A Changed Man Takes Another Step Towards Correcting His Mistake
As Ramayya drove through the village, he noticed something different.
A few people greeted him with a smile. Some stopped to talk to him, while others wished him as he passed by. Earlier, most villagers avoided him because of his rude behaviour. But now, after seeing him accept his mistake and support Subhash's family, their attitude had slowly started to change.
Ramayya felt happy about this small change. He realised that people were beginning to see him differently.
However, another problem was troubling him.
Many people who had borrowed money from him were not returning it on time. Some were avoiding his calls, while others were asking for more time.
He thought to himself, "How am I going to collect all this money? If I start shouting at them or forcing them, they may become angry again. I don't want to create more problems in the village."
For the first time, Ramayya was thinking carefully before taking action. Earlier, he would have immediately called the borrowers and demanded his money. But now, he wanted to handle things calmly.
After reaching home, he refreshed himself and took some rest.
That evening, while Jhansi was sitting in the living room, Ramayya came and sat beside her.
"Jhansi, I have been thinking about Subhash's family," he said.
Jhansi looked at him and asked, "What happened? Are you still worried about them?"
"Yes. I keep thinking about their daughter. Her life has changed because of what happened at the engagement. Even though I apologised to her parents, I don't think that is enough."
Jhansi listened quietly.
Ramayya continued, "I feel we should visit the groom's family and speak to them. If they agree to reconsider the marriage, it may bring some happiness back into that girl's life."
Jhansi was surprised by his suggestion.
"Do you really think they will listen to us? They already decided to leave the engagement. They may not want to discuss this matter again."
"I know, Jhansi. They may refuse to meet us. But at least we should try. I don't want that girl to suffer because of my mistake for the rest of her life."
Jhansi looked at him with a gentle smile.
"That's a good thought. But we should not force them. First, we need to understand their feelings. They may also need some time."
Ramayya nodded.
"You're right. I will not force them. I just want to request them to think once again. If they are willing, we can help both families speak to each other."
Jhansi felt happy hearing his words. She had waited a long time to see this change in her husband. The man who once cared only about money was now thinking about another family's happiness.
She said, "Let's speak to Subhash first. We should know whether his daughter is ready to meet anyone or discuss the marriage. Her feelings are important too."
Ramayya agreed.
"Yes. We will speak to Subhash before taking any step."
That night, Ramayya went to bed with a different thought in his mind. He had spent many years collecting money and building his wealth. But now, he wanted to use his time and effort to bring happiness into someone's life.
He knew the groom's family might reject his request. Still, he had decided to try.
For the first time, Ramayya was not thinking about how much money he could collect. He was thinking about how much happiness he could bring back into a family's life.
To be continued...