Benevolence

It was a sunny day in May, the temperature was at its peak. Meera was selling handmade jewellery on one of the busiest streets in Delhi. She was tired and hungry. However, she could not stop. Not now, not ever. For she had responsibilities to take care of and had to put food on the table.

She would start her day at 6 am and be back by 10 pm. During the day, all she could manage to eat was a banana (from a nearby vendor). She filled up on water. With the responsibility of 2 younger siblings and an ailing mother, she could not afford to rest. Her father passed away 5 years back in an accident in the factory he worked at. Meera was only 13 at the time, she could only complete her secondary schooling. After her mother injured her knee and could not go out to work, she started earning for the family. She managed to sell enough of her handmade jewellery (necklace, bangles, bracelets, earrings) in the bazaar at her tiny stall outside a huge fabric shop. The owner let her use the space at no cost.

She devoted her off-peak hours of the day (when there was no rush) to making more jewellery. She was a hustler and people admired her products because of the intricate detailing. She had repeat orders and her clientele had almost doubled since the time she had started working.

She was busy completing a piece of a necklace when she realised that someone was standing next to her, just observing her work. She put aside her work at once and stared at the man with questioning eyes.

The man had already heard about her work from someone in his known circle. He was a jewellery designer and wanted to hire Meera to assist him. The offer was too good to be refused and Meera took up the offer immediately; however, on one condition, that one-fourth portion of her salary will be deposited to a bank account she would provide.

10 years later

Meera's mother passed away a year back. Her siblings completed their higher studies and are now financially stable.

Meera is now a famous jewellery designer, runs a successful business, is married, and has a 3-year-old daughter.

Nandini asked Meera, “Mamma, why was that didi crying and why did she thank you?”

Meera replied, "Because she will not be another Meera!"

And those wondering, that's where one-fourth portion of her income was saved even today - in an anonymous bank account and spent - helping those in need! For she had seen that life up close.

She lived by the following principles -

1) Always be humble and polite.

2) Hard work and dedication go a long way.

3) Try and help others in whatever capacity you can.

4) An act of kindness never goes unnoticed.

5) Spread love and cheer, as much as you can.