Who is the real beggar?

chapter 2

Chapter 2: The Mirror of Shame

The car was now parked on the side of the road.

The sun had almost set, and the air was slowly becoming cold and dark.

Ravi was leaning on the steering wheel, as if lost in his own thoughts.

The storm that was raging inside him could not be stopped by any brake.

Priya said softly.

"Ravi, let's go home. It's getting late."

Ravi took a deep breath and started the engine, but now its speed was not the same as before.

The car was now moving very slowly, as if Ravi's ego had also started creeping up.

There was no conversation between the two for a long time.

There was only the soft sound of the car and the chirping of crickets coming from outside.

Finally Ravi said softly, “Priya, whatever you said… was all right.

I never thought of it that way. I just saw everyone doing it, so it felt right.

My friends also said that one should make some demands in marriage…

I jokingly said I need a car.

But perhaps that joke became a burden on someone else's heart."

Priya looked at him, there was embarrassment on her face, and a glint of truth in her eyes.

“Ravi,” she said, “it's not bad to make mistakes…

After a mistake is made, it is difficult to understand and change it, and that is what makes a person great.”

Ravi said, “To tell you the truth, I felt ashamed after seeing that old beggar today.

The one who had nothing was also praying…

And I, who has everything, was abused.”

Priya gave a slight smile, “Sometimes life teaches us big things from very small people.”

The car had now reached the neighbourhood of his house.

Ravi parked the car at the gate, and both of them went inside.

Ravi's mother was sitting on the sofa at home.

He smiled at them and said, "Hey, you guys are back? Where did you go?"

Ravi replied, “Just like that, Mom, I went for a little drive.”

Mother said proudly, “Look, what a nice car I got in dowry!

People are not able to take it even after years.”

A pang of pain appeared on Ravi's face.

He wanted to say something, but stopped.

Priya said softly, “Mom, the car is nice, but real happiness does not come from dowry, it comes from respect in relationships.”

Mother looked at her in surprise, “What do you mean?”

Ravi said, “Mom, Priya is right.

We should learn to live by our hard work and not by taking anything from anyone.”

Mother became a little uncomfortable, “Hey son, this is a custom.

If people give, we take it, what is wrong with it?”

Ravi paused and said, “Mother, it is wrong when the giver is helpless.

When he turns his daughter's wedding into a deal...

And we proudly accept that deal.”

Mother did not answer.

There was a bit of shock and a bit of thought in his eyes.

Perhaps for the first time his son was talking so seriously.

Ravi could not sleep that night.

He kept turning from side to side.

Priya was sitting near the window, moonlight falling on her face.

Ravi said softly, “Priya…” “Hmm?”

“If I want to change something… within myself, in my thinking, will you support me?”

Priya smiled and said, “We are together Ravi.”

But remember – real change comes from within, not from any show.”

Ravi nodded, “Yes, I don't want to live in pretense anymore.

I want to meet that handicapped man to apologize.”

Priya's eyes lit up.

“We will leave tomorrow morning.”

Chapter 3: The Meeting

The next morning Ravi woke up early and got dressed.

For the first time he went out without any pretense – neither paying attention to the ironing of his shirt nor to the styling of his hair.

Just one true purpose—forgiveness.

Priya asked, “Do you remember the way?”

Ravi said, “Yes, the same old road, near the footpath.”

The car moved very slowly today as if Ravi had learnt that in every journey, intention matters more than speed.

After some time I reached the same place.

Ravi looked around – the same footpath, the same walls, but he could not see the old man.

Priya asked a tea seller, “Brother, a handicapped beggar was sitting here yesterday, did you see him?”

The tea seller nodded, "Yes, Uncle comes here every day. He must have gone to the temple today."

Ravi turned the car towards the temple.

Reaching there, he saw – the same man was sitting under the tree.

There was a small bowl in front of him in which some coins were kept.

Ravi slowly went near him, bent down and said –

“Uncle… Do you recognize me?”

The old man looked at her and smiled, “Yes son, tomorrow the car driver… the daughter is very nice.”

Ravi's eyes filled with tears.

He sat down on the ground and said, "Uncle, I've come to apologize. I cursed you yesterday..."

I was thinking too small. I'm sorry."

The old man smiled, "Sorry? Son, I forgave you yesterday."

You abused me, but my daughter blessed me…

There were two worlds in one car.”

Tears started flowing from Ravi's eyes.

He took out some money from his pocket and kept it aside. "Uncle, consider this as help." The old man held his hand. "No, son, I don't want anything now. If you really want to help, change someone else's life."

Don't tell a daughter's father, 'I want dowry.'

That's all that will help."

Ravi bowed his head, “I need your blessings, uncle… that's all.”

The old man raised his hand and said, “May God grant that sons like you open the eyes of society.”