Gratitude

Nikhil could hear the car stop in the portico and the car door opening and quickly being shut forcefully. His wife Radhika came in, collapsed into a chair and she was crying profusely. Nikhil rushed to her side and asked,” what is the matter Radhika, did anyone misbehave with you? Did you hurt yourself?” She had gone to the nearby temple as it was Akshaya Tritiya, an auspicious day. As such, she was good looking and was looking beautiful in the lovely saree with the delicate jewellery she was wearing. After a lot of consoling and cajoling she regained her composure, though she looked very sad. Nikhil patiently waited to say something.

“ Nikhil I am ashamed and very sad and do not know how we failed in our responsibility. I was coming out of the temple and found our old maid Lakshmi Bai seeking alms on the street. She was very weak and looking starved. When we retired her due to her age, we did pay her well but obviously, that was not enough and today she is on the streets.” Again tears welled up in her eyes as she remembered how Lakshmi Bai would run the house and look after the two children as she and Nikhil were busy with their jobs. They did pay her a lumpsum amount and retired her from their service as she was finding it difficult to carry on.

Radhika came out after freshening up and changing into casual clothes. Nikhil who was in deep contemplation suddenly said, “come on let us go.” He

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started the car as Radhika was giving puzzled glances and trying to figure out what was in his mind. The car stopped in front of the temple and Nikhil got down beckoning Radhika to join him. They both spotted Lakshmi Bai, got her into the car and took her home.

As the couple were profusely expressing regrets and sympathy towards her situation, considering themselves partly responsible for her plight today, Lakshmi bai was overwhelmed by emotions at the sudden and unexpected love showered upon her. Slowly she said,” please don’t consider yourselves responsible for my plight today, by any means. My only son took away the money you gave me as compensation and threw me onto the streets.”

The couple took Lakshmi bai to an old age home and enrolled her after ensuring that she will be taken good care of. Nikhil registered himself as her guardian and had committed to taking care of all the expenses. Lakshmi Bai was overwhelmed by their kindness and thanked them profusely with tears in her eyes.

“This is the best thing we could have ever done Nikhil, especially on Akshaya Tritiya day. We owe a lot to Lakshmi Bai and what better could we have done? She will be safe in her old age. We have blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and this is the best way to express our gratitude to the Goddess. I am very happy.” Said Radhika and Nikhil nodded his head with a contended look and twinkle in his eyes.