Just a little loose change
KAVITA SIVARAMAKRISHNAN
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Renu kept quiet about the extra change she had been given. She hoped to buy herself a chocolate bar.
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Renu, can you buy these from the bakery? The guests will be arriving in the evening and I have so much work to do,” shouted Renu’s mother from the kitchen. Renu was a sprightly 11-year-old and her mother wanted her to buy pastries and other things from Abdul’s bakery for her younger brother Kunal’s birthday party.
Renu took the money and the list and dashed to the bakery. Abdul Bhai, as he was fondly called, filled Renu’s basket.
“So celebrating Kunal’s birthday ah, must be grand” remarked Abdul.
“Yes, Abdul Bhai and you are also invited for the party.”
“That was so nice of you to invite me, I will definitely come,” answered Abdul. Renu noticed that Abdul Bhai looked a little tired. There were a lot of customers and his two helpers were on leave. Abdul returned the change and as Renu counted the money she found that he had returned extra cash. Renu checked again. There was no doubt, Abdul Bhai has given her more change.
Guilt trip
She wanted to return the money but instead kept quiet. “It is after all just a little more,” she thought. “Would Abdul Bhai mind? If he has not noticed it then why should I bother to clarify it to him and a little extra change would not make a big difference to him anyway. Maybe it could come in handy for my favourite chocolate bar.” The thought of the chocolate bar dismissed even the smallest idea of returning the change. Renu went home, gave the food items, the bill and the balance to her mother but kept the extra change to herself.
At Kunal’s party that evening, Renu found it impossible to enjoy herself. She had a headache. When Abdul Bhai arrived, she could not meet his eyes. “Why, Renu you were bright as a flower in the morning and look at you now, have you suddenly taken ill?” he asked.
Renu didn’t answer but walked away. The doctor was called and Renu was given medicines but her headache persisted. Renu alone knew the cause.
A couple of days later, she was still feeling miserable and finally confessed to her parents. Renu’s father appreciated her honesty and said that she should tell Abdul Bhai and return the money. That alone would make her feel better, they said.
Renu forgot her headache and dashed off to the bakery. She returned the money and apologised. After that she felt light and relaxed. She knew that even if she had to be punished for this she would have gladly accepted because she could not live with her guilt.
Abdul Bhai gave her a slice of chocolate cake saying, “You deserve it Renu. You knew you did something wrong, and you were honest and humble enough to confess. It takes courage to admit one’s mistake.”.
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