my lover. The stars are now confused about which moon is the real one. They turn their faces towards the moon on the earth. So, the tail moves to the other side. This can happen, only when you are looking at the sky. How will it happen, when I am looking at the sky?"

"Don't you think that this is a bit too much?"

"Too much! See there! One star is falling towards you after looking at your face and mistaking it to be the moon."

He showed a star that was falling from the sky. She picked up a stalk of a plant that was lying nearby and hit him with it, playfully.

Thirukkural
Section 3
Love
Chapter 112
In Praise of Her Charms

Verse 1114 (in Tamil):
madhiyum madandhai muganum aRiyA
padhiyin kalangiya mIn.

Meaning:
The stars on the sky stray from their course, baffled by their inability to distinguish between the moon and her face.  

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'viNmIngaLin kuzhappam' by the same author.)
 Verse 1117 (Soon)
Verse 1115

457. An Interview with An Entrepreneur

"At the outset, we express our gratitude for your agreeing to give an interview to our television channel. You started your business in a small way and built it up into a business empire over the years. You have completed fifty years of launching your business, which you have been running successfully, making it grow in leaps and bounds. What do you think of this achievement of yours?"

"First of all, I don't consider this an achievement at all. When I started this business as a young person, I had a mission to provide products and services beneficial to people, market my products and services using honest means and earn a fair income from my business. I was steadfast in my objective and ran my business sticking to the norms of high quality, fair price and doing the business without considering my competitors as enemies. I believe that this approach brought me success, in a natural way."

"Apart from being a successful businessman, you have also been a member of the Responsible People's Party (RPP), holding a senior position in the party hierarchy. What was the reason for your joining the RPP?"

"RPP is not like other political parties. Mr. Ramraj, the founder of the party chose this name for the party, to emphasize that the party should function in a responsible way. In a way, it is significant that the founder of this party has the name Ramraj. Many political parties use the term 'Ram raj,' meaning the 'reign of Rama,' the legendary hero of the epic Ramayana, as an empty slogan. In contrast to other political parties who mechanically use this term as a catchy slogan, without even having a proper understanding of what 'Ram raj' is, Mr. Ramraj has created a blueprint of how the government should function in the 'Ram raj,' and what the responsibilities of the people should be in such a framework.' I was convinced that this approach would lead to good governance, development of the country and improvement in the standard of living of the people. As a citizen of this country, I felt that I should extend my support to this idea and contribute my mite to the success of the political party that espoused this idea."

"But, even ten years after RPP was launched, the party has not grown much. The party has not been able to win more than three or four seats in elections. 

"I think Mr. Ramraj had anticipated that electoral successes won't come easily for a party with such lofty ideals, a party that wouldn't make tall promises to the people but would tell the people that they have some responsibilities too! If someone wanted to join RPP, Mr. Ramraj would tell them, 'If you have expectations of becoming a member of parliament, a legislator etc, don't join this party. Join this party only if you have the resolve to uphold certain good values and fight for them.' Only if they want to join the party, even after realizing the truth of his statement, he will admit them into the party. 

"Why did Mr. Ramraj start this party, even after knowing that the chances of his party succeeding in its mission were not bright?"

"When I posed this question to Mr. Ramraj, this was the answer he gave me: 'When Rajaji was asked, 'Nehru is a leader who enjoys a high level of popularity with people. Can you fight him politically and win? Rajaji replied, 'I know that fighting Nehru politically and winning is difficult. But when I believe that Nehru's policies and programs are harmful to the interests of this country, I have a duty to oppose them. If I don't, history will record, 'So much of wrong was going on. But no one opposed the wrongdoings' and blame us for failing in our responsibility.' I feel the same way. All of us have the responsibility to point out the mistakes and wrongdoings of the government and several political parties and show the right path to the people. Even if what we say is not being accepted by people at the beginning, we need to keep making our efforts.' This was the response of Mr. Ramraj."

"This is a commendable attitude, indeed. Do you believe that the efforts made by your party have made at least some impact on the people?"

