The Kind Stranger

It was a quiet evening in Balasore. The soft hum of conversations and the distant whistle of a train filled the air. Bulu Behera, a young school teacher, walked steadily toward the railway station. His thoughts drifted between his responsibilities—a father’s hope, a mother’s pride, a sister’s confidant, a wife’s soulmate, and a guide to countless students.

As he approached the platform, he noticed a young man, perhaps a college student, pacing anxiously. The student caught sight of Bulu and ran toward him, his face flushed with emotion.

Student (panting): "Sir! Sir, I need your help!"

Bulu stopped, concern flickering across his face.

Bulu: "What happened? Are you alright?"

Student (almost in tears): "Sir, I had to catch a train to Bhubaneswar for my semester exam, but I lost my wallet. I don’t have enough money for the ticket. I need 200 rupees. Please, sir, I’ll return it through PhonePe, I promise!"

Bulu paused, studying the boy’s earnest face. The sincerity in his eyes reminded him of his students.

Bulu (calmly): "I understand. But I only have 100 rupees with me right now. Will that help?"

The student hesitated, his desperation evident.

Student: "Sir, I... I can manage the rest somehow. Thank you so much! I’ll send it back to you as soon as I can. Please trust me!"

Bulu smiled gently, pulling out the crisp note from his wallet.

Bulu: "Here, take this. Don’t worry about sending it back. Focus on your exam and do your best."

The student’s eyes widened, brimming with gratitude.

Student (stammering): "But... but, sir, how can I take this without repaying you? Please let me send it back later."

Bulu (with a warm smile): "It’s not about the money, my boy. It’s about helping someone in need. Someday, when you see someone struggling, remember this moment and help them instead. That will be repayment enough."

The student clutched the note tightly, his voice choked.

Student: "I’ll never forget this, sir. Thank you... thank you so much."

As the student hurried off, Bulu watched him with a sense of quiet satisfaction. He knew he might never see the boy again, but that didn’t matter. Helping others, even in small ways, was a principle he lived by.

As the train’s whistle echoed in the distance, Bulu continued his walk with a lighter heart. The world, he believed, became a better place through small acts of kindness. And today, he had played his part.

Moral:
True kindness lies in helping others without expecting anything in return.