P. A. Chacko S. J.
A group of school boys went on a picnic. In the train compartment they travelled, there was an elderly Muslim gentleman sitting quietly. The boys entertained themselves by making jocular comments about the old man and his beard. He just listened, but made no comments.
Then they plotted to pull the chain and blame the old man. They also collected among themselves Rs. 5,000/- as possible fine if their plot misfired. The old man was aware of their plot but kept quiet.
Then they pulled the chain and the TT appeared for an enquiry. They told him it was the old man who did it. Unperturbed, the man admitted that he did it because the boys had stolen his Rs. 5,000/-. He pointed out to the boy who had the money.
The TT got the money from him and handed it over to the old man. The old man quietly chuckled. The boys felt as if ants were crawling up their legs!
As the train reached the destination, the boys rushed out. The old man stopped them and handed back Rs. 5,000/- and said, ‘Have some sweets with this during Deepavali.’
One by one they fell at his feet in apology and reverence. They had learnt a lesson for life. Further, they invited the old man for a cup of tea and sat with him sharing Deepavali sweets!