"Definitely. Today, other political parties are talking about things that we talked about twenty years back. Though we are a democracy, values like personal freedom, right to free speech and freedom of the media have been facing threats now and then, on account of the tendency of people in power to suppress voices critical of them. We are the only political party that has been raising the voice against such kind of oppressive measures. Though we are considered a small party, our bold, steadfast and uncompromising stand against oppression has given the stimulus and courage to many people to fight against injustice and autocracy. We have disproved the myth that a political party can do good to people only by being in power. Fighting for people's welfare and their rights and instilling the courage and the energy in people to fight against injustice is also a kind of service to the people, isn't it?' 

"One final question. Which has given you more satisfaction - your achievements in the field of business and industry or your political activities?"

"As I had said earlier, if one is good at heart, if one has good intentions, that attitude will bring him success in life. Therefore, I don't consider my business success a great achievement. I consider my choosing to join a good political party like RPP and working as a member of the party for the development of our country and for the welfare of our people something to be proud of."

Thirukkural
Section 2
Materialism
Chapter 46
Shunning the Company of Mean People

Verse 457 (in Tamil):
mana nalam mannuyirkku Akkam ina nalam
ellAp pugazhum tharum.

Meaning:
Having a good heart will bring riches to a person. Having a good company will bring him glory.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'thozhil adhiparudan oru pEtti' by the same author.)
Verse 458
Verse 456

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

456. "The Squirrels"

"Ours is a big firm. We have five branches in Chennai alone. More than a thousand people are working in the five branches put together. The employees have formed various groups, for pursuing activities outside the office hours. There are groups for music, drama, literature, poetry, spirituality etc. People interested in a particular activity become the members of the group and pursue their interests. They will meet during the weekends and participate in the activities of the group. You can join the group formed for the activity that interests you" said Murali.

Raghu, who had joined the firm only recently, asked Murali, "In which group have you joined?"

"Well, I am not a member in any of the popular groups. A few of my friends and I have been engaged in doing a service. But not many people will be interested in what we do" said Murali, sounding enigmatic.

"Tell me about what you do" asked Raghu.

"We have a meeting at the residence of a member of our group this Saturday evening at 6 p.m. Come there and observe the proceedings. You will have a first hand idea of what we do. If what we do appeals to your interest, you can join our group" said Muralidharan. "It appears to me that you will join us!" he added, smiling.

Raghu went to the meeting. Including Raghu, eight people had assembled there.

Observing the proceedings during the next couple of hours, Raghu learnt that the group called 'The Squirrels' had the objective of using the free time of the members, to help people at the lower strata of society. The services rendered by the members of the group varied from getting medicines and other essential things needed by old and sick people with no one to help, to giving proper guidance and help to the poor and the uneducated people, for getting various services and welfare benefits from the government departments and other agencies.

Raghu learnt that the group was open to render any kind of help to the downtrodden people that was permissible under the law, if it was within their means or capability. Every weekend, the members would assemble at the residence of one of the members, share the requests for help received from various people, discuss the modalities of taking up the requests and allocate the tasks among the members.

After the meeting was over and the members disbursed, Muralidharan asked Raghu, "What do you think?"

"I would also like to be a 'squirrel' and contribute my mite" said Raghu.

Raghu retired from the firm, after thirty years of service.

Speaking at the function organized to give a farewell to him, Raghu said, "During the thirty years of my service in this firm, I got several opportunities to perform various tasks and received several promotions, rewards, recognitions etc. I also had the fortune of gaining the friendship of many good people working in this firm. I am grateful to the management of the firm and the employees I worked with, for these blessings."

'However, I consider the opportunity I got to become a part of the movement called 'Squirrels' the most valuable. There is no retirement for me from this organization. I don't have to part from the people I work with. And I don't have to ever lose the satisfaction of my serving in that organization' he told himself.

Thirukkural
Section 2
Materialism
Chapter 46
Shunning the Company of Mean People

Verse 456 (in Tamil):
manam thUyArkku echcham nanRAgum inam thUyArkku
illai nanRu AgA vinai.

Meaning:
Those who have purity of mind will leave a good legacy behind. Those who have the company of people with good heart, nothing they do will fail to be a good deed.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'aNilgaL' by the same author.)

