A Little Boy Brings a Smile
Jhansi returned from the neighbouring house with a big smile.
Ramayya noticed her happiness.
"What happened? Why are you smiling?" he asked.
Jhansi laughed. "You should meet that little boy next door! His name is Akash. He is only five years old, but the way he talks is so funny. He even asked me to give him our house because he wanted to play here!"
Ramayya smiled. "Really? What did you tell him?"
"I asked him where I should go if I gave him my house. Do you know what he said? 'You can come and stay in my house!'"
Both of them burst into laughter.
Jhansi continued talking about Akash and his friendly mother, Meera.
Ramayya listened happily.
"Why don't you invite them to our house sometime? Let the little boy come and play. It will be nice to have some company," he said.
Jhansi was surprised but happy to hear this.
For the first time in many days, they shared a peaceful moment together.
A Memory That Made Him Afraid
After some time, Ramayya picked up his mobile phone. He looked at the screen and thought about calling a few people who had borrowed money from him.
But suddenly, he stopped.
His mind went back to Subhash's daughter's engagement day.
He remembered how he had entered their house, demanded his money and insulted Subhash in front of everyone. Within minutes, the family's happiness had turned into sorrow.
He remembered the girl's condition and the pain her family was going through.
For the first time, Ramayya felt afraid to call anyone who owed him money.
He slowly kept his phone aside.
"Have I treated everyone this way? How many people have suffered because of my behaviour?" he wondered.
His face became serious.
Money Cannot Fix Everything
Jhansi noticed his silence and came towards him.
"What happened? You were happy just a little while ago. Why are you looking so worried?"
Ramayya looked at her.
"I keep remembering Subhash's family. I never thought my behaviour would create so much pain. I demanded my money, but I destroyed their happiness. Now, I don't even know how to face them."
Jhansi sat beside him.
"Thinking about your mistake is the first step. But if you really want to change, you must understand their pain and stand beside them."
Ramayya nodded.
"I want to help them, but I don't know what to do."
"Then go and meet them. Listen to them. Don't think only about money. They need your support more than your promises."
Her words made him think.
After a few moments, Ramayya stood up and picked up his car keys.
"You're right. I should meet Subhash. I want to know how his daughter is doing and see if there is anything I can do for them."
Jhansi looked at him with a gentle smile.
"Go. And please speak to them calmly. They have already suffered enough."
Ramayya nodded and walked towards the door.
As he drove towards Subhash's house, one question kept troubling his mind:
"Will they even be willing to speak to me?"
This time, he was not going there to collect money. He was going there to face the pain he had caused.
For the first time, Ramayya was beginning to understand that money could solve financial problems, but it could never erase the pain caused by his actions.
To be continued...