The Seat of Kindness

On a crowded train, I sat by the aisle, watching passengers squeeze into every corner. An elderly woman stood near me, looking exhausted. Feeling compassionate, I offered her my seat, saying, “Aunty ji, please sit for a while. I’ll come back in a few minutes.”

She gratefully took my place. However, when I returned an hour later, I found her in a deep, peaceful nap—or so she pretended. She must have known I was back, but she didn’t stir. She remained seated until the last station, finally thanking me before leaving.

A year later, at a bustling bus depot, I was unwell and waiting for my bus when I noticed an elderly couple. The wife struggled under the weight of their luggage while supporting her frail husband. The seat beside me had just been vacated, and they quickly moved toward it. The husband, tired and weak, took the seat.

Observing his wife’s effort, I stood up and said, “Aunty, please sit here. I’ll get some water and be back soon.”

The old man smiled and thanked me. When I returned, I stood nearby, watching them. To my surprise, the aunty searched for me, her eyes scanning the crowd. Then she spotted me and called out, “Beta, come here. Please take this seat.” She had found a place for me, just as I had done for her husband.

When I thanked her, she smiled warmly and said, “As elders, we receive kindness from the younger ones, but we must also look after those who help us. And you didn’t look too well yourself!”

These moments taught me that not every act of kindness is repaid, but that’s not the point. Some people may take without giving back, while others recognize and appreciate even the smallest gestures. Regardless of the response, I choose to help—because kindness isn’t about what we receive, but about what we give.

That’s How the Life is full of different kinds of people and experiences. Some may take advantage of kindness, while others truly appreciate and reciprocate it. Your experiences show both sides—one where your generosity was stretched a bit and another where it was met with genuine gratitude. It’s a reminder that kindness doesn’t always bring the same response, but it still makes a difference.