Money Lover

Suraj was in his late forties, an ordinary income earning man.

His wife Chandni told him, “I made a vow to God that if this year, my brother’s marriage gets fixed, I will give Rs. 1000 to some poor person. Could you please stop by some temple, we will find poor people there?”

“We don’t need to stop by any temple, at traffic signal also, we will find some beggars, I will give them the money, don’t worry.”

At the next traffic signal, “Hey, come here. I want to give you one rupee, but I have five rupees note, do you have the change?”

“What are you saying; we have to give 1000 rupees, not one rupee.” Chandni showed her concern.

“I can’t waste my money like this. But for you, I am ready to give him money, but not more than one rupee.”

“You only love your money. But what about my promise to God to give Rs.1000 to poor people, if the marriage gets fixed.”

“God understands the importance of money. He will be having no issues. Let’s not discuss this further, and focus on reaching home fast, as tomorrow, I will drop you to your father’s home, and will return.

“Why are you coming back the same day, it will be hectic for you. Nowadays, your health also doesn’t support you. Even though you are not staying there for marriage, you can stay there for one day and return the next day, so you will get good night’s sleep there, and will be relaxed.”

“No, don’t expect this from me. You know, taking a day off will cost me very much.”

Chandni knew, her husband never compromises, when money is involved.

Next morning - 

“Hurry up guys, get ready fast, otherwise we will miss the bus.”

“What? Bus? Are we not going by train? You know, traveling by bus makes me sick. The bus journey will be very tiresome for us. You also get unwell in bus travel.” Chandni was worried.

“No no, it will be fine. The train ticket is too costly. We simply can’t spend too much. You should not ignore the fact that money is the most important thing.”

They had a very uncomfortable journey. The travel of 7 hours by bus, and that too, in this warm weather, was not the thing, than they ever thought of.

But Suraj seemed happy, that he saved money by not booking train tickets.

On the way also, he didn’t buy anything for children to eat. “You are going home only, eat there. These things are unhygienic.”

After just one hour of their arrival, he was ready to leave for his return journey back home. Happily, he told Chandni “You know, I planned this trip so nicely, that I saved Rs. 5000.”

At this age, a journey of 14 hours was not as easy for him as he thought of. On reaching his city, when he started walking towards the home, which was only 1 KM away, he fainted. 

When he regained consciousness, he was surrounded by his neighbors.

“Thank God, you are fine. You fainted on the way, we brought you here. The Doctors here are highly skilled.” Neighbors said.

“Why did you bring me here? You should have just taken me to my home. This hospital seems costly. “Suraj told.

The doctor advised “Nothing serious, it was just because of excursion of the travel, that you fainted. Take a day off tomorrow and take rest for the whole day. You’ll be fine.”

While paying the bills of Doctor’s consultation and the tests, he noticed the amount was Rs. 5000.