Monday, June 30, 2025

105. Can I Give You A Lift?

When Raman was waiting for the bus, a car that passed the bus stop, stopped after a few yards. A young man got down from the car, came to Raman, greeted him and asked him, "Sir, do you remember me?"

"Oh, Ramani! How are you? How is your mother?" asked Raman.

"Thanks to you, we are doing well. How are auntie, Kamali and Ravi?" asked Ramani, referring to Raman's wife, daughter and son.

Raman nodded his head, indicating that all were well.

"Where are you going, sir?' asked Ramani.

"I have to go to Avadi. I am waiting for the bus."

"I am going that side. Please come with me, sir. I will drop you."

"It's ok. I don't want to inconvenience you. I will go by the bus."

"There is no inconvenience for me, sir. The inconvenience may be only for the car! If you come with me, I can drive more relaxed, talking to you."

After hesitating for a minute, Raman got into Ramani's car.

Eight years back, Ramani's father expired suddenly. Ramani who was eighteen years old, was studying in a college. Ramani and his mother were the only people in their household.

Ramani's mother was a simple woman, with no worldly wisdom. Ramani was inexperienced. When the two of them were shocked by the death of Ramani's father and had no clue about what was to be done, it was their neighbour Raman, who came to their help. He helped them in arranging for the cremation of the deceased and in completing other formalities.

Even after the Obsequies had got over, Ramani and his mother were stuck with several tasks and formalities. They had no relatives living nearby. There was no one who could stay with them for a few days and help them to cope with the situation.

Raman came to their rescue again. Though he had been a neighbour, he was not close to their family. He had interacted with Ramani's father only a couple of times. But realizing he plight of Ramani and his mother, Raman helped them like a family friend would.

He accompanied Ramani to his father's office and helped him with the formalities of claiming the provident fund and other benefits that Ramani and his mother were entitled to. 

He also took Ramani to the insurance company and helped him claim and get the insurance amount. He also went to the banks with Ramani and his mother to help them get the bank accounts transferred to Ramani's mother.

Raman had helped Ramani for about three months in getting various formalities completed. He had visited several offices like the firm where Ramani's father worked, the insurance companies, the banks etc. several times and ensured that all the tasks were accomplished. He had even taken leave from his office for a few days for helping Ramani with his tasks.

Ramani and his mother would often recall all the help rendered by Raman and wonder how they could ever repay their debt to him.

After a few months, Ramani and his mother rented a house near Ramani's college and moved there. Ramani would often call Raman over phone and talk to him. The frequency of the calls began to dwindle over time and eventually stopped completely.

Eight years had passed. Ramani had completed his education, got a good job and bought a car too. The meeting between the two happened after eight years, by coincidence.

When riding in the car, Raman and Ramani were talking about the past and the intimacy that developed between the two families eight years before.

When the car was nearing Avadi, Ramani's mobile phone rang. Ramani took the call and spoke.

"Yes, sir. I said that I would come to your place by 11 a.m. But, I had to attend to an urgent matter. I will be there by two o' clock. I am sorry for the delay."

After Ramani completed the call, Raman asked him, "You were heading to some other place. You changed the direction, only to drop me, didn't you?" asked Raman.

Ramani did not say anything.

"Where do you have to go?"

"Mount Road."

"Mount Road! You told me you were going towards Avadi, which is in a different direction. You said so because you wanted to drop me at where I wanted to go, didn't you?"

"Yes, Sir."

"What is this, Ramani! You have driven about 40 kilometers more. You have spent three hours of your time also for me, getting delayed for an appointment in the process. Why did you do this?"

"Sir, It is impossible for me to repay the debt our family owes you, for all the help you had rendered, after my father's demise. Today, I got a chance to help you in a small way. How can I let it go?" said Ramani, his eyes welling up in emotion.

Raman pressed his palm, reciprocating his feelings.

Thirukkural
Section 1
The Path of Virtue
Chapter 11
Gratitude
Verse 105 (In Tamil)
udhavi varaiththu anRu udhavi udhavi
seyappattAr sAlbin varaiththu.

Meaning:
A favour returned, is not to be based on quantum of favour done,
but on the magnanimity of the person doing the favour.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'Avadiyil oru vElai' by the same author)